Ezekiel 4 17

Ezekiel 4:17 kjv

That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.

Ezekiel 4:17 nkjv

that they may lack bread and water, and be dismayed with one another, and waste away because of their iniquity.

Ezekiel 4:17 niv

for food and water will be scarce. They will be appalled at the sight of each other and will waste away because of their sin.

Ezekiel 4:17 esv

I will do this that they may lack bread and water, and look at one another in dismay, and rot away because of their punishment.

Ezekiel 4:17 nlt

Lacking food and water, people will look at one another in terror, and they will waste away under their punishment.

Ezekiel 4 verses

Ezekiel 4 17 Meaning

The verse describes the meager sustenance that the prophet Ezekiel will be allowed during his symbolic siege of Jerusalem. This ration of food and water signifies the extreme scarcity and hardship that will afflict Jerusalem during the impending Babylonian captivity. The measurement is precise, indicating a divinely ordained and controlled judgment.

Ezekiel 4 17 Context

Ezekiel chapter 4 describes a series of symbolic actions that Ezekiel is commanded to perform, illustrating the siege and fall of Jerusalem. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 4:9-11) detail the specific quantities of grain and water allowed, representing the severe rationing the inhabitants of Jerusalem will endure. Verse 17 directly states the outcome and the reason behind this scarcity, linking it to their brokenness and destructive behavior, culminating in desolation. This chapter serves as a potent visual prophecy for the exiles in Babylon, reinforcing the divine judgment upon their homeland.

Ezekiel 4 17 Word Analysis

• And so it shall be upon them (וְכֹ֣ה יִהְיֶ֤ה לָהֶם֙): This phrase introduces the consequence of the symbolic actions previously described. It signifies a divinely decreed fate that will befall the people.
• scarcity (מַצָּ֥וֶת): Hebrew word for "oppression," "strictness," or "scarcity." Here it refers to severe lack and hardship, emphasizing the difficulty in obtaining basic necessities. This points to a systematic and controlled reduction of resources.
• and want (וְחָסֶ֖ר): Hebrew for "lack," "need," or "want." It reinforces the idea of deprivation, meaning they will not only have very little but will actively experience the pain of needing more.
• they shall eat (יֹאכְל֤וּ): Present tense Hebrew verb, indicating the ongoing nature of this hardship.
• by weight (בְּמִשְׁקָל): Refers to measured quantities. The use of weights implies a precise rationing, under strict control. This contrasts with the abundance and freedom associated with normal living.
• and with carefulness (וּבִדְאָגָ֑ה): Hebrew word for "anxiety," "care," or "sorrow." This describes the emotional state of the people as they consume their meager portions. They will eat with deep concern and apprehension about when the food will run out.
• and drink (וְשָׁת֛וּ): Present tense Hebrew verb for drinking.
• by measure (בְּמֻדָּ֖ה): Similar to "by weight," indicating measured quantities, signifying a lack of freedom and abundance.
• even with great stint (בְּפַחַד): Hebrew word for "fear," "terror," or "dread." This intensifies the description of their drinking, showing they will drink with constant anxiety and fear of depleting their limited supply.
• that they might want (כִּֽי־יֶחְסְר֗וּ): Explains the purpose or result of the rationing: to ensure they will experience constant lack.
• and be astonished (וְתָמָ֙הוּ֙): Hebrew for "to be amazed," "astonished," or "bewildered." This refers to their reaction to the unending desolation and the consequences of their actions, coupled with the oppressive scarcity.
• because they were broken (עַל־בַּֽעֲבוּר֙): Indicates the reason for their suffering.
• that they were bent on destroying things (כִּֽי־שָׁבְר֤וּ): Hebrew for "they broke" or "they were shattered." This likely refers to their broken covenant with God, and their destructive behaviors and idolatry that led to the current judgment.
• and as it is a desolation (וּכְחָרְבָּֽה): Hebrew for "and as a desolation," "as destruction." This connects their state to the predicted destruction of the land itself, highlighting the severity of the impending judgment.

Group Analysis:

The phrases "by weight, and with carefulness" and "by measure, even with great stint" together paint a vivid picture of controlled deprivation. The focus is not just on the physical lack of food and water, but also the psychological and emotional toll this scarcity will take on the people, leading to fear and astonishment. The reason provided, "because they were broken, that they were bent on destroying things," points to their moral and spiritual failing as the root cause of this divine punishment.

Ezekiel 4 17 Bonus Section

The precise measurements in Ezekiel’s symbolic act echo God's orderliness even in judgment. While it might seem contradictory, God’s judgments are often meticulously administered. This act of strict rationing by divine decree underscores that the suffering of Jerusalem is not arbitrary but part of a sovereign plan of discipline, intended ultimately for restoration, though not without immense cost. The imagery here connects to wider prophetic themes of judgment for covenant violation, seen in Deuteronomy and other prophetic books, and foreshadows the scarcity depicted in other apocalyptic visions, such as in the book of Revelation.

Ezekiel 4 17 Commentary

Ezekiel's rations symbolize Jerusalem's impending doom. The limited portions of food and water, consumed with fear and anxiety, highlight the extreme famine and thirst the city will face. This suffering is not random but a direct consequence of their unfaithfulness and rebellion against God, described as being "broken" and "bent on destroying things" – their relationship with God, their covenant obligations, and ultimately, their nation. The profound scarcity and accompanying dread are intended to shock the people into recognizing the devastating results of their sin, leading to their eventual astonishment at the desolation they brought upon themselves.