Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 14:1
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Context — Idolatrous Elders Condemned
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Ezekiel 8:1 |
In the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month, I was sitting in my house, and the elders of Judah were sitting before me; and there the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 20:1 |
In the seventh year, on the tenth day of the fifth month, some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and they sat down before me. |
| 3 |
2 Kings 6:32 |
Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” |
| 4 |
Isaiah 29:13 |
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. |
| 5 |
Ezekiel 33:31 |
So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. |
| 6 |
Acts 4:5 |
The next day the rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, |
| 7 |
Acts 22:3 |
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I am just as zealous for God as any of you here today. |
| 8 |
Acts 4:8 |
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! |
| 9 |
Luke 10:39 |
She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message. |
Ezekiel 14:1 Summary
Ezekiel 14:1 tells us that some of the leaders of Israel came to sit before the prophet Ezekiel, likely seeking God's guidance. This shows us the importance of seeking wisdom from God's appointed leaders, as seen in Proverbs 11:14. Just like the elders, we can come to God in humility, seeking His word and guidance for our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105. By doing so, we can avoid putting 'wicked stumbling blocks' before our faces and instead follow God's path, as He promises to guide us in Isaiah 30:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the elders of Israel mentioned in Ezekiel 14:1?
The elders of Israel in Ezekiel 14:1 refer to the spiritual leaders of the Israelite community, who are supposed to guide the people in following God's laws, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27 and Deuteronomy 21:1-9.
Why did the elders come to sit before Ezekiel?
The reason for the elders' visit is not explicitly stated in Ezekiel 14:1, but based on the context of the following verses, it appears they came seeking a word from God, similar to how people came to inquire of the Lord in Jeremiah 37:1-10.
Is this event similar to other instances in the Bible where leaders came to prophets?
Yes, this event is similar to other instances in the Bible, such as when the elders of Israel came to Moses in Numbers 11:16-30, or when King Jehoshaphat sought the counsel of the prophet Jehu in 2 Chronicles 19:1-3.
What can we learn from the actions of the elders in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking spiritual guidance from God's appointed leaders, as seen in Acts 13:1-3, and also the need for humility in approaching God's prophets, as demonstrated in 2 Kings 22:12-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can seek God's guidance in my life, just like the elders of Israel came to Ezekiel?
- How can I ensure that my heart is pure and free from idols, as God speaks against in the following verses?
- What are some 'wicked stumbling blocks' that I may have put before my own face, and how can I remove them?
- In what ways can I show humility and a willingness to listen to God's word, as the elders demonstrated by sitting before Ezekiel?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:1
Then came certain, of the elders of Israel unto me,.... The Syriac version adds, "to consult the Lord"; by the prophet.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:1
Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. Then came certain of the elders - persons holding that dignity among the exiles at the Chebar.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:1
EZEKIEL CHAPTER 14 God reproveth those hypocrites, who came to inquire of him with idolatry in their hearts, . They are exhorted to repent, for fear of his judgments, . No intercession shall save the guilty land from God’ s judgment of famine, , noisome beasts, ,16, the sword, ,18, the pestilence, , or from the four judgments together, ,21. A remnant shall be left for the instruction and consolation of others, ,23. Then, Heb. And, that we need not inquire the precise time of this prophecy. Certain of the elders; men of note, that were in office and power among the Jews, called here elders, &c. Of Israel; who were yet in Jerusalem; not the elders who were now, and had been some time, in Babylon. Sat before me: see .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:1
Ezekiel 14:1 Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.Ver. 1. Then came certain of the elders unto me.] Rulers and chieftains of the captives in Babylon, pretending to be far better than those elders at Jerusalem, complained about in Ezekiel 8:11-12, but indeed no better; nay, so much the worse, because they had lost the fruit of all their afflictions, and were as arrant hypocrites as those veteratores old hands, the scribes and Pharisees, that came to John’ s baptism and to our Saviour’ s sermons, with evil and exulcerate minds. “ Non omnes sancti qui calcant limina Templi. ” A Doeg may set his foot as far within the sanctuary as a David. And sat before me.] Demurely and, to see to, devoutly. But why could they not stand to hear the Word of God for reverence sake? Balak did so, though a king; and Eglon, though unwieldy; and a better man than they both, Constantine the Great, as Eusebius records, and further tells us, that being pressed, after long time of hearing, to sit down, with a stern countenance he answered, It were a great sin in me not to hear with utmost attention when God is speaking. De Vita Const.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:1
(1) Certain of the elders of Israel.—There is no distinction intended here between the elders of Israel and the elders of Judah mentioned in 8:1, and therefore there is no occasion to suppose a deputation sent to the prophet from Jerusalem. Israel is now becoming the ordinary name of the existing nation, except where it is used with some special mark of distinction. The object of their enquiry is not mentioned, nor is it even expressly said that they made any enquiry; but the message to them implies this, and from what is said to them we may probably gather what was uppermost in their minds. Already told by the previous prophecies that God would not spare Jerusalem for its own sake, and that His long forbearance hitherto was no warrant for its continuance, they still evidently cherished the hope that, however sinful they might be in themselves, their city would yet be delivered for the sake of the holy men who lived therein. With such thoughts in their minds the elders came and sat before the prophet, in whose fearless words they had already learned to have confidence, and waited what he might have to say to them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:1
CHAPTER XIV Here God threatens those hypocrites who pretended to worship him, while they loved and practised idolatry, 1-11. He declares his irreversible purpose of punishing so guilty a nation, in behalf of which no intercession of the people of God shall be of any avail. The gross idolaters of Jerusalem and Judah shall be visited with God's four sore judgments, famine, 12-14; wild beasts, 15, 16; the sword, 17, 18; and pestilence, 19-21. A remnant shall be delivered from the wrath coming upon the whole land, 22, 23. NOTES ON CHAP. XIV Verse 1. Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me] These probably came to tempt him, or get him to say something that would embroil him with the government. They were bad men, as we shall see in the third verse.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:1
1–9. Answer to idolaters who inquire of the Lord 1. elders of Israel] That is, in point of fact, elders of the exiles; but in them the prophet sees representatives of the house of Israel both at home and abroad (Ezekiel 14:4; Ezekiel 14:7), and when addressing them he feels himself speaking to his people in all places. Cf. ch. Ezekiel 8:1, Ezekiel 20:1. These elders came and sat before him. It is scarcely probable that their presence was due to the prophet’s words in ch. 13, denouncing their false prophets. It might no doubt be supposed that they were perplexed by these denunciations, and, not knowing whom to believe, waited on the prophet for some further enlightenment. It is more likely that their thoughts were occupied about Jerusalem and the future of their country, and that they hoped to hear something more from Ezekiel on these subjects.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 14:1
Elders of Israel - Some of the fellow-exiles of Ezekiel, among whom he ministered.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:1
THE ELDERS INQUIRE IN VAIN OF JEHOVAH THE FUTURE, Ezekiel 14:1-5.1.
Sermons on Ezekiel 14:1
| Sermon | Description |
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Removing the Stumbling Blocks
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of removing stumbling blocks from our hearts and from the church. He warns that if we do not heed God's call to be honest and |
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Ezekiel 14:1
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the concept of idolatry, explaining that it begins in the heart where individuals may unknowingly set up idols that take precedence over God. He highlights t |
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(Common Market) Its Religion - Part 1
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of the "great whore" mentioned in Revelation 17. The speaker believes that this whore represents a system or institution rather t |
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(Revelation) Part 1 the Scarlet Womans Future Judgement
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation Chapter 17 and the woman mentioned in the text. The woman is described as sitting upon many waters, representing peoples, nations |
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The Image of God
by Carter Conlon
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the real image of God, highlighting the dangers of false images and the need for a face-to-face encounter with the true Christ. It |
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Taking Sin Lightly
by David Wilkerson
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the grave consequences of taking sin lightly, using the example of the seventy elders of Judah who, despite their outward worship, were secretly engaged |
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Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2
by Melody Green
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In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i |