But I had concern for my holy name: The Hebrew verb rendered had concern has the sense of showing concern or compassion, and often refers to the attitude taken toward people who are facing some sort of misfortune (see the comments on 7.4, where it is translated “have pity”). Here it refers to God’s attitude toward his reputation, and the way he took steps to retain his good reputation and not be shamed (compare 20.9). For my holy name, see the previous verse. Possible renderings for this clause are “But I wanted to keep my good name” and “But I looked after my reputation.” A more radical rendering is “I care what those foreigners think of me” (Contemporary English Version).

Which the house of Israel caused to be profaned among the nations to which they came: See verse 20. As in verse 10, the house of Israel refers to the nation or people of Israel.

A model for this verse is:

• But I wanted to keep my good reputation which the people of Israel had dishonored among the nations where they went.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .