Ezekiel 33:17 kjv
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
Ezekiel 33:17 nkjv
"Yet the children of your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' But it is their way which is not fair!
Ezekiel 33:17 niv
"Yet your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not just.' But it is their way that is not just.
Ezekiel 33:17 esv
"Yet your people say, 'The way of the Lord is not just,' when it is their own way that is not just.
Ezekiel 33:17 nlt
"Your people are saying, 'The Lord isn't doing what's right,' but it is they who are not doing what's right.
Ezekiel 33 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 55:8-9 | For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. | Divine wisdom surpasses human comprehension |
| Ps 119:129 | Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. | Praising the wonder of God's law |
| Jer 29:11 | For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace... | God's plans for hope and future |
| Rom 11:33 | O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable... | Adoration of God's unfathomable wisdom |
| 1 Cor 1:25 | Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger... | God's "foolishness" exceeds human wisdom |
| Prov 3:5-6 | Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding... | Relying on God's guidance |
| Ps 36:9 | For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. | Light and life in God |
| Jer 18:6 | O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as... | God's sovereignty as potter |
| Lam 3:37-38 | Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the LORD commandeth it not? | God's word is powerful |
| Eph 3:20 | Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think... | God's power beyond our requests |
| Micah 6:8 | He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee,... | Duties toward God and man |
| Ps 145:17 | The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. | God's perfect righteousness |
| Isa 46:10 | Saying, I will do all my pleasure. | God's will and counsel |
| John 1:1-3 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... | The deity and work of Christ |
| Col 2:3 | In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ as fullness of wisdom |
| 1 Cor 2:14 | But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are... | Spiritual understanding |
| Acts 15:18 | Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. | God's eternal purpose |
| Heb 1:3 | Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and... | Christ's divine nature |
| Ps 103:19 | The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. | God's sovereignty and reign |
| Job 38:4 | Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast... | God's power in creation |
| Rom 9:19-21 | Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet complain? For who hath resisted his... | God's sovereign rights |
Ezekiel 33 verses
Ezekiel 33 17 Meaning
The Lord declares that His justice and plans for His people will ultimately prevail. What might seem like a deviation from His past dealings with Israel, where their sin led to immediate judgment, is actually part of His sovereign plan. God’s justice is not arbitrary; it is measured and purposeful, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness even when His people fall short. This verse emphasizes that God’s ways are not the same as human ways of thinking or acting; His perspective is infinitely higher.
Ezekiel 33 17 Context
Ezekiel chapter 33 reiterates the role of the prophet as a watchman for Israel, emphasizing the consequences of both obedience and disobedience. The surrounding verses focus on God's unwavering justice and His desire for the repentance of sinners. This particular verse arises within the broader context of God establishing His justice and contrasting it with the limited and often flawed understanding of humanity. The people of Israel were likely struggling to comprehend why God's dealings seemed inconsistent or why judgment had been prolonged. Ezekiel's message here aims to correct such misperceptions by pointing to the transcendent nature of God's thoughts and ways.
Ezekiel 33 17 Word Analysis
- Say (Hebrew:
amar- אמר): To speak, say, tell, utter. Indicates a declaration or pronouncement by God. - The way (Hebrew:
derekh- דֶּרֶךְ): A path, road, way; figuratively, manner of life, course of action, or a method. This refers to God's methods and actions. - of the LORD (Hebrew:
YHVH- יהוה): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship and redemptive power. - Are not (Hebrew:
lo- לֹא): A simple negation. - your ways (Hebrew:
derakhaykhem- דַּרְכֵיכֶם): Your paths, your methods, your modes of operation (plural, addressing Israel). - as (Hebrew:
kmo- כְּמוֹ): Like, as. A comparative particle. - my ways (Hebrew:
derakhai- דְּרָכַי): My paths, my methods, my ways of operation (plural, God speaking).
Group analysis:
- "The way of the LORD are not your ways": This phrase directly contrasts divine providence and human perception. It signifies that God's plans, judgments, and actions operate on a scale and with a wisdom that transcends human comprehension. Human attempts to impose their own logic onto God's governance are inherently flawed.
Ezekiel 33 17 Bonus Section
The concept that God's ways are not our ways is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the qualitative difference between Creator and creation. This is essential for understanding prophecy, divine discipline, and even everyday Christian living. It teaches against anthropomorphism, the projection of human characteristics and limitations onto God. Scholars often note that this understanding fosters a greater reliance on faith, as human understanding would often lead to despair or rebellion when faced with divine actions that seem inexplicable or harsh by human standards. It prepares the believer for the mystery inherent in walking with a transcendent God.
Ezekiel 33 17 Commentary
This verse is a profound statement of God's absolute sovereignty and the unfathomable depth of His wisdom. It serves as a foundational truth in understanding God's relationship with humanity, especially during times of trial, judgment, or deliverance. Israel, accustomed to a covenant based on specific earthly blessings and cursings, often tried to fit God into their limited theological box. God, through Ezekiel, corrects this perspective, reminding them that His "thoughts" and "ways" (His plans and methods) are on a celestial level, beyond human reasoning. This isn't to suggest that God's ways are inscrutable or unreasonable, but rather that human capacity is insufficient to fully grasp the divine intellect. It calls for humility and trust, urging believers not to measure God by their own experiences or expectations, but to submit to His revealed will and trust His overarching purposes, which are always just and ultimately for His glory and the good of His people.
Practical usage: When faced with situations that don't seem to align with our understanding of God's goodness or justice, this verse reminds us to step back, acknowledge God's higher perspective, and trust that His ways are perfect. It encourages reliance on prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than on human logic alone.