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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Ezekiel 17  › Ezekiel 17:14

Ezekiel 17:14

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Ezekiel 17:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant.

King James Version KJV

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

American Standard Version ASV

that the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So that the kingdom might be made low with no power of lifting itself up, but might keep his agreement to be his servants.

Free Bible Version FBV

so that the kingdom would be kept in subjection and wouldn't be strong enough to rebel—it would only survive by keeping its agreement with him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

That the kingdome might be in subiection, and not lift it selfe vp, but keepe their couenant, and stand to it.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

That the kingdom may be humble, That it may not lift itself up, To keep his covenant — that it may stand.

World English Bible WEB

that the kingdom might be brought low, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping his covenant it might stand.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

That it may be a low kingdom and not lift itself up, but keep his covenant, and observe it.

Translation for Translators T4T

in order that the kingdom of Judah would not be able to become powerful again. The King of Babylon intended that the kingdom of Judah would not continue to exist if the people did not obey that agreement that he made with the King of Babylon.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 17:14

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 17:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לִֽ/הְיוֹת֙ מַמְלָכָ֣ה שְׁפָלָ֔ה לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר אֶת בְּרִית֖/וֹ לְ/עָמְדָֽ/הּ
לִֽ/הְיוֹת֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַמְלָכָ֣ה mamlâkâh H4467 kingdom N-fs
שְׁפָלָ֔ה shâphâl H8217 low Adj
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י biltîy H1115 lest Prep | Conj
הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Hithpael-Inf-a
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר shâmar H8104 to keep Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בְּרִית֖/וֹ bᵉrîyth H1285 covenant N-fs | Suff
לְ/עָמְדָֽ/הּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 17:14

לִֽ/הְיוֹת֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מַמְלָכָ֣ה mamlâkâh H4467 "kingdom" N-fs
This word refers to a kingdom or dominion, describing a ruler's power or territory. In the Bible, it is used to describe the kingdoms of Israel and other nations, as well as God's sovereignty. It emphasizes a ruler's authority and control.
Definition: 1) kingdom, dominion, reign, sovereignty 1a) kingdom, realm 1b) sovereignty, dominion 1c) reign
Usage: Occurs in 113 OT verses. KJV: kingdom, king's, reign, royal. See also: Genesis 10:10; 2 Chronicles 22:9; Psalms 46:7.
שְׁפָלָ֔ה shâphâl H8217 "low" Adj
This word means to be low or humble, either in physical height or in social status, often used to describe someone's character or condition. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Psalms and Proverbs. It signifies a lack of pride or arrogance.
Definition: 1) low, humble 1a) low (in height) 1b) low (in station), humble (of condition or spirit) 1c) humiliated 1d) lowly (as subst)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly). See also: Leviticus 13:20; Ecclesiastes 12:4; Psalms 138:6.
לְ/בִלְתִּ֖י biltîy H1115 "lest" Prep | Conj
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Hithpael-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
לִ/שְׁמֹ֥ר shâmar H8104 "to keep" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
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.
בְּרִית֖/וֹ bᵉrîyth H1285 "covenant" N-fs | Suff
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
לְ/עָמְדָֽ/הּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 17:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 29:14 I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom.
2 Deuteronomy 28:43 The foreigner living among you will rise higher and higher above you, while you sink down lower and lower.
3 1 Samuel 2:30 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
4 Jeremiah 38:17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you indeed surrender to the officers of the king of Babylon, then you will live, this city will not be burned down, and you and your household will survive.
5 Nehemiah 9:36–37 So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness— here we are as slaves! Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
6 Ezekiel 17:6 It sprouted and became a spreading vine, low in height, with branches turned toward him; yet its roots remained where it stood. So it became a vine and yielded branches and sent out shoots.
7 Matthew 22:17–21 So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus knew their evil intent and said, “You hypocrites, why are you testing Me? Show Me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. “Whose image is this,” He asked, “and whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
8 Lamentations 5:10 Our skin is as hot as an oven with fever from our hunger.
9 Jeremiah 27:12–17 And to Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke the same message: “Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and live! Why should you and your people die by sword and famine and plague, as the LORD has decreed against any nation that does not serve the king of Babylon? Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying to you a lie. For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.” Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie. Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city become a ruin?
10 1 Samuel 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.

Ezekiel 17:14 Summary

This verse is saying that the kingdom would be weakened and have to rely on the king of Babylon's covenant to survive. This is like when we have to rely on God's promises to get us through tough times (Psalm 119:114). Just like the kingdom, we can't lift ourselves up or survive on our own strength, but we have to trust in God's power and promises (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). By keeping God's covenant and trusting in Him, we can find true strength and survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the kingdom to be 'brought low' in Ezekiel 17:14?

This means that the kingdom would be weakened and humbled, unable to rely on its own strength, similar to what God did to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, where He humbled them to teach them to rely on Him.

Why would the kingdom only survive by keeping the covenant?

The kingdom's survival depended on their obedience to the covenant they made with the king of Babylon, as stated in Ezekiel 17:13-14, and this is a picture of our own dependence on God's covenant with us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual kingdom?

While the immediate context of Ezekiel 17:14 is talking about a physical kingdom, the principles of humility and dependence on God's covenant can be applied spiritually, as seen in Romans 6:17-18, where we are called to be slaves of righteousness.

How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?

This verse shows that God is in control of the rise and fall of kingdoms, as stated in Daniel 2:21, and that He uses human actions to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Isaiah 46:10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I try to 'lift myself up' instead of relying on God's strength, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
  2. How can I apply the principle of keeping covenant with God in my own life, just like the kingdom in Ezekiel 17:14?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to survive on my own strength, and how can I trust God to provide for me instead?
  4. In what ways can I show humility and recognition of my dependence on God, just like the kingdom in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:14

That the kingdom might be base,.... Low or humble; its king but a viceroy, a tributary to the king of Babylon; and the subjects obliged to a tax, payable to him; and this is intended by the vine

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:14

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:14

So plainly and openly did Nebuchadnezzar deal with the Jews. The kingdom; the tributary kingdom, whereof Zedekiah is roitelet. Base; low in power. Lift itself up; rise up into rebellion, or be so considerable as to encourage any neighbour king to assist and confederate with them against Babylon. That by continuing faithful, and performing the conditions of his covenant, either Nebuchadnezzar’ s, by imposing, or Zedekiah’ s, by submitting to it, and obliging himself by it, the kingdom of the Jews might continue and flourish.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:14

Ezekiel 17:14 That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.Ver. 14. That the kingdom might be base.] The mighty of the land being taken away, and the spirits of the vest imbased by burdens and oppressions in their estates and liberties. But that by keeping of his covenant.] The breach whereof was the break neck of the state, as it hath been of many others, and will be shortly of the Turks - who hold that there is no faith to be kept with dogs, that is, with Christians - and of the Popes, who hold that there is no faith to be kept with heretics, that is, with Protestants; and for all others, it is written by an Italian, no stranger to the court of Rome, that their proverb is, Mercatorum eat, non regum, stare iuramentis, that it is for merchants, and not for monarchs, to stand to their oaths. Shall such stand? shall they thus escape by iniquity?

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:14

(14) That the kingdom might be base.—(See the Notes on Ezekiel 17:6.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:14

Verse 14. That the kingdom might be base] Have no political consequence, and at last sink into a miserable government under Gedaliah.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:14

14. might be base] i.e. humble, and without pretension; cf. ch. Ezekiel 29:14. It was with this purpose that Nebuchadnezzar carried away the mighty of the land. He also hoped that the kingdom would “stand;” it was no doubt his policy to have a dependent, friendly state on the frontier of Egypt. The word “stand,” however, may refer to the covenant: to keep his covenant, that it might stand.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:14

14. Might be base — Humble, and without pretension. (Compare 1 Chronicles 29:14.) It was with this purpose that Nebuchadnezzar carried away the mighty of the land. — Davidson.

Sermons on Ezekiel 17:14

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Knowing God's Way) 11. Owe No Man Anything by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of financial stewardship and the spiritual implications of debt. Under the new covenant, believers are called to partake of God's nature an
David Wilkerson The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp
Leonard Ravenhill The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu
Zac Poonen Grace to the Humble (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God gives grace to the humble and exalts those who submit to His mighty hand. It contrasts Old Testa
Zac Poonen God Honours Those Who Honour Him by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the character of God. He encourages the audience to look at Jesus as an example in various area
Zac Poonen (Beginning a New Year) the Spirit and the Throne by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of being lifted by the Holy Spirit to truly understand God's Word and experience His fullness. He reflects on Revelation 4:1, where John is call
Zac Poonen (Youth Conference 2006) Be Faithful in These Little Matters by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea that our lives are predetermined by God. He shares a personal anecdote about how he believes angels intervened to protect him on th
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