Ezekiel 14:5

Ezekiel 14:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’

King James Version KJV

That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

American Standard Version ASV

that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So as to take the children of Israel in the thoughts of their hearts, because they have become strange to me through their false gods.

Free Bible Version FBV

Like this I might have the people of Israel decide to recommit themselves to me. Right now, because of their idols, all of them treat me as their enemy.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That I may take the house of Israel in their owne heart, because they are all departed from me through their idoles.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

in order to catch the house of Israel by their heart, in that they have become estranged from off me by their idols — all of them.

World English Bible WEB

that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.”’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That the house of Israel may be caught in their own heart, with which they have departed from me through all their idols.

Translation for Translators T4T

I will do that in order that the Israeli people, who have abandoned me in order to worship their idols, will sincerely [IDM] worship me again.’

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 14:5

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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 14:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לְמַ֛עַן תְּפֹ֥שׂ אֶת בֵּֽית יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּ/לִבָּ֑/ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָזֹ֨רוּ֙ מֵֽ/עָלַ֔/י בְּ/גִלּֽוּלֵי/הֶ֖ם כֻּלָּֽ/ם

לְמַ֛עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

תְּפֹ֥שׂ tâphas H8610 to capture V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בֵּֽית bayith H1004 place N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

בְּ/לִבָּ֑/ם lêb H3820 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נָזֹ֨רוּ֙ zûwr H2114 be a stranger V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

מֵֽ/עָלַ֔/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

בְּ/גִלּֽוּלֵי/הֶ֖ם gillûwl H1544 idol Prep | N-mp | Suff

כֻּלָּֽ/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 14:5

לְמַ֛עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep

This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.

Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that

Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.

תְּפֹ֥שׂ tâphas H8610 "to capture" V-Qal-Inf-a

To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.

Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בֵּֽית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

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.

בְּ/לִבָּ֑/ם lêb H3820 "heart" Prep | 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.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

נָזֹ֨רוּ֙ zûwr H2114 "be a stranger" V-Niphal-Perf-3cp

This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.

Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated

Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.

מֵֽ/עָלַ֔/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff

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.

בְּ/גִלּֽוּלֵי/הֶ֖ם gillûwl H1544 "idol" Prep | 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.

כֻּלָּֽ/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 14:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 14:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:5
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:5
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:5
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 14:5
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:5
Sermons on Ezekiel 14:5

Context — Idolatrous Elders Condemned

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.’

6Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your abominations. 7For 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 1:4	Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of depravity! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.
2	Zechariah 11:8	And in one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul grew impatient with the flock, and their souls also detested me.
3	Romans 1:28	Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.
4	Colossians 1:21	Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds.
5	Hosea 10:2	Their hearts are devious; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and demolish their sacred pillars.
6	Jeremiah 2:31–32	You people of this generation, consider the word of the LORD: “Have I been a wilderness to Israel or a land of dense darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to You no more’? Does a maiden forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number.
7	Ezekiel 14:9–10	But if the prophet is enticed to speak a message, then it was I the LORD who enticed him, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel. They will bear their punishment—the punishment of the inquirer will be the same as that of the prophet—
8	Zechariah 7:11–14	But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.”
9	Deuteronomy 32:15–16	But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation. They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations.
10	Galatians 6:7	Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

Ezekiel 14:5 Summary

[Ezekiel 14:5 tells us that when we have idols in our hearts, it separates us from God. This means that anything we put above God can become an idol, whether it's money, possessions, or relationships. We need to be careful not to let these things become more important to us than our relationship with God, as warned against in 1 John 2:15-17. By seeking God first and putting Him above all else, as commanded in Matthew 6:33, we can avoid the temptation of idols and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have idols in our hearts?

Having idols in our hearts means that we have allowed other things to become more important to us than God, which can lead to spiritual separation from Him, as seen in Ezekiel 14:5 and also in Ephesians 5:5 where it says that covetousness is idolatry.

Why does God want to take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel?

God wants to take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel so that He can restore their relationship with Him and bring them back to Himself, as stated in Ezekiel 14:5, and this is also reflected in Deuteronomy 6:5 where we are commanded to love God with all our heart.

What is the result of being estranged from God due to idols?

Being estranged from God due to idols results in spiritual separation and distance from Him, as seen in Ezekiel 14:5, and this can lead to discipline and judgment, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:6-7 where it says that God disciplines those He loves.

How can we avoid having idols in our hearts?

We can avoid having idols in our hearts by seeking God first and putting Him above all else, as commanded in Matthew 6:33, and by being mindful of the things that can become idols to us, such as money, possessions, or relationships, as warned against in 1 John 2:15-17.

Reflection Questions

What are some potential idols in my own heart that I need to surrender to God?
How can I practically put God first in my life and avoid the temptation of idols?
What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and avoid spiritual separation?
In what ways can I apply the principle of loving God with all my heart, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:5, to my everyday life?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:5

That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart,.... By which they are ensnared, and drawn aside to their ruin; being given up to strong delusions, to believe a lie, and worship idols; God

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:5

That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:5

That I may convince and pierce their very hearts, or lay open what is in their heart, and discover their hypocrisy and impiety; because they have shamefully followed idols, which now in their distress neither know the cause, or can frame a remedy; and what folly is it to choose such gods! what greater impiety than this, to adhere to idols, and forsake God, the only true God and Saviour? Estranged from me; minds that increase their averseness to God. Idolatry draws the man more and more from the Lord.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:5

Ezekiel 14:5 That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.Ver. 5. That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart.] Ut deprehendam, or, as others, ut reprehendam; that I may convince their consciences of their impieties, and sting them to the heart with unquestionable conviction and horror. Because they are all estranged from me.] And fallen in with the devil, who is ειδωλοχαρης, as saith Synesius, a great promoter of idolatry. Idola sunt prima saliva, et initium deficiendi a Deo. Idolatry paveth the way to utter apostasy. Oecolamp.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:5

5. take … in their own heart] The sinner’s sin is like a snare in which he is captured and destroyed; sin carries its own retribution in itself (Job 8:4). The phrase “take them in their own heart” is explained by the words that follow, “because they are all estranged from me through their idols.” Their “heart” is the idolatrous direction of their thoughts and affections; in this they shall be taken (Ezekiel 14:3-4; Ezekiel 14:7).

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 14:5

That I may take ... - i. e., that I may take them, as in a snare, deceived by their own heart.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:5

5. That I may take… in their own heart — “The sinner’s sin is like a snare in which he is captured and destroyed; sin carries its own retribution in itself (Job 8:4).

Sermons on Ezekiel 14:5

	Sermon	Description
	(Biblical Manhood) -Morning Brunch by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a godly example to our children. He shares his desire for his son to see him on his knees, weeping with joy about Jes
	Are You Developing a Hard Heart by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage from Isaiah 6:9-10 where God sends Isaiah on a mission to a people who will not understand or perceive his message. The preacher
	Dangerous Shepards by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern about the state of preaching in North America, stating that skits and plays have replaced traditional sermons in some churches. The sp
	Biblical Courtship Session #1: Introduction to Biblical Courtship by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing and studying the Word of God. He encourages young people to prioritize their time in the Bible rather than being c
	(Gifts) Gift of the Prophet by Dwight Pentecost	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of prophets in the Old Testament and their responsibility to communicate God's message to the people of Israel. He highlights the ex
	Spirit of Perversion - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel	This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to stand firm in their faith and resist the temptations of the world, highlighting the challenges faced by early missionaries and the
	Hell Enlarged! Avoid the Three Steps Which Will Take You There! by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a vineyard as a metaphor for the church. He refers to the parable in Matthew 1:33-34 and the passage in Isaiah 5 to illustrate