Ezekiel 20:16 kjva — Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols."

— Ezekiel 20:16, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Ezekiel 20:16 in Other Translations

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Ezekiel 20 — Context

13

But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

14

But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

15

Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;

16

Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

17

Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

18

But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:

19

I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;

Ezekiel 20:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Ezekiel 20:16 say?
Ezekiel 20:16 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.”
Where is Ezekiel 20:16 in the Bible?
Ezekiel 20:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 20, verse 16.
Who wrote Ezekiel?
Ezekiel is traditionally attributed to Ezekiel the priest. It was written c. 593–571 BC.
What is the book of Ezekiel about?
Ezekiel ministers among the exiles in Babylon with vivid visions, sign-acts, and oracles. He sees God's glory depart from a defiled temple, then promises dry bones brought to life, a new heart, and a restored temple — pictures of resurrection and the new covenant fulfilled in Christ.
What are the major themes of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel explores themes including Glory of God, Judgment, New Heart, Resurrection, New Temple. These themes shape the meaning and context of Ezekiel 20:16.
What translation should I read Ezekiel 20:16 in?
Ezekiel 20:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Ezekiel 20:16?
Ezekiel 20:16 reads (KJVA): “Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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