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As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/20-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/26_Ezk_20_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 20:31 - Israel's Rebellion in the Land" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? 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Am I to let you inquire of me, you Israelites? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I will not let you inquire of me. <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> For when you offer gifts to them and give your little children to be burned as sacrifices, you continue to pollute yourselves with idols to this day. Should I allow you to ask for a message from me, O people of Israel? As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will tell you nothing. <a href="/esv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> When you present your gifts and offer up your children in fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you! <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20.htm">King James Bible</a> For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> For when you offer your gifts and make your sons pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols, even to this day. So shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> And when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day. So shall I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? 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> &#8220When you offer your gifts, when you cause your sons to pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live,&#8221 declares the Lord GOD, &#8220I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And when you offer your gifts, when you cause your sons to pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> And when you offer your gifts, when you cause your sons to pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live,” declares Lord Yahweh, “I will not be inquired of by you. <a href="/amp/ezekiel/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When you offer your gifts, when you make your sons pass through the fire, you are defiling yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be asked by you [for an oracle], O house of Israel? 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> When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your children in the fire, you still continue to defile yourselves with all your idols today. So should I let you inquire of me, house of Israel? As I live—this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—I will not let you inquire of me! <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When you offer your gifts, making your children pass through the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, house of Israel? As I live"—this is the declaration of the Lord GOD—"I will not be consulted by you!&#8221 <a href="/asv/ezekiel/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> and when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, do ye pollute yourselves with all your idols unto this day? and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> by worshiping idols and by sacrificing their own children as offerings. They commit these sins and still think they can ask me for a message. As surely as I am the living LORD God, I will give them no answer. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> and when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, do ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, unto this day? and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> You offer your children as sacrifices by burning them alive. You dishonor yourselves with all your disgusting idols to this day. Should you be allowed to ask me for help, nation of Israel? " 'As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, you won't be allowed to ask me for help. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Even today you offer the same gifts and defile yourselves with the same idols by sacrificing your children to them in the fire. And then you Israelites still come to ask what my will is! As surely as I, the Sovereign LORD, am the living God, I will not let you ask me anything. <a href="/isv/ezekiel/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> When you present your gifts and make your sons pass through the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with your idols to this day. Should I be inquired of by you, you house of Israel? As I live," declares the LORD, "I certainly won't be inquired of by you." <a href="/msb/ezekiel/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you! <a href="/net/ezekiel/20.htm">NET Bible</a> When you present your sacrifices--when you make your sons pass through the fire--you defile yourselves with all your idols to this very day. Will I allow you to seek me, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the sovereign LORD, I will not allow you to seek me! <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, do you pollute yourselves with all your idols to this day? And shall I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? 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> For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even to this day: and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> When you offer your gifts, when you make your sons pass through the fire, do you pollute yourselves with all your idols to this day? Should I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? 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> And in the offering of your gifts, "" In causing your sons to pass through fire, "" You are defiled by all your idols to this day, "" And I am sought by you, O house of Israel? [As] I live—a declaration of Lord YHWH, I am not sought by you. <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And in the offering of your gifts, In causing your sons to pass through fire, Ye are defiled by all your idols to this day, And I am sought by you, O house of Israel! I live -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah, I am not sought by you. <a href="/slt/ezekiel/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And in lifting up your gifts, in causing your sons to pass into the fire ye are defiled for all your blocks, even to this day: and shall I be sought for you, O house of Israel? I live, says the Lord Jehovah, if I will be sought by you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And you defile yourselves with all your: idols unto this day, in the offering of your gifts, when you make your children pass through the fire: and shall I answer you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord God, I will not answer you. <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you are being defiled by all of your idols, even to this day, by the oblation of your gifts, when you lead your sons through the fire. And should I respond to you, O house of Israel? As I live, says the Lord God, I will not answer you. <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/20.htm">New American Bible</a> By offering your gifts, by making your children pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols even to this day. Shall I let myself be consulted by you, house of Israel? As I live—oracle of the Lord GOD—I swear I will not let myself be consulted by you! <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When you offer your gifts and make your children pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? 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> And you offer your gift offerings and make your sons to pass through the fire; you have polluted yourselves with your idols, even to this day; and yet you wish to inquire of me, O house of Israel? 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> And you bring your gifts and you bring your children into fire and you are defiled with your idols until today, and you seek to ask of me, house of Israel, as 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> and when, in offering your gifts, in making your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, unto this day; shall I then be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? 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> and do ye pollute yourselves with the first-fruits of your gifts, in the offerings wherewith ye pollute yourselves in all your imaginations, until this day; and shall I answer you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord, I will not answer you, neither shall this thing come upon your spirit. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=5372" 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 the Land</a> …30Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: Will you defile yourselves the way your fathers did, prostituting yourselves with their abominations? 31<a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ū·ḇiś·’êṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">When you offer</a> <a href="/hebrew/4979.htm" title="4979: mat·tə·nō·ṯê·ḵem (N-fpc:: 2mp) -- A gift. Feminine of mattan; a present; specifically, a sacrificial offering, a bribe.">your gifts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sacrificing your sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: bə·ha·‘ă·ḇîr (Prep-b:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover."></a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: bā·’êš (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">in the fire,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/2930.htm" title="2930: niṭ·mə·’îm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be or become unclean. A primitive root; to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense.">continue to defile</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">yourselves with all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1544.htm" title="1544: gil·lū·lê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- An idol. Or gillul; from galal; properly, a log; by implication, an idol.">your idols</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">this day.</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">So should I</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/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">O house</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/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/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> <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> 32When you say, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the peoples of the lands, serving wood and stone,’ what you have in mind will never come to pass.…<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="/leviticus/18-21.htm">Leviticus 18:21</a> You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. <a href="/deuteronomy/12-31.htm">Deuteronomy 12:31</a> You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. <a href="/2_kings/17-17.htm">2 Kings 17:17</a> They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. <a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm">2 Kings 23:10</a> He also desecrated Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so that no one could sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire to Molech. <a href="/jeremiah/7-31.htm">Jeremiah 7:31</a> They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind. <a href="/jeremiah/19-5.htm">Jeremiah 19:5</a> They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind. <a href="/jeremiah/32-35.htm">Jeremiah 32:35</a> They have built the high places of Baal in the Valley of Ben-hinnom to make their sons and daughters pass through the fire to Molech—something I never commanded them, nor had it ever entered My mind, that they should commit such an abomination and cause Judah to sin. <a href="/psalms/106-37.htm">Psalm 106:37-38</a> They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. / They shed innocent blood—the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. <a href="/isaiah/57-5.htm">Isaiah 57:5</a> who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? <a href="/hosea/4-12.htm">Hosea 4:12-13</a> My people consult their wooden idols, and their divining rods inform them. For a spirit of prostitution leads them astray and they have played the harlot against their God. / They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is pleasant. And so your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery. <a href="/amos/5-25.htm">Amos 5:25-26</a> Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along Sakkuth your king and Kaiwan your star god, the idols you made for yourselves. <a href="/acts/7-42.htm">Acts 7:42-43</a> But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? / You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your god Rephan, the idols you made to worship. Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’ <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-23</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools, / and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20-21</a> No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. / You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too. <a href="/galatians/4-8.htm">Galatians 4:8</a> Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, you pollute yourselves with all your idols, even to this day: and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, said the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.ye offer<a href="/ezekiel/20-26.htm">Ezekiel 20:26</a> And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.<a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a> There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, … <a href="/psalms/106-37.htm">Psalm 106:37-39</a> Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, … and shall<a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Ezekiel 20:3</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="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Ezekiel 14:3,4</a> Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them? … <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">1 Samuel 28:5,6</a> And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Enquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-26.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-26.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-24.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-25.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Making</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-26.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-28.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Pollute</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/20-35.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-37.htm">Enquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-47.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/ezekiel/36-37.htm">Inquired</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-38.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-33.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-3.htm">Making</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-18.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-39.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">Pollute</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-43.htm">Yourselves</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> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ezekiel/20.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>When you offer your gifts The phrase "offer your gifts" refers to the practice of presenting offerings to deities, which in the context of ancient Israel, often involved sacrifices. The Hebrew word for "offer" (קָרַב, qarab) implies drawing near or approaching, suggesting an act of worship or devotion. Historically, offerings were meant to honor God, but here, they are misdirected towards idols, highlighting a deviation from true worship.the sacrifice of your sons in the fire This phrase is a direct reference to the abominable practice of child sacrifice, particularly to the god Molech, which was strictly forbidden in Israelite law (<a href="/leviticus/18-21.htm">Leviticus 18:21</a>). The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zebach) typically denotes a slaughtered offering, but in this context, it underscores the horror of sacrificing human life. Archaeological evidence from sites like Carthage reveals that such practices were not uncommon in the ancient Near East, emphasizing the cultural pressures Israel faced.you continue to defile yourselves The word "defile" (טָמֵא, tame) in Hebrew conveys a sense of ritual impurity or moral corruption. The Israelites' actions rendered them unclean, not just physically but spiritually, distancing them from God. This defilement was ongoing, indicating a persistent rebellion against God's commandments.with all your idols Idolatry was a recurring sin for Israel, and the term "idols" (גִּלּוּלִים, gillulim) often carries a derogatory connotation, suggesting something worthless or detestable. The use of "all" emphasizes the extent of their idolatry, as they turned to numerous false gods, violating the first commandment (<a href="/exodus/20-3.htm">Exodus 20:3</a>).to this day This phrase underscores the continuity of Israel's sin. Despite numerous warnings and judgments, the people persisted in their idolatrous practices. It serves as a reminder of the stubbornness of the human heart and the need for repentance.So should I let you inquire of Me Here, God questions the appropriateness of allowing the Israelites to seek His guidance while they remain in sin. The Hebrew word for "inquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies seeking or consulting, often used in the context of seeking divine will. This rhetorical question highlights the incongruity of seeking God while living in rebellion.O house of Israel? The term "house of Israel" refers collectively to the people of Israel, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen nation. It serves as a reminder of their covenant relationship with God, which they have violated through idolatry.As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD This oath formula underscores the certainty and seriousness of God's declaration. The phrase "as surely as I live" (חַי־אָנִי, chai-ani) is a solemn affirmation of God's eternal existence and His commitment to justice.I will not let you inquire of Me! God's refusal to allow inquiry signifies a withdrawal of His guidance and favor due to their persistent sin. It is a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin and the importance of maintaining a right relationship with God. This divine response calls the Israelites to repentance and underscores the holiness and justice of God.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) I will not be enquired of by you.--This takes up the refrain of <a href="/ezekiel/20-3.htm" title="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.">Ezekiel 20:3</a>, and with the following verse fitly closes this portion of the prophecy which was introduced by the coming of the elders to enquire. <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When you offer וּבִשְׂאֵ֣ת (ū·ḇiś·’êṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> To lift, carry, take your gifts, מַתְּנֹֽתֵיכֶ֡ם (mat·tə·nō·ṯê·ḵem) Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4979.htm">Strong's 4979: </a> A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe sacrificing your sons בְּנֵיכֶ֨ם (bə·nê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son in the fire, בָּאֵ֜שׁ (bā·’êš) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire you אַתֶּם֩ (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you continue to defile נִטְמְאִ֤֨ים (niṭ·mə·’îm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2930.htm">Strong's 2930: </a> To be or become unclean yourselves with all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every your idols גִּלּֽוּלֵיכֶם֙ (gil·lū·lê·ḵem) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> A log, an idol to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while this day. הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day So should I וַאֲנִ֛י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I be consulted by you, אִדָּרֵ֥שׁ (’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 O house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Israel? יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (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 As surely as אָ֗נִי (’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 declares נְאֻם֙ (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> An oracle 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_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH 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 אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ (’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! לָכֶֽם׃ (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/20-31.htm">Ezekiel 20:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-31.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 20:31 And when you offer your gifts when (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/20-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/20-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 20:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 20:32" /></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>