Definition: But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 36:21. It’s a really important and often misunderstood part of the Bible about how we should treat God's name. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God is feeling sad because people have been calling His name in a way that’s disrespectful and harmful. He wants to protect and cherish His name. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But I had pity for mine holy name…” - This is the key part. God isn't angry; he feels sympathy or compassion. He recognizes that He’s a precious name, and he wants to protect it. “…which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen…” – “The house of Israel” refers to the Jewish people throughout history. "Profaned" means they've been acting in a way that was disrespectful or harmful to God. They’ve been saying His name badly, maybe through lies, boasting, or doing things that upset Him. They've been treating it like something less sacred than it is. “whither they went” – This means they were using their name in a way that was wrong and disrespectful. So, what does this mean for us? It’s a call to be careful with how we speak about God's name. We should always treat it with respect and reverence. We shouldn't use it lightly or with disrespect. It's important to remember that His name is holy and worthy of protection. Why is this important? God’s Name is Sacred: Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly emphasizes that His name is unique, special, and sacred. It's a Reminder for Us: This verse reminds us that we are all responsible for how we handle God’s name. We should always strive to speak of Him with honor and reverence. In short, it’s a plea for respect and protection of the true identity of God. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english/Ezekiel%2036%3A21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english/Ezekiel%2036%3A21) Wikipedia - Ezekiel 36:21: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_36:21](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_36:21) Would you like me to explain any of these points further, or perhaps discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Bible?