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As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me, declares the Sovereign LORD.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Son of man, tell the leaders of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: How dare you come to ask me for a message? As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will tell you nothing!’ <a href="/esv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD, Is it to inquire of me that you come? As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/20.htm">New King James Version</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Have you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.” ’ <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “Do you yourselves come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I certainly will not be inquired of by you.”’ <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, &#8216Thus says the Lord GOD, &#8220Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,&#8221 declares the Lord GOD, &#8220I will not be inquired of by you."&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares Lord Yahweh, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ <a href="/amp/ezekiel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Have you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ <a href="/csb/ezekiel/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you coming to inquire of me? As I live, I will not let you inquire of me. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.’ <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel and tell them: This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you coming to consult Me? As I live, I will not be consulted by you.&#8221 This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.&#8221 <a href="/asv/ezekiel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Is it to inquire of me that ye are come? As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/cev/ezekiel/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ezekiel, son of man, these leaders have come to find out what I want them to do. As surely as I live, I will not give them an answer of any kind. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Son of man, speak to the leaders of Israel. Tell them, 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: Are you coming to ask me for help? As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, you will not be allowed to ask me for help.' <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Mortal man," he said, "speak to these leaders and tell them that the Sovereign LORD is saying: You have come to ask my will, have you? As surely as I am the living God, I will not let you ask me anything. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Tell the elders of Israel, 'This is what the Lord GOD asks, "Did you come to inquire of me? As long as I live, I won't let myself be sought by you," declares the Lord GOD.' <a href="/msb/ezekiel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/net/ezekiel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> "Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them: 'This is what the sovereign LORD says: Are you coming to seek me? As surely as I live, I will not allow you to seek me, declares the sovereign LORD.' <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live, says the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you."' <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/web/ezekiel/20.htm">World English Bible</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Son of man, speak to the elderly of Israel, and you have said to them, Thus said Lord YHWH: Are you coming in to seek Me? [As] I live—I am not sought by you—a declaration of Lord YHWH. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Thus said the Lord Jehovah: To seek Me are ye coming in? I live -- I am not sought by you -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Son of man, speak to the old men of Israel, and say to them, Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Come ye to seek me? I live, if I will be sought for you, says the Lord Jehovah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Son of man, speak to the ancients of Israel, and say to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, I will not answer you, saith the Lord God. <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Have you arrived in order to inquire of me? As I live, I will not answer you, says the Lord God. <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: Have you come to consult me? As I live, I will not allow myself to be consulted by you!—oracle of the Lord GOD. <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Mortal, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: Why are you coming? To consult me? As I live, says the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, Thus says the LORD God: Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, says the LORD God, I will not give you an answer. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “Son of man, speak with the Elders of the children of Israel and say to them: ‘Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS, are you coming to inquire of me? I am living, says THE LORD OF LORDS. I shall not give you an answer’<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Are ye come to inquire of Me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/sep/ezekiel/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Son of man, speak to the elders of the house of Israel, and thou shalt say to them, Thus saith the Lord; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, I will not be enquired of by you, saith the Lord. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=5008" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Israel's Rebellion in Egypt</a> …2Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3<a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">“Son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">to the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">that this is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">Have you</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·’îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">come</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: hă·liḏ·rōš (Prep:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">to inquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">of Me?</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ā·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">As surely as</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay- (N-ms) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">I live,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">I will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: ’id·dā·rêš (V-Nifal-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">be consulted</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">by you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD.</a> 4Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a> When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. <a href="/jeremiah/11-14.htm">Jeremiah 11:14</a> As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster. <a href="/jeremiah/14-11.htm">Jeremiah 14:11-12</a> Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. / Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3</a> “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Ezekiel 14:7</a> For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself. <a href="/ezekiel/8-18.htm">Ezekiel 8:18</a> Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.” <a href="/isaiah/58-2.htm">Isaiah 58:2</a> For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.” <a href="/jeremiah/7-16.htm">Jeremiah 7:16</a> As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you. <a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a> You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. <a href="/hosea/5-6.htm">Hosea 5:6</a> They go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they do not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. <a href="/amos/5-22.htm">Amos 5:22</a> Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ <a href="/john/9-31.htm">John 9:31</a> We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. <a href="/james/4-3.htm">James 4:3</a> And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. <a href="/1_john/3-22.htm">1 John 3:22</a> and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD; Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, said the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.No specific reference to this verse.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Enquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-26.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-32.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-28.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/hosea/8-10.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-9.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/matthew/10-11.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Enquired</a> <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-11.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-9.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-40.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-6.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-27.htm">Sovereign</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-27.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 20</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/20-1.htm">God refuses to be consulted by the elders of Israel</a> 4. <a href="/ezekiel/20-4.htm">He shows the story of their rebellions in Egypt</a> 19. <a href="/ezekiel/20-19.htm">in the desert</a> 27. <a href="/ezekiel/20-27.htm">and in the land</a> 33. <a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">He promises to gather them by the Gospel</a> 45. <a href="/ezekiel/20-45.htm">Under the name of a forest he shows the destruction of Jerusalem</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Son of man This title is frequently used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It highlights the distinction between God and man, underscoring the humility and mortality of the prophet. This title is also used extensively in the New Testament for Jesus Christ, indicating His role as the representative of humanity.speak to the elders of Israel The elders were leaders and representatives of the people, often involved in decision-making and spiritual guidance. Their approach to Ezekiel suggests they were seeking divine insight or guidance. Historically, the elders played a crucial role in maintaining the traditions and laws of Israel, especially during times of crisis or exile.and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says This phrase establishes the authority of the message. It is not Ezekiel's own words but a direct communication from God. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) emphasizes God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. This formula is common in prophetic literature, affirming the divine origin of the message.Have you come to inquire of Me? This rhetorical question implies a rebuke. The elders' inquiry suggests a desire for guidance or approval, but their motives and sincerity are questioned. Historically, Israel often sought God's counsel, but their hearts were frequently divided, as seen in their idolatry and disobedience.As surely as I live This oath underscores the certainty and seriousness of God's declaration. It is a divine assurance, emphasizing God's eternal nature and the unchangeable truth of His words. This phrase is used elsewhere in Scripture to affirm the certainty of God's promises or judgments.I will not be consulted by you God's refusal to be consulted indicates a broken relationship due to Israel's persistent rebellion and idolatry. It reflects a period of judgment where God withholds His guidance as a consequence of their actions. This echoes other instances in Scripture where God distances Himself from those who are unrepentant.declares the Lord GOD The repetition of God's title at the end of the message reinforces His authority and the seriousness of the pronouncement. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control and the importance of obedience to His will. This declaration is a common prophetic conclusion, emphasizing the divine source and certainty of the message.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elders_of_israel.htm">Elders of Israel</a> Leaders and representatives of the Israelite community who approached Ezekiel to seek guidance from God. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_god.htm">The Lord GOD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel. 4. <a href="/topical/b/babylonian_exile.htm">Babylonian Exile</a> The period when the Israelites were exiled from their homeland and living in Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection. 5. <a href="/topical/i/inquiring_of_god.htm">Inquiring of God</a> The act of seeking divine guidance or answers, which the elders attempted to do through Ezekiel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/sincerity_in_seeking_god.htm">Sincerity in Seeking God</a> God desires genuine hearts when we seek Him. The elders' insincere inquiry serves as a warning against superficial religious practices. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a> The refusal of God to answer the elders highlights the consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against Him. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_holiness.htm">God's Sovereignty and Holiness</a> God's response underscores His sovereignty and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and sincerity. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a> True repentance is necessary for restoration. The elders needed to turn from their ways to receive guidance from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_prophet.htm">The Role of a Prophet</a> Ezekiel's role as a mediator between God and the people emphasizes the importance of faithful messengers in conveying God's truth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 20</a> <a href="/q/what_are_generational_curses_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about generational curses?</a> <a href="/q/does_history_confirm_edom's_lasting_hate.htm">If Ezekiel 35:5 describes Edom's 'perpetual hatred,' does historical record support such an unbroken hostility?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_ezekiel_37_25-28_fulfilled_today.htm">How can Ezekiel 37:25-28's everlasting covenant and sanctuary be understood when there seems to be no clear historical or present-day fulfillment matching this depiction?</a> <a href="/q/why_hold_eli_accountable_for_his_sons.htm">1 Samuel 3:13 - Why would God hold Eli accountable for his sons' misconduct rather than act directly to prevent their corruption?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) I will not be enquired of by you.--As in <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm" title="Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?">Ezekiel 14:3</a>. St. Jerome thus comments on the words:--" To the holy, and to those who ask for right things, the promise is given, 'While they are yet speaking, I will say, Here I am;' but to sinners, such as these elders of Israel were, and as those whose sins the prophet proceeds to describe, no answer is given, but only a fierce rebuke for their sins, to which He adds His oath,. 'As I live,' to strengthen His solemn refusal."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - As I live, saith the Lord God, etc. The inquirers are answered, but not as they expected. Instead of hearing of the "times and seasons" of the events that were in the near future, the prophet at once enters on his stern work as a preacher. The general principle that determines the refusal to answer has been given in <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3</a>. <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of man, אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> Ruddy, a human being speak דַּבֵּ֞ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to the elders זִקְנֵ֤י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and tell וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say them אֲלֵהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to that this is what כֹּ֤ה (kōh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord GOD יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Have you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you come בָּאִ֑ים (bā·’îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to inquire הֲלִדְרֹ֥שׁ (hă·liḏ·rōš) Preposition | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship of Me? אֹתִ֖י (’ō·ṯî) Direct object marker | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case As surely as אָ֙נִי֙ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I I live, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life I will not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not be consulted אִדָּרֵ֣שׁ (’id·dā·rêš) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship by you, לָכֶ֔ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> declares נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> An oracle the Lord אֲדֹנָ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord GOD.? יְהוִֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 20:3 Son of man speak to the elders (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>