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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 14:4 Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/14-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/26_Ezk_14_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 14:4 - Idolatrous Elders Condemned" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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So I, the LORD, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves. <a href="/esv/ezekiel/14.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry, <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/14.htm">King James Bible</a> 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; <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/14.htm">New King James Version</a> “Therefore speak to them, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Everyone of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, and puts before him what causes him to stumble into iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him who comes, according to the multitude of his idols, <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “Anyone of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts in front of his face the stumbling block of his wrongdoing, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will let Myself answer him in the matter in view of the multitude of his idols, <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/14.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Therefore speak to them and tell them, &#8216Thus says the Lord GOD, &#8220Any man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will be brought to give him an answer in the matter in view of the multitude of his idols, <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Any man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will be brought to give him an answer in the matter in view of the multitude of his idols, <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Any man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I Yahweh will be brought to give him an answer in light of it, in light of the multitude of his idols, <a href="/amp/ezekiel/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Any man of the house of Israel who takes his idols [of rebellion] into his heart, and puts the [vile] stumbling block of his wickedness and guilt [images of silver and gold] before his face, and yet comes to the prophet [to ask of him], I the LORD will answer him, [but I will answer him] in accordance with the number of his idols, <a href="/csb/ezekiel/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Therefore, speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: When anyone from the house of Israel sets up idols in his heart and puts his sinful stumbling block in front of himself, and then comes to the prophet, I, the LORD, will answer him appropriately. I will answer him according to his many idols, <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, speak to them and tell them: This is what the Lord GOD says: When anyone from the house of Israel sets up idols in his heart, puts a sinful stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I, Yahweh, will answer him appropriately. I will answer him according to his many idols, <a href="/asv/ezekiel/14.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols; <a href="/cev/ezekiel/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Tell the people of Israel that if they sin by worshiping idols and then go to a prophet to find out what I say, I will give them the answer their sins deserve. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/14.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols; <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "So speak to them. Tell them, 'This is what the LORD says: Suppose an Israelite is devoted to idols and allows himself to fall into sin. Suppose he goes to a prophet [to ask for my help]. I, the LORD, will give that Israelite an answer, the answer that his many idols deserve. <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/14.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Now speak to them and tell them what I, the Sovereign LORD, am saying to them: Each of you Israelites who have given your heart to idols and let them lead you into sin and who then come to consult a prophet, will get an answer from me--the answer that your many idols deserve! <a href="/isv/ezekiel/14.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, speak up and tell them, 'This is what the Lord GOD says, "Every person from Israel's house who follows his idols and sets the stumbling block that is his own sin in front of his face, and then consults a prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to how many idols he embraces. <a href="/msb/ezekiel/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ?When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry, <a href="/net/ezekiel/14.htm">NET Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and say to them, 'This is what the sovereign LORD says: When any one from the house of Israel erects his idols in his heart and sets the obstacle leading to his iniquity before his face, and then consults a prophet, I the LORD am determined to answer him personally according to the enormity of his idolatry. <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore speak to them, and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him in it according to the multitude of his idols; <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore speak to them, and say to them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling-block 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; <a href="/web/ezekiel/14.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face then comes to the prophet, I Yahweh will answer him there according to the multitude of his idols, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Therefore, speak with them, and you have said to them, Thus said Lord YHWH: Everyone of the house of Israel who causes his idols to go up to his heart, and sets the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and has gone to the prophet—I, YHWH, have given an answer to him for this, for the abundance of his idols, <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Therefore, speak with them, and thou hast said unto them: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Every one of the house of Israel who causeth his idols to go up unto his heart, and the stumbling-block of his iniquity setteth over-against his face, and hath gone in unto the prophet -- I Jehovah have given an answer to him for this, for the abundance of his idols, <a href="/slt/ezekiel/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For this, speak to them and say to them, Thus said the Lord Jehovah: A man, a man of the house of Israel who shall bring up his blocks upon his heart, and shall set up the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and coming to the prophet, I Jehovah answered to him coming according to the multitude of his blocks;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Therefore speak to them, and say to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Man, man of the house of Israel that shall place his uncleannesses in his heart, and set up the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and shall come to the prophet inquiring of me by him: I the Lord will answer him according to the multitude of his uncleannesses: <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Because of this, speak to them, and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: The man, the man of the house of Israel, who places his uncleanness in his heart, and who stations the scandal of his iniquities before his face, and who approaches a prophet, so as to inquire of me through him: I, the Lord, will respond to him in accord with the multitude of his uncleannesses, <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/14.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: If any of the house of Israel who keep the memory of their idols in their hearts, setting the stumbling block of their sin before them, come to a prophet, I the LORD will answer in person because of their many idols, <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore speak to them, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Any of those of the house of Israel who take their idols into their hearts and place their iniquity as a stumbling block before them, and yet come to the prophet—I the LORD will answer those who come with the multitude of their idols,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the LORD God: Every man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face and comes to the prophet, I the LORD will be a witness against him because of the multitude of his idols, <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Therefore, speak with them, and say to them: ‘Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS, a man from the house of Israel who will set up his idols on his heart and will set before his face the stumbling block of his evil, and he shall come to the Prophet, I, LORD JEHOVAH, I shall be to him a witness against the multitude of his idols<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 mind, 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; <a href="/sep/ezekiel/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Therefore speak to them, and thou shalt say to them, Thus saith the Lord; Any man of the house of Israel, who shall conceive his devices in his heart, and shall set the punishment of his iniquity before his face, and shall come to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him according to the things in which his mind is entangled, <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=3126" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/14.htm">Idolatrous Elders Condemned</a> …3“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? 4<a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr- (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">to them</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh- (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">that this is what</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/3069.htm" title="3069: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- YHWH. A variation of Yhovah.">GOD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says:</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">‘When</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">any</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: mib·bêṯ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israelite</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ya·‘ă·leh (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">sets up</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1544.htm" title="1544: gil·lū·lāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- An idol. Or gillul; from galal; properly, a log; by implication, an idol.">idols</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">his heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: yā·śîm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and puts</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ă·wō·nōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">a wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/4383.htm" title="4383: ū·miḵ·šō·wl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Or mikshol; masculine from kashal; a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (specifically an idol), scruple).">stumbling block</a> <a href="/hebrew/5227.htm" title="5227: nō·ḵaḥ (Prep) -- From the same as nekach; properly, the front part; used adverbially, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·nāw (N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">his face,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ū·ḇā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and then comes</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nā·ḇî (Art:: N-ms) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">the prophet,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: na·‘ă·nê·ṯî (V-Nifal-Perf-1cs) -- To answer, respond.">will answer</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇå̄h (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: bə·rōḇ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">according to his great</a> <a href="/hebrew/1544.htm" title="1544: gil·lū·lāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- An idol. Or gillul; from galal; properly, a log; by implication, an idol.">idolatry,</a> 5so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a> I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. <a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Psalm 66:18</a> If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5-8</a> Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. / But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. / That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ... <a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8</a> ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. <a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a> And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. <a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Proverbs 21:2</a> All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. <a href="/jeremiah/29-13.htm">Jeremiah 29:13</a> You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27</a> And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. <a href="/2_chronicles/16-9.htm">2 Chronicles 16:9</a> For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” <a href="/luke/11-9.htm">Luke 11:9-10</a> So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Jeremiah 11:20</a> O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore speak to them, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that sets up his idols in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that comes according to the multitude of his idols;speak<a href="/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7</a> And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.<a href="/ezekiel/3-4.htm">Ezekiel 3:4,17-21</a> And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them… I the Lord<a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Ezekiel 14:7</a> 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 inquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:<a href="/1_kings/21-20.htm">1 Kings 21:20-25</a> And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD… <a href="/2_kings/1-16.htm">2 Kings 1:16</a> And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to inquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-14.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-17.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-3.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/10-7.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-19.htm">Therein</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm">Idols</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-60.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/ezekiel/19-11.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-9.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Stumblingblock</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-7.htm">Stumbling-Block</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-22.htm">Therein</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 14</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/14-1.htm">God answers idolaters according to their own heart</a> 6. <a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">They are exhorted to repent, for fear of judgments, by means of seduced prophets</a> 12. <a href="/ezekiel/14-12.htm">God's irrevocable sentence of famine</a> 15. <a href="/ezekiel/14-15.htm">of wild beasts</a> 17. <a href="/ezekiel/14-17.htm">of the sword</a> 19. <a href="/ezekiel/14-19.htm">and of pestilence</a> 22. <a href="/ezekiel/14-22.htm">A remnant shall be reserved for example of others</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: This phrase establishes the authority of the message. The prophet Ezekiel is commanded to deliver God's words, emphasizing the divine origin of the message. In the biblical context, prophets served as God's mouthpieces, conveying His will to the people. This underscores the seriousness of the message, as it is not merely human opinion but divine instruction.When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart: Idolatry is a central theme in the Old Testament, often leading to Israel's downfall. Here, the focus is on internal idolatry, suggesting that idolatry is not just about physical idols but also about misplaced priorities and affections. This internalization of idolatry reflects the broader biblical teaching that sin begins in the heart (<a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Matthew 15:19</a>). The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of will and emotion, indicating that idolatry corrupts one's entire being.and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face: A stumbling block refers to anything that leads one into sin or away from God. In this context, it suggests that the Israelites' idolatry is not only internal but also manifests in actions that lead themselves and others astray. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are warned not to cause others to stumble (<a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13</a>). The imagery of a stumbling block highlights the danger and destructiveness of sin.and then comes to the prophet: This phrase indicates a hypocritical approach to seeking divine guidance. Despite their idolatry, the Israelites still seek a word from God through His prophet. This reflects a superficial religiosity, where individuals maintain religious practices while harboring sin. It parallels the New Testament critique of those who honor God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (<a href="/matthew/15-8.htm">Matthew 15:8</a>).I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry: God's response is tailored to the individual's sin, emphasizing His justice and omniscience. This phrase suggests that God will not be mocked; He sees the true state of the heart and responds accordingly. It serves as a warning that God’s answers are not always what people want to hear, especially when they are in rebellion. This principle is consistent with the biblical theme that God disciplines those He loves (<a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>) and that He desires repentance and genuine worship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/h/house_of_israel.htm">House of Israel</a> Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who are in a covenant relationship with Him. 3. <a href="/topical/i/idols_in_the_heart.htm">Idols in the Heart</a> Symbolizes internal idolatry, where individuals prioritize anything above God in their hearts. 4. <a href="/topical/p/prophet.htm">Prophet</a> A messenger of God, who in this context, is approached by those seeking divine guidance. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant name of God, emphasizing His authority and relationship with Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/internal_idolatry.htm">Internal Idolatry</a> Idolatry is not just external but begins in the heart. Believers must examine their hearts for anything that takes precedence over God. <a href="/topical/g/god's_response_to_idolatry.htm">God's Response to Idolatry</a> God addresses idolatry directly and personally. He will respond to those who approach Him with divided hearts, often by exposing their sin. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_prophet.htm">The Role of the Prophet</a> Prophets serve as God's mouthpiece, but their message is ineffective if the hearer's heart is not right with God. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Believers are called to regularly assess their priorities and ensure that God remains at the center of their lives. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_idolatry.htm">Consequences of Idolatry</a> Idolatry leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. It is crucial to repent and realign one's heart with God's will.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Will answer him that cometh.--The words that cometh, not being in the original, should be omitted. The verb answer in the original is in the passive, and has a reflexive sense="I will show myself answering," a softer form than the English. The principle that when man persists in going counter to God's known will He will allow him to misunderstand that will, is abundantly established by such instances as that of Balaam (<a href="/numbers/22-20.htm" title="And God came to Balaam at night, and said to him, If the men come to call you, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say to you, that shall you do.">Numbers 22:20</a>) and of Micaiah (<a href="/1_kings/22-15.htm" title="So he came to the king. And the king said to him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.">1Kings 22:15</a>). No man can hope to know what God would have him to do unless his own heart is truly submissive to the Divine will. The threat here is, that the man coming to inquire of God with a heart full of idolatry, shall receive no true answer from that Omniscience which he does not respect; but will rather find himself deceived by the illusions of his own heart. This idea is more fully developed in the following verse. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm" title="He feeds on ashes: a deceived heart has turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?">Isaiah 44:20</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - I will answer him that cometh, etc. The two last words represent the K'ri, or marginal reading of the Hebrew; the "therein" of the Revised Version, the Kh'-tib, or written text. Probably we should read, as in ver. 7, "I will answer him by myself" (Hitzig). <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Therefore, לָכֵ֣ן (lā·ḵên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus speak דַּבֵּר־ (dab·bêr-) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to them א֠וֹתָם (’ō·w·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case and tell them וְאָמַרְתָּ֨ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say that this is what כֹּה־ (kōh-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> The Lord GOD יְהוִ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> YHWH says: אָמַ֣ר ׀ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘When אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that any אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person Israelite יִשְׂרָאֵ֡ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc sets up יַעֲלֶ֨ה (ya·‘ă·leh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively idols גִּלּוּלָ֜יו (gil·lū·lāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> A log, an idol in אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his heart לִבּ֗וֹ (lib·bōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre and puts יָשִׂים֙ (yā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set a wicked עֲוֺנוֹ֙ (‘ă·wō·nōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity stumbling block וּמִכְשׁ֤וֹל (ū·miḵ·šō·wl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4383.htm">Strong's 4383: </a> A stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, a stumbling block before נֹ֣כַח (nō·ḵaḥ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5227.htm">Strong's 5227: </a> The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of his face, פָּנָ֔יו (pā·nāw) Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face and then comes וּבָ֖א (ū·ḇā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the prophet, הַנָּבִ֑יא (han·nā·ḇî) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> A spokesman, speaker, prophet I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I the LORD יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel will answer him נַעֲנֵ֧יתִי (na·‘ă·nê·ṯî) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond according to his great בְּרֹ֥ב (bə·rōḇ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> Multitude, abundance, greatness idolatry, גִּלּוּלָֽיו׃ (gil·lū·lāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1544.htm">Strong's 1544: </a> A log, an idol <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/14-4.htm">Ezekiel 14:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-4.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 14:4 Therefore speak to them and tell them (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/14-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 14:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 14:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/14-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 14:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 14:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>