Ezekiel 14:7 kjv
For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:
Ezekiel 14:7 nkjv
For anyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell in Israel, who separates himself from Me and sets up his idols in his heart and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, then comes to a prophet to inquire of him concerning Me, I the LORD will answer him by Myself.
Ezekiel 14:7 niv
"?'When any of the Israelites or any foreigner residing in Israel separate themselves from me and set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet to inquire of me, I the LORD will answer them myself.
Ezekiel 14:7 esv
For any one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel, who separates himself from me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to a prophet to consult me through him, I the LORD will answer him myself.
Ezekiel 14:7 nlt
I, the LORD, will answer all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols in their hearts and so fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice.
Ezekiel 14 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 14:8 | And I will set my face against that man... | God's direct judgment on sinners |
| Jeremiah 16:11-12 | ...you have done more evil than your fathers... | Consequence of rejecting God's law |
| Deuteronomy 31:17-18 | Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day... | God's wrath upon rebellion |
| Psalm 78:59 | God was provoked to anger by their idols. | Jealousy of God for His people |
| Isaiah 65:15 | ...the Lord GOD shall slay them... | Divine judgment for apostasy |
| Hosea 4:17 | Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone. | God's allowing apostates to continue their path |
| Romans 1:23 | ...exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images... | Sin of idolatry |
| 1 Corinthians 10:14 | ...flee from idolatry. | Warning against idol worship |
| 1 John 5:21 | Little children, keep yourselves from idols. | Apostolic instruction on purity |
| Ezekiel 14:4 | For every one of Israel, or of the strangers... | Identity of those involved in idolatry |
| Ezekiel 14:10 | ...they shall bear their iniquity; the iniquity of the inquirer shall be the same as the iniquity of him who consults the oracle. | Shared responsibility for seeking false guidance |
| Jeremiah 7:29-30 | ...this generation... because they have provoked me... | Judgment linked to provoking God |
| Leviticus 17:10 | For the life of the flesh is in the blood... | Sanctuary of God's commands |
| Deuteronomy 4:19 | ...the LORD your God has assigned to all peoples under the whole heaven. | Warnings against worshipping celestial bodies |
| Ezekiel 30:13 | Thus says the Lord GOD: I will also destroy the idols... | Divine action against idols |
| Psalm 115:4-8 | Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. | Description of worthless idols |
| Isaiah 44:17 | And the rest he uses for a god, his idol... | The process of making and worshipping idols |
| Jeremiah 10:3-5 | For the customs of the peoples are vain... | Vanity of idol worship |
| Acts 15:20 | ...that they abstain from things polluted by idols... | Early church decree regarding idols |
| Revelation 2:14 | But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold to the teaching of Balaam... | Idolatry and false teaching intertwined |
| 2 Corinthians 6:16 | ...what union has Christ with Belial?... | Separation from idols and wickedness |
| 1 Thessalonians 1:9 | ...to turn from idols to serve a living and true God... | True conversion |
Ezekiel 14 verses
Ezekiel 14 7 Meaning
This verse highlights God's internal rejection and abandonment of those who consistently turn to idols, severing their relationship with Him due to their persistent sin.
Ezekiel 14 7 Context
Ezekiel is prophesying in the midst of Israel's exiles in Babylon, after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. The people are seeking to understand why such calamities have befallen them. In this chapter, Ezekiel addresses the elders of Israel who are coming to inquire of the Lord. God expresses His displeasure with their continued hypocrisy and consultation with idols, even in exile. The overarching theme is God's holiness and His unwavering opposition to idolatry and the mixture of true worship with false.
Ezekiel 14 7 Word Analysis
- And I shall set my face (וְנָתַתִּי פָּנַי – vənātatti pənay): This is a strong Hebrew idiom signifying intense determination and direct action, indicating God's resolute purpose. It implies a hostile gaze and intent to oppose.
- against that man (בְּאִישׁ־הַהוּא – bəʾîsh hahûʾ): Refers specifically to an individual who has committed the act of consecration or involvement with idols. It emphasizes personal accountability.
- for a sign (לְמוֹפֵת – ləmōp̄ēṯ): This signifies a spectacle or an example, implying that the person will become a visible warning to others through their punishment.
- and for a proverb (וּלְמַשָּׁל – ūləmaššāl): Suggests the person will become the subject of a common saying or reproach, highlighting their disgrace.
- And I will cut him off (וְהִכְרַתִּי אֹתוֹ – wəhiḵraṯṯi ʾōṯô): A severe declaration of removal or destruction, signifying complete severance from the community and from God's presence.
- from the midst of my people (מִקֶּרֶב עַמִּי – miqqereḇ ʿammî): Underscores the judgment of being cast out from the covenant community.
- And you shall know (וִידַעְתֶּם – wîḏaʿṯem): Emphasizes the revelatory aspect of the judgment; through this punishment, they will understand God's true nature and power.
- that I am the LORD (כִּי־אֲנִי־יְהוָה – kî-ʾănî Yahweh): A recurring assertion of God's self-revelation and authority, particularly when His justice is displayed.
Words Group Analysis
- "set my face against... cut him off from the midst of my people": This phrase paints a powerful picture of deliberate and comprehensive divine exclusion and judgment, showing God actively and forcefully removing individuals from His fellowship and community due to their defilement.
Ezekiel 14 7 Bonus Section
The concept of being a "sign" and "proverb" for divine judgment is seen elsewhere, such as with apostates in Deuteronomy 28:37. The complete severance from God's people speaks to the ultimate alienation from God that sin brings, a theme echoed in New Testament warnings against those who abandon their faith. The emphasis on "knowing that I am the LORD" highlights God's desire for His people to understand His character, especially His justice and His jealousy for their exclusive devotion.
Ezekiel 14 7 Commentary
God declares His intention to set His face against any individual who participates in idolatry, even within the context of seeking Him. This "setting of the face" signifies active opposition and judgment. The individual will be made a "sign" and a "proverb," meaning their punishment will serve as a public spectacle and a cautionary tale for others. God will "cut them off from the midst of my people," illustrating complete expulsion from the community of faith. This judgment is ultimately a means for the rest of the people to "know that I am the LORD," reinforcing God's sovereignty, holiness, and the severe consequences of spiritual infidelity. It's a stark reminder that God cannot be approached with a divided heart; true repentance and separation from idols are paramount.