Old Testament

Ezekiel 20:29

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

I asked them: What is this high place you keep going to? And so it has been called Bamah to this day.'"

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day.

What Ezekiel 20:29 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God is questioning the people about their practices. He refers to a 'high place,' which symbolizes a location where they worshipped other gods instead of Him. The term 'Bamah' signifies these places of worship, which were often on elevated ground. God is pointing out their tendency to stray from true worship. This inquiry serves as a reminder of their unfaithfulness and the importance of recognizing where they direct their devotion. The name 'Bamah' has persisted, indicating that these practices were deeply rooted in their culture. God’s question invites reflection on our own lives: what are the 'high places' we turn to instead of focusing on our relationship with Him? It challenges us to examine our priorities and the influences we allow in our lives, urging us to seek genuine connection with the divine rather than distractions. This passage encourages us to be mindful of where we invest our time and energy, ensuring that we are not led astray by false idols.

How to apply Ezekiel 20:29 to your life

Consider what distractions or priorities might be taking your focus away from your relationship with God. Identify any 'high places' in your life that may not align with your values. Make a conscious effort to redirect your attention towards what truly matters and strengthens your faith. Seek genuine connection and avoid distractions that lead you away from your purpose. Remember, true worship is about the heart, not just the location.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Moses

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jericho

The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 20:29

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Ezekiel 20:29

At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel

Author
Ezekiel the prophet
Written
Around 590 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Exiled Israelites in Babylon

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 20:29 mean?

Ezekiel 20:29 highlights God's question to the people about their worship practices at high places, known as 'Bamah.' It signifies their tendency to worship other gods instead of Him, serving as a reminder of their unfaithfulness.

What is the significance of 'Bamah' in Ezekiel 20:29?

'Bamah' refers to the high places where people worshipped idols. In this verse, it symbolizes the locations of false worship that God is questioning, emphasizing the need for true devotion to Him.

How does Ezekiel 20:29 relate to modern worship?

Ezekiel 20:29 encourages individuals to examine their own lives for 'high places' or distractions that may divert their focus from God. It prompts self-reflection on what truly matters in one's spiritual journey.

What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel 20:29?

From Ezekiel 20:29, we learn the importance of recognizing and addressing distractions in our worship. It teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God and to avoid practices that lead us away from true faith.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.