Ezekiel 33:31 Meaning and Explanation
“And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The exiles come and listen to Ezekiel as God's people, but they do not obey; their love is only words while their hearts pursue worldly desire.
The Context of Ezekiel 33:31
Ezekiel reveals that the exiles listen but do not obey; their love is only outward show.
What Does Ezekiel 33:31 Mean?
The problem is now clear. They sit before Ezekiel 'as my people' (God's people)—they position themselves as believers. They hear his words. But the gap between ear and will is absolute: 'they will not do them.' There is hearing without obedience.
The diagnosis is spiritual: their mouths show love, but their hearts pursue covetousness—selfish desire. It is a disconnection between outward profession and inward condition. They enjoy the experience of hearing but will not allow it to change their behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 33:31
What does Ezekiel 33:31 mean?
The exiles come and listen to Ezekiel as God's people, but they do not obey; their love is only words while their hearts pursue worldly desire.
What is the context of Ezekiel 33:31?
Ezekiel reveals that the exiles listen but do not obey; their love is only outward show.