Ezekiel 14:3
Ezekiel 14:3 in Multiple Translations
“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?
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?
Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?
Son of man, these men have taken their false gods into their hearts and put before their faces the sin which is the cause of their fall: am I to give ear when they come to me for directions?
“Son of man, these men are worshiping idols in their minds even though they know this will lead them to sin. Why should I respond to their requests?
Sonne of man, these men haue set vp their idoles in their heart, and put the stumbling blocke of their iniquitie before their face: should I, being required, answere them?
'Son of man, these men have caused their idols to go up on their heart, and the stumbling-block of their iniquity they have put over-against their faces; am I inquired of at all by them?
“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face. Should I be inquired of at all by them?
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumbling-block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?
Son of man, these men have placed their uncleannesses in their hearts, and have set up before their face the stumblingblock of their iniquity: and shall I answer when they inquire of me?
“You human, these men want to [IDM] worship idols, and they are allowing idols to induce them to sin [IDM]. So I will certainly [RHQ] answer them if they ask me for advice.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 14:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 14:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אָדָ֗ם
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
הֶעֱל֤וּ
גִלּֽוּלֵי/הֶם֙
עַל
לִבָּ֔/ם
וּ/מִכְשׁ֣וֹל
עֲוֺנָ֔/ם
נָתְנ֖וּ
נֹ֣כַח
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
הַ/אִדָּרֹ֥שׁ
אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ
לָ/הֶֽם
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
הֶעֱל֤וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
גִלּֽוּלֵי/הֶם֙
gillûwl
H1544
idol
N-mp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
לִבָּ֔/ם
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מִכְשׁ֣וֹל
mikshôwl
H4383
stumbling
Conj | N-ms
עֲוֺנָ֔/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs | Suff
נָתְנ֖וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נֹ֣כַח
nôkach
H5227
before
Prep
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
הַ/אִדָּרֹ֥שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Part | V-Niphal-Ptc
אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
לָ/הֶֽם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 14:3
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
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.
הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
הֶעֱל֤וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
גִלּֽוּלֵי/הֶם֙
gillûwl
H1544
"idol"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an idol, which is an object worshipped as a god. It literally means a log or a round piece of wood, but it's used to describe false gods and idols in the Bible. It's often used in a negative sense to criticize idol worship.
Definition: idols
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Ezekiel 18:12; Jeremiah 50:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לִבָּ֔/ם
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וּ/מִכְשׁ֣וֹל
mikshôwl
H4383
"stumbling"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a stumbling block or obstacle, literal or figurative. It can refer to an idol or something that causes someone to sin, as seen in the books of Leviticus and Matthew. The word is often associated with things that lead people astray.
Definition: 1) a stumbling, means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block 1a) stumbling, fall 1b) means or occasion of stumbling, stumbling block
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: caused to fall, offence, [idiom] (no-) thing offered, ruin, stumbling-block. See also: Leviticus 19:14; Ezekiel 7:19; Psalms 119:165.
עֲוֺנָ֔/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
נָתְנ֖וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נֹ֣כַח
nôkach
H5227
"before"
Prep
Refers to something being in front of or before something else, often describing location or direction. Used in Deuteronomy to describe the Israelites' position relative to the Promised Land. It can also mean on behalf of someone.
Definition: subst 1) be in front of adv 2) in front of, opposite to, in the sight of, before, to the front, right on prep 3) towards the front of, in front of, on behalf of, as far as in front of Also means: ne.khach (נֵכַח "before" H5226)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, direct(-ly), for, right (on). See also: Genesis 25:21; 1 Kings 22:35; Proverbs 4:25.
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
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.
הַ/אִדָּרֹ֥שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Part | V-Niphal-Ptc
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
לָ/הֶֽם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 14:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 14:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 14:3
Context — Idolatrous Elders Condemned
1Then some of the elders of Israel came and sat down before me.
2And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
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?
4Therefore 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, 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.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 14:7 | For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 7:19 | They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will seem unclean. Their silver and gold cannot save them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetites or fill their stomachs with wealth, for it became the stumbling block that brought their iniquity. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 20:3 | “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 4 | Isaiah 1:15 | When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 20:16 | because they kept rejecting My ordinances, refusing to walk in My statutes, and profaning My Sabbaths; for their hearts continually went after their idols. |
| 6 | 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, |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:9 | Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 44:12 | Because they ministered before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I swore with an uplifted hand concerning them that they would bear the consequences of their iniquity, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 20:31 | When you offer your gifts, sacrificing your sons in the fire, you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. So should I be consulted by you, O house of Israel? As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you! |
| 10 | 1 Peter 2:8 | and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. |
Ezekiel 14:3 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 14:3, teaches us that when we allow idols to take over our hearts, we create stumbling blocks that hinder our relationship with God. Having idols in our hearts means that we have allowed something or someone to take God's place, which is a form of idolatry, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5. To have a pure heart, we must surrender our idols and priorities to God, and seek to follow Him wholeheartedly, as described in Matthew 22:37-38 and Luke 9:23. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and avoid the consequences of idolatry.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have idols in our hearts?
Having idols in our hearts, as mentioned in Ezekiel 14:3, means that we have allowed something or someone to take the place of God in our lives, which is a form of idolatry, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5 and Matthew 22:37-38.
Can we still approach God with idols in our hearts?
According to Ezekiel 14:3-5, God will answer those who approach Him with idols in their hearts, but it will be according to their idolatry, which can lead to further estrangement from Him, as seen in Isaiah 59:2.
How can we identify stumbling blocks in our lives?
Stumbling blocks, as mentioned in Ezekiel 14:3, can be anything that hinders our relationship with God, such as sin, worldly desires, or priorities that compete with our devotion to Him, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17 and Matthew 16:23.
What is the consequence of having idols and stumbling blocks?
The consequence of having idols and stumbling blocks, as seen in Ezekiel 14:5, is that we become estranged from God, which can lead to spiritual blindness and separation from His presence, as described in Isaiah 1:15 and Psalm 66:18-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some potential idols that I may have set up in my own heart, and how can I surrender them to God?
- In what ways have I allowed stumbling blocks to hinder my relationship with God, and what steps can I take to remove them?
- How can I ensure that my heart is fully devoted to God, without any competing idols or priorities?
- What does it mean to approach God with a pure heart, and how can I cultivate this in my own life, as described in Psalm 24:3-4 and Matthew 5:8?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:3
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart,.... Though they look so grave and demure, seem so devout and religious, and hear with so much attention and reverence, and express such a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:3
Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
These men; who probably were come from Jerusalem, sent by Zedekiah, and mentioned by Jeremiah, ; some of the courtiers, who, more out of curiosity than religion, give a visit to this famous prophet. Have set up their idols in their heart; resolved idolaters, their heart was totally addicted to their idolatrous worship and ceremonies, immersed in it. The stumbling-block of their iniquity; their idols, so expressed, because they were both the object of their sin, and occasion of their ruin. They account these idols to be gods, and worship, fear, trust in, and plead for them; this is their sin, and ere long this shall bring ruin on them. Can these men seriously consult me? Is it fit I should give counsel to obstinate, resolved sinners, who come to inquire, but will not hearken? Should I help them in their distress, who depend on idols which I hate?
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
Ezekiel 14:3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?Ver. 3. These men have set their idols in their hearts.] Though they would seem to abhor idols, yet the devil is at inn with them, and their hearts are no better than so many idol temples, as thou wouldst easily perceive hadst thou but my fiery eyes, and couldst see their insides as I do. Sustulerunt stercoreos deos suos super cor suum, they have laid their dungy deities upon their very hearts; a place where I only should be by right, for it is the bridal bed. And put the stumblingblock of their iniquity,] i.e., They are impudent sinners, as the scholiast interprets it, and resolved of their course whatever comes of it. Should I be inquired of at all by them?] q.d., No, never; I scorn the motion, I abhor such ludibrious devotion as this is. Away with it. Piscator rendereth the words, An ergo serio interrogor ab eis? Thinkest thou that I am seriously sought unto by these? q.d., Nothing less. Piscator. One who writes explanatory notes upon an author; esp. an ancient commentator upon a classical writer. ŒD Hoc significat crassum Dei contemptum et quasi professam rebellionem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
(3) Have set up their idols in their heart.—It was not the open idolatry of Judæa which is reproved among these elders of the captivity; that had already passed away, but still their heart was not right. Like Lot’s wife, they longed for that which they dared not do. With such a disposition, they were in the greatest danger, putting “the stumbling-block of their iniquity,” the temptation to sin, directly before them. And not only so, but they kept themselves in a state of alienation from God, so that it was idle to imagine He would allow Himself to be enquired of by them. The question implies the negative answer which is fully expressed in the following verses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:3
Verse 3. These men have set up their idols in their heart] Not only in their houses; in the streets; but they had them in their hearts. These were stumbling-blocks of iniquity; they fell over them, and broke the neck of their souls. And should God be inquired of by such miscreants as these?
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:3
3. set up their idols in] Lit. have laid their idols upon their heart, which appears to mean, laid them on their minds, busied their thoughts and filled their affections with them. stumblingblock of their iniquity] The reference is still to the idols. Stumblingblock of iniquity is that over which one falls and commits iniquity, see on ch. Ezekiel 7:19. before their face] i.e. have placed them in their view, or, so as to follow them; cf. Ezekiel 14:6 “turn away your faces from all your abominations;” Psalms 16:8; Psalms 101:3. The language is figurative, and does not imply literal setting-up of idols. should I be inquired of] Or, shall I let myself be inquired of? that is, shall I give an answer (through the prophet)? cf. Isaiah 65:1, where “inquired of” is parallel to “was found.”
Sermons on Ezekiel 14:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Wearing Down of the Saints by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of people waiting in line to be prayed for and seeking a touch or word from a man instead of seeking God directly. The speaker refer |
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True Repentance by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes God's promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will never allow us to face trials beyond our ability to bear, likening trials to resistance training for spirit |
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Teach Us to Pray by Billy Sunday | Billy Sunday emphasizes the vital role of prayer in a believer's life, arguing that neglecting prayer leads to spiritual weakness akin to physical weakness from lack of exercise. H |
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Idols in the Heart by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the hidden idolatry in the hearts of respected elders of Israel who sought guidance from the prophet Ezekiel. Despite their outward appearance of godlines |
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Idolatry Brings Deception by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that idolatry leads to deception, where individuals believe lies to be the truth. He illustrates this through the example of King Ahab, who, despite his |
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Social Conditions by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the na |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |