Ezekiel 14:20 kjv
Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.
Ezekiel 14:20 nkjv
even though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live," says the Lord GOD, "they would deliver neither son nor daughter; they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness."
Ezekiel 14:20 niv
as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they could save neither son nor daughter. They would save only themselves by their righteousness.
Ezekiel 14:20 esv
even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, declares the Lord GOD, they would deliver neither son nor daughter. They would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness.
Ezekiel 14:20 nlt
As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, they wouldn't be able to save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved by their righteousness.
Ezekiel 14 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 14:14 | If these three men were in it, Noah, Daniel, and Job... | Personal Righteousness |
| Jeremiah 5:1 | Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem... | Societal Judgment |
| Romans 1:18 | the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all... | God's Wrath on Sin |
| Romans 3:23 | for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God | Universal Sinfulness |
| 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 | Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters... | Consequences of Sin |
| Galatians 6:7 | Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked... | Personal Accountability |
| Revelation 20:12 | And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne... | Final Judgment |
| Genesis 18:23-32 | Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. | Intercession's Limits |
| Genesis 19:24-25 | the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire... | Judgment on Wickedness |
| Numbers 16:21-26 | Moses and Aaron separated themselves from the congregation | Judgment on Rebellion |
| 2 Samuel 12:13-14 | David's sin with Bathsheba. | Consequences for Leaders |
| Job 1:1 | There was a man in the land of Uz named Job. | Integrity of the Righteous |
| Daniel 9:5-6 | Daniel's confession and intercession. | Confession and Righteousness |
| Psalm 1:1-3 | The one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked... | Blessings on the Righteous |
| Proverbs 11:30 | The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life... | Impact of Righteousness |
| Isaiah 1:16-17 | Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean... | God's Call to Repentance |
| Matthew 5:13 | You are the salt of the earth... | Influence of Believers |
| Matthew 24:37-39 | As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. | Parallels to Noah |
| 1 Peter 3:20 | to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently... | Judgment on Disobedience |
| 1 Peter 4:17-18 | For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God... | Judgment Begins at Home |
Ezekiel 14 verses
Ezekiel 14 20 Meaning
This verse describes a spiritual truth: even if Noah, Daniel, and Job, known for their righteousness, were present in a land, their righteousness would only save themselves, not the people of that land who are condemned by God.
Ezekiel 14 20 Context
This verse appears in Ezekiel chapter 14, where God is speaking to the elders of Israel. They are seeking His counsel through the prophet Ezekiel, but God reveals that their hearts are far from Him, captivated by idolatry and detestable practices. God declares that He will not be consulted by them in a way that appears to sanction their sin. The elders' persistent pursuit of false gods, despite past judgments, demonstrates their spiritual rebellion. This verse, therefore, is part of a larger divine message addressing the pervasive sinfulness of Israel and the impending judgment they face due to their unfaithfulness.
Ezekiel 14 20 Word Analysis
- "But as surely as I live": This is a strong oath sworn by God, emphasizing the absolute certainty of His declaration.
- "declares the Sovereign LORD": Asserts God's absolute authority and power.
- "these three men—Noah, Daniel and Job": These are chosen as archetypes of extreme righteousness and integrity, widely recognized in ancient Near Eastern tradition and scripture.
- Noah: Known for his faithfulness amidst a wicked generation, saving his family through the flood (Gen 6-9).
- Daniel: Revered for his unwavering devotion to God even in Babylonian exile, facing lions and interpreting dreams (Dan 1-12).
- Job: Famous for his resilience in suffering and maintaining his integrity despite immense trials (Job 1-42).
- "were in it": Refers to being in the land of Israel, which is the subject of the impending judgment.
- "they could save only themselves": Despite their profound righteousness, their personal righteousness would not suffice to avert judgment for an entire nation steeped in sin.
- "by their righteousness": Highlights that their salvation would be through their own faithful walk with God, not as a general salvation for the land.
Ezekiel 14 20 Bonus Section
The choice of Noah, Daniel, and Job by God is significant. Noah preserved life during a global flood by obedience. Daniel maintained prophetic integrity and Godly living amidst pagan empires, even as a captive. Job remained steadfast in his faith through unimaginable personal loss and suffering. Their inclusion emphasizes that no level of personal holiness can substitute for collective repentance. It serves as a severe warning against assuming that association with godly people or possessing superficial religious knowledge will guarantee safety when a nation or community actively rejects God's ways. It underscores that genuine, active faith leading to personal righteousness is the only defense against divine wrath, and even then, it secures individual deliverance, not the redemption of a universally unrepentant society.
Ezekiel 14 20 Commentary
Ezekiel 14:20 starkly illustrates the principle of individual accountability before God, even in the face of national judgment. While the presence of exceptionally righteous individuals like Noah, Daniel, and Job signifies a beacon of hope and exemplary faith, their righteousness is personal and salvific only for themselves. It does not serve as a merit that can redeem a thoroughly corrupt and idolatrous society. God's justice demands a response to widespread sin, and the faithfulness of a few, however profound, cannot shield a disobedient populace from the consequences of their collective iniquity. This principle is echoed in Jesus' teachings and the early church's understanding, where individual repentance and faith are paramount for salvation.