Ezekiel 14:4

Authorized King James Version

Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

דַּבֵּר

H1696

Therefore speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

א֠וֹתָם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

unto them Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

unto them Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֗ה

H3069

GOD

god

#10

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

Every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

Every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#12

מִבֵּ֣ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#15

יַעֲלֶ֨ה

H5927

that setteth up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#16

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#17

גִּלּוּלָֽיו׃

H1544

his idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

#18

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#19

לִבּ֗וֹ

H3820

in his heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#20

וּמִכְשׁ֤וֹל

H4383

the stumblingblock

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

#21

עֲוֹנוֹ֙

H5771

of his iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#22

יָשִׂים֙

H7760

and putteth

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#23

נֹ֣כַח

H5227

before

properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

#24

פָּנָ֔יו

H6440

his face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#25

וּבָ֖א

H935

and cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#26

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#27

הַנָּבִ֑יא

H5030

to the prophet

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#28

אֲנִ֣י

H589

#29

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

I the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#30

נַעֲנֵ֧יתִי

H6030

will answer

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

#31

ל֦וֹ

#32

בָ֖ה

#33

בְּרֹ֥ב

H7230

according to the multitude

abundance (in any respect)

#34

גִּלּוּלָֽיו׃

H1544

his idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Ezekiel