Ezekiel 12:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The inhabited cities will be destroyed and emptied, and through this desolation the people will finally recognize God's authority and judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 12:20
Widespread desolation of cities will force Israel to recognize God's power and judgment.
What Does Ezekiel 12:20 Mean?
The scope widens again: not just individual captivity or personal anxiety, but cities themselves—centers of life and commerce—will be 'laid waste.' The land, once productive and populated, will become 'desolate,' emptied of people and provision.
Yet again, God's purpose appears: 'ye shall know that I am the LORD.' Even through devastation and emptiness, this knowledge of God is confirmed. The desolation becomes a sermon that cannot be ignored: the Lord God has authority to empty nations and remove populations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 12:20
What does Ezekiel 12:20 mean?
The inhabited cities will be destroyed and emptied, and through this desolation the people will finally recognize God's authority and judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 12:20?
Widespread desolation of cities will force Israel to recognize God's power and judgment.