BibleWord.ai› Bible› Ezekiel› Chapter 36› Verse 21

Ezekiel 36:21

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Ezekiel 36:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But I had regard for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, whither they went.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But I had regard for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, whither they went.
Ezekiel 36:21 — American Standard Version

Context — Ezekiel 36

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18Wherefore I poured out my wrath upon them for the blood which they had poured out upon the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols;
19and I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.
20And when they came unto the nations, whither they went, they profaned my holy name; in that men said of them, These are the people of Jehovah, and are gone forth out of his land.
21But I had regard for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, whither they went.
22Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I do not [this] for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my holy name, which ye have profaned among the nations, whither ye went.
23And I will sanctify my great name, which hath been profaned among the nations, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the nations shall know that I am Jehovah, saith the Lord Jehovah, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
24For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.
← Ezekiel 36:20Ezekiel 36:22 →
← Full Chapter 36 Ezekiel Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I had pity for my holy name, &c.] Had pity on the Jews for his name’s sake, and not theirs; or he had a tender concern for his own honour and glory: which the house of Israel had profaned among the Heathen, whither they went; and therefore was resolved to take a method for the glorifying of it, and that in a way of special grace and mercy to his people; (See Gill on “<263620>Ezekiel 36:20”).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I had pity for mine holy name--that is, I felt pity for it; God's own name, so dishonored, was the primary object of His pitying concern; then His people, secondarily, through His concern for it [FAIRBAIRN].”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I had pity for mine holy name - Render it: I “had” a pitiful regard to “Mine Holy Name.” return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“But I had pity - For these sins I had just cause to cut them off; but I had pity, for the glory of my name: had I destroyed them, the heathen would have concluded against my omnipotence, and my truth. Ezekiel 36:23”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“36:21-24 Out of concern for his own holiness, God sent Israel into exile. Concern for the honor of his holy name would lead him to gather them again to the land. Israel did not deserve this return from exile; it was simply a manifestation of the Lord’s holiness and power in the sight of the nations. Israel could not remain forever outside the land that God had sworn to give to Abraham and his descendants.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Eze 20:9, Eze 20:14, Eze 20:22; Deu 32:26, Deu 32:27; Psa 74:18; Isa 37:35, Isa 48:9 Ezekiel 36:22”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Ezekiel 36 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification