The verse Ezekiel 36:20 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord, and are gone forth out of his land."

This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Ezekiel that details the judgment of Israel for their disobedience and idolatry. In this particular verse, the prophet Ezekiel is addressing the Israelites and recounting how their actions have brought dishonor to the name of the Lord among the nations.

The theme of this passage is the holiness of God and the consequences of defiling His name through disobedience and unfaithfulness. The context of this verse is the Babylonian exile, in which the Israelites were carried away from their land and scattered among the nations as a result of their unfaithfulness to God. Ezekiel is speaking to the Israelites during this time, warning them of the judgement that has befallen them due to their sins.

The verse uses the term "heathen" to refer to the nations among whom the Israelites have been scattered. It conveys the idea that the Israelites, by their disobedience, have brought shame to God's name among the nations, as they have been identified as His people who have been expelled from their land. This would have been a particularly humiliating experience for the Israelites, as they were a people who prided themselves on their identity as God's chosen nation. The fact that they were now living among the heathen, and being associated with the name of God in a negative light, would have been a cause of great distress and shame for them.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the concept of God's name being profaned. In the Hebrew tradition, a person's name was not simply a label, but it represented their character, reputation, and authority. Thus, to dishonor or profane someone's name was to bring disgrace upon their entire being. In the case of God, His name is meant to be hallowed and revered, as it represents His holiness and sovereignty. When the Israelites defiled God's name among the nations, they were not only bringing shame upon themselves, but also upon the character and reputation of God Himself.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living in a way that brings honor to God's name. It also highlights the responsibility that comes with being called God's people. The Israelites' disobedience led to the desecration of God's name, and they suffered the consequences as a result. This serves as a warning to all believers of the serious consequences of bringing shame to God's name through unfaithfulness and disobedience.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 36:20 is a profound and sobering verse that speaks to the consequences of defiling the name of God. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of living in a way that brings honor to God's name, and the responsibility that comes with being called His people. The verse also conveys the theme of God's holiness and the seriousness of disobedience, and it carries a powerful message for believers of all generations.