Ezekiel 14:12 kjv
The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,
Ezekiel 14:12 nkjv
The word of the LORD came again to me, saying:
Ezekiel 14:12 niv
The word of the LORD came to me:
Ezekiel 14:12 esv
And the word of the LORD came to me:
Ezekiel 14:12 nlt
Then this message came to me from the LORD:
Ezekiel 14 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezek 14:12 | The word of the LORD came again to me: | Ezek 14:12 (Initial reference) |
| Gen 6:8 | Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. | Genesis 6:8 (Righteousness) |
| Job 1:1 | There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. | Job 1:1 (Righteousness) |
| Dan 9:4 | O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love | Daniel 9:4 (Righteousness) |
| Jer 5:1 | "Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, look and take note" | Jeremiah 5:1 (Wickedness) |
| Jer 7:3-7 | "Do not trust in deceptive words..." God would dwell there. | Jeremiah 7:3-7 (Temple theme) |
| 1 Cor 10:13 | No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. | 1 Corinthians 10:13 (Deliverance) |
| Rom 2:6-9 | God will repay each according to his works. | Romans 2:6-9 (Retribution) |
| Rev 18:4 | "Come out of her, my people!..." | Revelation 18:4 (Separation) |
| Ps 1:1-3 | Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the LORD. | Psalm 1:1-3 (Righteousness) |
| Heb 11:7 | By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark. | Hebrews 11:7 (Noah's faith) |
| Heb 11:32 | And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of... Daniel. | Hebrews 11:32 (Daniel's faith) |
| 1 Pet 3:20 | ...when the patience of God continued in the days of Noah... | 1 Peter 3:20 (Noah's ark) |
| Gal 6:7 | Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. | Galatians 6:7 (Sowing and reaping) |
| Luke 18:7 | And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? | Luke 18:7 (God's justice) |
| Ezek 18:20 | The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. | Ezekiel 18:20 (Individual accountability) |
| Ezek 18:21 | "But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes..." | Ezekiel 18:21 (Turning from sin) |
| Deut 7:9 | Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love... | Deuteronomy 7:9 (God's faithfulness) |
| Amos 3:3 | Can two walk together, unless they have agreed? | Amos 3:3 (Fellowship/disagreement) |
| 1 Cor 5:11 | But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother, if he is sexually immoral... | 1 Corinthians 5:11 (Separation from unrighteous) |
Ezekiel 14 verses
Ezekiel 14 12 Meaning
This verse establishes a principle: even if three righteous men (like Noah, Daniel, and Job) were present in a land, they could only deliver themselves through their righteousness, not the land or its inhabitants. The focus is on individual accountability before God.
Ezekiel 14 12 Context
Ezekiel is prophesying to the elders of Israel in Jerusalem who are still clinging to false hope despite impending judgment. God is explaining that their reliance on popular religious practices and even the presence of revered righteous figures won't save them from the consequences of their pervasive sin and idolatry. The chapter lists calamities like famine, dangerous beasts, and pestilence that God will send. The presence of Noah, Daniel, and Job is used hypothetically to illustrate that personal righteousness saves the righteous individual but does not exonerate the wicked community. This highlights the severe consequences of collective apostasy.
Ezekiel 14 12 Word Analysis
If: Introduces a conditional statement.
I (Hebrew: 'ani - אני): First-person singular pronoun, God speaking.
cause (Hebrew: hara'a - הַרְעָה - to bring evil, to do mischief): To bring a severe plague or calamitous judgment upon.
the land: Refers to the land of Israel, the physical territory.
Noah: A patriarch known for his righteousness and obedience in building the ark.
Daniel: A righteous prophet taken captive to Babylon, known for his integrity and faith in God.
Job: A man known for his profound suffering and steadfastness in his faith and righteousness.
they (Hebrew: hem - הם): Refers collectively to Noah, Daniel, and Job.
deliver (Hebrew: natzal - נָצַל - to snatch away, rescue): To rescue or save from danger.
their own (Hebrew: naphsham - נַפְשָׁם - their soul/life): Pertaining to their individual selves, their very being.
souls (Hebrew: naphshiy - נַפְשִׁי - my soul/life): Emphasizes personal salvation, the individual's life.
by their righteousness: Their adherence to God's commands and upright living.
Word-group analysis:
- "Noah, Daniel, and Job": This triad represents the epitome of righteousness, integrity, and steadfastness in faith amidst corruption. They are symbolic of those who remain faithful even when surrounded by unfaithfulness.
- "deliver their own souls": This phrase underscores individual accountability. God's judgment is not arbitrarily distributed; each person will face the consequences or reap the benefits of their own actions and faith.
Ezekiel 14 12 Bonus Section
The choice of Noah, Daniel, and Job is significant:
- Noah represents righteousness through faith and obedience in a globally corrupt generation (Gen 6).
- Daniel exemplifies faithfulness to God through prayer and integrity amidst a foreign, idolatrous empire (Dan 1).
- Job showcases unwavering faith and perseverance through extreme personal suffering and accusation, refusing to curse God (Job 1-2).
Together, they embody righteousness by faith, steadfastness under trial, and uncompromising loyalty to God, regardless of external circumstances or societal decay. Their inclusion underscores that even such paragon individuals cannot bear the sin of others, highlighting the comprehensive nature of divine justice.
Ezekiel 14 12 Commentary
This verse emphasizes a critical theological concept: individual accountability before God. While God's covenant is with His people, and His faithfulness is sure, His judgment is discerning. Even the presence of exemplary figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job cannot shield a corrupt nation or community from divine reckoning. Their righteousness would serve only to save themselves. This principle of personal responsibility for one's actions and relationship with God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, powerfully illustrated in Ezekiel's vision. It serves as a solemn warning against assuming corporate blessings without personal faithfulness.