Ezekiel 20:27 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God directs Ezekiel to confront Israel with their fathers' blasphemy and covenant violation.
The Context of Ezekiel 20:27
Ezekiel is commissioned to confront Israel with the blasphemy of their ancestors.
What Does Ezekiel 20:27 Mean?
After the historical review, God now turns to the present generation in exile. 'Yet in this'—in all that has been recounted—the fathers blasphemed God. Blasphemy goes deeper than mere disobedience; it is contempt for God's character and authority. The 'trespass against me' (betrayal or unfaithfulness) was rooted in this fundamental disrespect.
Ezekiel is called to speak directly to Israel about their fathers' crime. The purpose is not vindictive but clarifying: the exile is not random or unjust, but the fruit of deliberate rebellion against a God who had repeatedly revealed Himself and offered covenant blessing. Understanding the past is necessary for understanding the present judgment.
Ezekiel 20:27 in the Original Language
megadef (מְגַדֵּף), 'blasphemed' — more literally, those who speak evil or contemptfully of God. This is not mere sin but contempt for God's very nature and authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 20:27
What does Ezekiel 20:27 mean?
God directs Ezekiel to confront Israel with their fathers' blasphemy and covenant violation.
What is the context of Ezekiel 20:27?
Ezekiel is commissioned to confront Israel with the blasphemy of their ancestors.