Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate. New Living Translation As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, even if those three men were there, they wouldn’t be able to save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be made desolate. English Standard Version even if these three men were in it, as I live, declares the Lord GOD, they would deliver neither sons nor daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. Berean Standard Bible then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. Berean Literal Bible even if these three men were in its midst—as I live, a declaration of the Lord YHWH—neither the sons or daughters they could deliver! They alone would be delivered, and the land would become a desolation. King James Bible Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. New King James Version even though these three men were in it, as I live,” says the Lord GOD, “they would deliver neither sons nor daughters; only they would be delivered, and the land would be desolate. New American Standard Bible though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “they could not save either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be saved, but the country would be desolate. NASB 1995 though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the country would be desolate. NASB 1977 though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the country would be desolate. Legacy Standard Bible though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares Lord Yahweh, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the country would become desolate. Amplified Bible though these three men were in the land, as I live,” says the Lord GOD, “they could not save either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate (ruined, deserted). Berean Annotated Bible then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH}, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. Christian Standard Bible Even if these three men were in it, as I live”—the declaration of the Lord GOD—“they could not rescue their sons or daughters. They alone would be rescued, but the land would be desolate. Holman Christian Standard Bible even if these three men were in it, as I live"—the declaration of the Lord GOD—"they could not deliver their sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate.” American Standard Version though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, they should deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only should be delivered, but the land should be desolate. Contemporary English Version As surely as I live, I promise that even if these three men lived in that nation, their own children would not be spared. The three men would live, but the land would be an empty desert. English Revised Version though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. GOD'S WORD® Translation As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, not even Noah, Daniel, and Job could rescue their own sons or daughters. They could rescue only themselves. And the country would become a wasteland. Good News Translation and even if those three men lived there--as surely as I, the Sovereign LORD, am the living God--they would not be able to save even their own children. They would save only their own lives, and the land would become a wilderness. International Standard Version then even though these three men were in it, as I live," says the Lord GOD, "they wouldn't be able to deliver even their sons or daughters. They would only save themselves, but the land would become desolate. NET Bible Even if these three men were in it, as surely as I live, declares the sovereign LORD, they could not save their own sons or daughters; they would save only their own lives, and the land would become desolate. New Heart English Bible though these three men were in it, as I live," says the Lord GOD, "they should deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only should be delivered, but the land should be desolate. Webster's Bible Translation Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethen as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. World English Bible though these three men were in it, as I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “they would deliver neither sons nor daughters. They only would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version[despite] these three men in its midst—[as] I live,” a declaration of Lord YHWH, “they deliver neither sons nor daughters; they alone are delivered, and the land is a desolation. Berean Literal Bible even if these three men were in its midst—as I live, a declaration of the Lord YHWH—neither the sons or daughters they could deliver! They alone would be delivered, and the land would become a desolation. Young's Literal Translation these three men in its midst: I live -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah -- neither sons nor daughters do they deliver; they alone are delivered, and the land is a desolation. Smith's Literal Translation These three men in its midst, I live, says the Lord Jehovah, if sons and if daughters they shall deliver; they alone shall be delivered, and the land shall be a desolation. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf these three men shall be in it, as I live, saith the Lord, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters: but they only shall be delivered, and the land shall be made desolate. Catholic Public Domain Version if these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord God, they will deliver neither sons, nor daughters. But only they themselves will be delivered, for the land shall be desolated. New American Bible and these three were in it, as I live—oracle of the Lord GOD—I swear they could save neither sons nor daughters; they alone would be saved, but the land would become a wasteland. New Revised Standard Version even if these three men were in it, as I live, says the Lord GOD, they would save neither sons nor daughters; they alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThough these three men were in it, as I live, says the LORD God, they would deliver neither sons nor daughters; but they alone would be delivered and the land would be made desolate. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And these three men are in it, I am living, says THE LORD OF LORDS, that they shall save neither sons nor daughters, but those three only shall be saved, and the land shall be for desolation OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. Brenton Septuagint Translation and if these three men should be in the midst of it, as I live, saith the Lord, neither sons nor daughters shall be saved, but these only shall be saved, and the land shall be destroyed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Irrevocable Sentence…15Or if I send wild beasts through the land to leave it childless and desolate, with no man passing through it for fear of the beasts, 16then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate. 17Or if I bring a sword against that land and say, ‘Let a sword pass through it,’ so that I cut off from it both man and beast,… Cross References then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ Jeremiah 22:24 “As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off. Numbers 14:21 “Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, even if these three men were in it Genesis 6:8-9 Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. / This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. Daniel 6:22-23 My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” / The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den, and when Daniel was lifted out of the den, no wounds whatsoever were found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And this man was blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil. they could not deliver their own sons or daughters Deuteronomy 24:16 Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin. Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. Jeremiah 31:29-30 “In those days, it will no longer be said: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.’ / Instead, each will die for his own iniquity. If anyone eats the sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge. They alone would be delivered Ezekiel 9:4-6 “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.” / And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! / Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. Genesis 19:29 So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that destroyed the cities where he had lived. 2 Peter 2:9 if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment. but the land would be desolate Leviticus 26:32-35 And I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who dwell in it will be appalled. / But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. / Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths. … Isaiah 6:11-12 Then I asked: “How long, O Lord?” And He replied: “Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left unoccupied and the land is desolate and ravaged, / until the LORD has driven men far away and the land is utterly forsaken. Jeremiah 4:26-27 I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert. All its cities were torn down before the LORD, before His fierce anger. / For this is what the LORD says: “The whole land will be desolate, but I will not finish its destruction. Genesis 18:32 Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.” Treasury of Scripture Though these three men were in it, as I live, said the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. these Ezekiel 14:14,18 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD… Matthew 18:19,20 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven… James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. in it. Ezekiel 14:20 Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Numbers 14:28,29 Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: … they shall Genesis 18:23-33 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? … Genesis 19:29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. Job 22:20 Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth. Jump to Previous Affirmation Alone Country Daughters Declares Deliver Delivered Desolate Desolation Either Live Midst Safe Save Sovereign Surely Themselves Three WasteJump to Next Affirmation Alone Country Daughters Declares Deliver Delivered Desolate Desolation Either Live Midst Safe Save Sovereign Surely Themselves Three WasteEzekiel 14 1. God answers idolaters according to their own heart6. They are exhorted to repent, for fear of judgments, by means of seduced prophets 12. God's irrevocable sentence of famine 15. of wild beasts 17. of the sword 19. and of pestilence 22. A remnant shall be reserved for example of others then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD This phrase emphasizes the certainty and authority of God's pronouncement. The expression "as surely as I live" is an oath formula, underscoring the seriousness of the message. It reflects God's eternal nature and His sovereign power over life and death. This phrase is used elsewhere in Scripture to affirm God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His word (Numbers 14:21, Isaiah 49:18). even if these three men were in it they could not deliver their own sons or daughters They alone would be delivered but the land would be desolate Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the mouthpiece of God, delivering messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites. 2. The Lord GOD The sovereign and just God who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His authority and the certainty of His declarations. 3. The Three Men Refers to Noah, Daniel, and Job, who are mentioned earlier in the chapter as paragons of righteousness. Their presence underscores the severity of the judgment, as even their righteousness cannot save others. 4. The Land Represents the nation of Israel, which is under judgment for its idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. 5. Desolation The consequence of sin and rebellion against God, leading to the land being left barren and uninhabited. Teaching Points Individual ResponsibilityEach person is accountable for their own relationship with God. Righteousness cannot be transferred or inherited; it is a personal commitment. The Limits of Intercession While intercession is powerful, there are times when God's judgment is irrevocable due to persistent sin. This underscores the importance of personal repentance. The Severity of Sin Sin has serious consequences, not only for individuals but for entire communities. Recognizing the gravity of sin should lead to sincere repentance and a return to God. The Role of Righteousness Righteousness is valuable and recognized by God, but it does not exempt one from the consequences of a community's collective sin. It highlights the need for communal as well as personal holiness. Hope in Desolation Even in judgment, there is hope for those who remain faithful. God's justice is tempered with mercy for those who are righteous. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:16?2. How does Ezekiel 14:16 emphasize individual responsibility for righteousness before God? 3. What does Ezekiel 14:16 teach about God's judgment and mercy balance? 4. How can Ezekiel 14:16 guide us in intercessory prayer for others? 5. Compare Ezekiel 14:16 with Genesis 18:32 on intercession and divine judgment. 6. How should Ezekiel 14:16 influence our understanding of personal accountability in faith? 7. How does Ezekiel 14:16 reflect God's judgment and mercy? 8. Why are Noah, Daniel, and Job mentioned in Ezekiel 14:16? 9. What does Ezekiel 14:16 reveal about individual righteousness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 14? 11. What does the Bible say about God versus Satan? 12. How does Ezekiel’s teaching in chapter 14 align with or contradict the New Testament emphasis on personal responsibility for sin? 13. Jeremiah 14:7-9: How can a merciful God seemingly ignore the desperate pleas of His people in these verses? 14. What does believing in the Son of God mean? What Does Ezekiel 14:16 Mean then as surely as I live• God uses an oath based on His own life, the highest possible guarantee (Numbers 14:21; Hebrews 6:17–18). • His unchanging character assures that what follows is certain and inevitable. • Because He lives eternally, His promise reaches every generation and cannot fail (Revelation 1:18). declares the Lord GOD • The phrase underscores divine authority—this is not Ezekiel’s opinion but Yahweh’s verdict (Isaiah 45:22-23). • “Lord GOD” (Adonai Yahweh) highlights both His sovereign rule and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 6:3). • Listeners are summoned to submit; debate is over before it begins (Psalm 33:8-9). even if these three men were in it • The “three men” are named in verse 14: Noah, Daniel, and Job. Each was famous for personal righteousness amid corruption or suffering (Genesis 7:1; Daniel 6:22; Job 1:8). • God chooses the most persuasive examples possible—heroes admired by every listener—showing no one else could do better. • Their presence “in it” (Jerusalem) would not alter God’s determined judgment; personal virtue cannot counterbalance national rebellion (Jeremiah 15:1). they could not deliver their own sons or daughters • Righteousness is non-transferable; every soul answers for itself (Ezekiel 18:20; Deuteronomy 24:16). • Family ties, church membership, or heritage cannot replace personal faith and obedience (Matthew 3:9; John 1:12-13). • Even the holiest parent cannot shelter unrepentant children from consequences—a sober call to individual repentance. They alone would be delivered • Salvation here is literal rescue from the coming sword, famine, beast, or plague (Ezekiel 14:21). • God consistently spares the righteous while judging the wicked, as seen with Lot in Sodom (2 Peter 2:7-9) and Rahab in Jericho (Joshua 6:17, 25). • Yet deliverance is limited: “alone” stresses that godliness benefits the godly, not the indifferent bystander. but the land would be desolate • Divine judgment extends beyond people to the land itself, fulfilling covenant warnings (Leviticus 26:32-33; Jeremiah 25:11). • Desolation signals broken fellowship—fields empty, cities silent, temple abandoned (Ezekiel 6:14; 33:28-29). • God’s purpose is both punitive and purifying, clearing away idolatry so future restoration may begin (Ezekiel 36:33-36). summary Ezekiel 14:16 declares that even the greatest saints cannot spare others from judgment that unrepentant sin brings. God swears by His own life that only personal righteousness secures rescue; family connections and admired examples cannot substitute for individual faithfulness. While He will faithfully deliver the righteous remnant, the unyielding land of rebellion will become a wasteland, proving both His justice and His unwavering commitment to His word. Hebrew then as surelyאָ֗נִי (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I as I live, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life declares נְאֻם֙ (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD, יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH even if these הָאֵלֶּה֮ (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those three שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice men הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person were in it, בְּתוֹכָהּ֒ (bə·ṯō·w·ḵāh) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre they could not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not deliver יַצִּ֑ילוּ (yaṣ·ṣî·lū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver their own sons בָּנִ֥ים (bā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1121: A son or וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not daughters. בָּנ֖וֹת (bā·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 1323: A daughter They הֵ֤מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They alone לְבַדָּם֙ (lə·ḇad·dām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of would be saved, יִנָּצֵ֔לוּ (yin·nā·ṣê·lū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver but the land וְהָאָ֖רֶץ (wə·hā·’ā·reṣ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land would be תִּהְיֶ֥ה (tih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be desolate. שְׁמָמָֽה׃ (šə·mā·māh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8077: Devastation, astonishment Links Ezekiel 14:16 NIVEzekiel 14:16 NLT Ezekiel 14:16 ESV Ezekiel 14:16 NASB Ezekiel 14:16 KJV Ezekiel 14:16 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 14:16 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 14:16 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 14:16 French Bible Ezekiel 14:16 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 14:16 Though these three men were in it (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |
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