Ezekiel 4:14
Ezekiel 4:14 in Multiple Translations
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Then said I, Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, my soul hath not been polluted; for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn of beasts; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Then I said, Ah, Lord! see, my soul has never been unclean, and I have never taken as my food anything which has come to a natural death or has been broken by beasts, from the time when I was young even till now; no disgusting flesh has ever come into my mouth.
“Please no, Lord God!” I answered. “I have never made myself unclean. I haven't eaten anything found dead or killed by wild animals from the time I was young until now. I've never put unclean meat in my mouth.”
Then said I, Ah, Lord God, beholde, my soule hath not bene polluted: for from my youth vp, euen vnto this houre, I haue not eaten of a thing dead, or torne in pieces, neither came there any vncleane flesh in my mouth.
And I say, 'Ah, Lord Jehovah, lo, my soul is not defiled, and carcase, and torn thing, I have not eaten from my youth, even till now; nor come into my mouth hath abominable flesh.'
Then I said, “Ah Lord GOD! Behold, my soul has not been polluted; for from my youth up even until now I have not eaten of that which dies of itself, or is torn of animals. No abominable meat has come into my mouth!”
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither hath abominable flesh come into my mouth.
And I said: Ah, ah, ah, O Lord God, behold my soul hath not been defiled, and from my infancy even till now, I have not eaten any thing that died of itself, or was torn by beasts, and no unclean flesh hath entered into my mouth.
Then I said, “No, Yahweh God!Do not force me to do that! I have never caused myself to become unacceptable to you by doing anything like that. From the time when I was young, I have never eaten meat of any animal that was found dead or that had been killed by wild animals. And I have never eaten any meat that is unacceptable to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:14
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 4:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמַ֗ר
אֲהָהּ֙
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֔ה
הִנֵּ֥ה
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
לֹ֣א
מְטֻמָּאָ֑ה
וּ/נְבֵלָ֨ה
וּ/טְרֵפָ֤ה
לֹֽא
אָכַ֨לְתִּי֙
מִ/נְּעוּרַ֣/י
וְ/עַד
עַ֔תָּה
וְ/לֹא
בָ֥א
בְּ/פִ֖/י
בְּשַׂ֥ר
פִּגּֽוּל
וָ/אֹמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֲהָהּ֙
ʼăhâhh
H162
alas!
Part
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
מְטֻמָּאָ֑ה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
to defile
V-Pual-Inf-c
וּ/נְבֵלָ֨ה
nᵉbêlâh
H5038
carcass
Conj | N-fs
וּ/טְרֵפָ֤ה
ṭᵉrêphâh
H2966
torn animal
Conj | N-fs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָכַ֨לְתִּי֙
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מִ/נְּעוּרַ֣/י
nâʻûwr
H5271
youth
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
עַ֔תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
בָ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְּ/פִ֖/י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּשַׂ֥ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
פִּגּֽוּל
piggûwl
H6292
refuse
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:14
וָ/אֹמַ֗ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲהָהּ֙
ʼăhâhh
H162
"alas!"
Part
The Hebrew word means alas or oh, an expression of sadness or regret, used to convey strong emotions in the Bible.
Definition: alas!, oh!, ah!
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas. See also: Joshua 7:7; Jeremiah 4:10; Jeremiah 1:6.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נַפְשִׁ֖/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מְטֻמָּאָ֑ה
ṭâmêʼ
H2930
"to defile"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to be foul or contaminated, often in a moral or ceremonial sense. It is used in the Bible to describe something that is unclean or polluted. In the book of Leviticus, it talks about being unclean and how to become clean again.
Definition: 1) to be unclean, become unclean, become impure 1a) (Qal) to be or become unclean 1a1) sexually 1a2) religiously 1a3) ceremonially 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to defile oneself, be defiled 1b1a) sexually 1b1b) by idolatry 1b1c) ceremonially 1b2) to be regarded as unclean 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to defile 1c1a) sexually 1c1b) religiously 1c1c) ceremonially 1c2) to pronounce unclean, declare unclean (ceremonially) 1c3) to profane (God's name) 1d) (Pual) to be defiled 1e) (Hithpael) to be unclean 1f) (Hothpael) to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: defile (self), pollute (self), be (make, make self, pronounce) unclean, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 34:5; Leviticus 22:5; Psalms 79:1.
וּ/נְבֵלָ֨ה
nᵉbêlâh
H5038
"carcass"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to a dead body or carcass, whether human or animal, often translated as 'dead body' or 'carcass'. It can also symbolize an idol.
Definition: 1) carcass, corpse 1a) of humans, idols, animals
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Joshua 8:29; Psalms 79:2.
וּ/טְרֵפָ֤ה
ṭᵉrêphâh
H2966
"torn animal"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to an animal that has been torn apart by another animal. In Exodus 22:13 and Leviticus 7:24, it describes the remains of an animal that has been attacked by a predator.
Definition: that which is torn, animal torn (by beasts)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ravin, (that which was) torn (of beasts, in pieces). See also: Genesis 31:39; Leviticus 17:15; Nahum 2:13.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָכַ֨לְתִּי֙
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
מִ/נְּעוּרַ֣/י
nâʻûwr
H5271
"youth"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the state of being young or a group of young people, as seen in Isaiah 47:12. It describes a stage of life, like childhood or adolescence. This concept is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19.
Definition: youth, early life Also means: na.ur (נְעוּרוֹת "youth" H5271B)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: childhood, youth. See also: Genesis 8:21; Isaiah 54:6; Psalms 25:7.
וְ/עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עַ֔תָּה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בָ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
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.
בְּ/פִ֖/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
בְּשַׂ֥ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
פִּגּֽוּל
piggûwl
H6292
"refuse"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word describes something that is unclean or foul, often referring to food that is not suitable for sacrifice. It is used to convey a sense of something being disgusting or unacceptable.
Definition: 1) foul thing, refuse 1a) unclean sacrificial flesh (only use)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: abominable(-tion, thing). See also: Leviticus 7:18; Isaiah 65:4; Ezekiel 4:14.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:14
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
- Sermons on Ezekiel 4:14
Context — The Defiled Bread
12And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.”
13Then the LORD said, “This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.”
14“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”
15“Look,” He replied, “I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.” 16Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 10:14 | “No, Lord!” Peter answered. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 20:49 | Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 9:8 | While they were killing, I was left alone. And I fell facedown and cried out, “Oh, Lord GOD, when You pour out Your wrath on Jerusalem, will You destroy the entire remnant of Israel?” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 14:3 | You must not eat any detestable thing. |
| 5 | Isaiah 65:4 | sitting among the graves, spending nights in secret places, eating the meat of pigs and polluted broth from their bowls. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 1:6 | “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” |
| 7 | Leviticus 17:15 | And any person, whether native or foreigner, who eats anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean until evening; then he will be clean. |
| 8 | Isaiah 66:17 | “Those who consecrate and purify themselves to enter the groves—to follow one in the center of those who eat the flesh of swine and vermin and rats—will perish together,” declares the LORD. |
| 9 | Exodus 22:31 | You are to be My holy people. You must not eat the meat of a mauled animal found in the field; you are to throw it to the dogs. |
| 10 | Leviticus 19:7 | If any of it is eaten on the third day, it is tainted and will not be accepted. |
Ezekiel 4:14 Summary
Ezekiel is talking to God and saying that he has never eaten anything that is not clean or pure, because as a priest, he had to follow certain rules to stay holy. He is trying to obey God's commands, like it says in Leviticus 11:44-45, where God instructs the Israelites to be holy because He is holy. Ezekiel's example teaches us the importance of following God's rules, even when it is hard, and trusting in His goodness and love for us, as seen in Psalm 119:1-8. By following God's commands, we can show our love and respect for Him, and live a life that is pleasing to Him, as seen in John 14:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ezekiel so concerned about eating unclean meat?
Ezekiel was concerned because, as a priest, he was required to follow the dietary laws outlined in the book of Leviticus, such as Leviticus 11:1-47, which prohibited the consumption of unclean animals.
What is the significance of Ezekiel's protest to God?
Ezekiel's protest shows his commitment to following God's laws and his desire to maintain his ceremonial purity, as seen in Ezekiel 44:15-16, where the priests are instructed to follow certain rules to remain holy.
How does Ezekiel's response relate to the broader context of the book of Ezekiel?
Ezekiel's response is part of a larger prophetic message to the Israelites, warning them of the consequences of their sin and calling them to repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30-32, where God urges the people to turn from their sins and live.
What can we learn from Ezekiel's example about following God's commands?
We can learn the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they are difficult or seem unreasonable, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:29, where it is written that God's commands are for our benefit and well-being.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my values or convictions, and how can I stand firm like Ezekiel?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's laws and commands, even when it is challenging or unpopular?
- How can I balance my desire to follow God's rules with the need to show love and compassion to those around me, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40?
- What are some ways that I can, like Ezekiel, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:14
Then said I, ah, Lord God!.... The interjection "ah" is expressive of sighing and groaning, as Jarchi; or of deprecation, as the Targum, which paraphrases it, ""and I said", receive my prayer, O Lord
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:14
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
Ah Lord God he deprecateth this, and entreats it may not be enjoined him. He proposeth his legal purity, as one argument; in obedience to ceremonial precepts, he had kept himself clean, and now prays that he may not have his obedience tried by enjoining to eat what is abominable. From my youth up; he took early care of this, and had persevered to this age; therefore prays mitigation, and some change in his diet or dressing of it. That which dieth of itself; forbidden as polluted, . Torn in pieces; forbidden by the law also, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
Ezekiel 4:14 Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.Ver. 14. Ah Lord God! behold, my soul hath not been polluted.] Neither had it been here by eating suchlike bread, because God bade him do it, and his command legitimateth anything. But a good soul feareth and deprecateth all kind of pollution: "Keep thyself pure"; "Abstain from all appearance of evil." The prophet in this prayer of his is very pathetic, Ah Domine Iehovi: not Iehova, but Iehovi. See the similar passage in Genesis 15:2; Genesis 15:8 Deuteronomy 3:24; Deuteronomy 9:26. For from my youth up.] Let us be as careful of spiritual uncleanness; sin is the devil’ s excrement, the corruption of a dead soul. Constantinus Copronymus is reported to have delighted in stench and filth. The panther preferreth man’ s dung before any meat; so do many feed greedily on sin’ s murdering morsels. Polan.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
Verse 14. My soul hath not been polluted] There is a remarkable similarity between this expostulation of the prophet and that of St. Peter, Acts 10:14.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:14
14. abominable flesh] This word “abomination” is applied to the sacrificial flesh kept over till the third day (Leviticus 7:18; Leviticus 19:7), and in Isaiah 65:4 broth of “abominations” is coupled with swine’s flesh. The meaning seems to be “carrion.” The word occurs only these four times.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:14
Abominable flesh - Flesh that had become corrupt and foul by overkeeping. Compare Leviticus 19:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:14
14, 15. Ezekiel, a priest, was well acquainted with the Levitical legislation (Leviticus 17:15; Leviticus 22:8), and had been an ardent keeper of the law (Leviticus 7:18; Leviticus 7:24; Leviticus 11:39-40; Leviticus 19:7).
Sermons on Ezekiel 4:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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Fully Yielded to God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate need for salvation among people who may appear devout but are still in spiritual darkness. He uses the example of Simon Peter |
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Doing Good to Others by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power, and that he went about d |
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Jesus Is Lord by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of continuing in the word of God after experiencing a crisis of conversion. He highlights the verse "You shall know the truth |
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Spiritual Enlargement Unto the Maintaining of the Testimony of Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of spiritual enlargement through the biblical account of Elisha succeeding Elijah, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy S |
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Ezekiel 9:8 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores Ezekiel's vision of judgment in Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of being 'left' alive. He challenges both non-Christians and Christians to reflect on t |
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Homily 43 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the events in Acts 20:1-16, focusing on Paul's journey through Macedonia and Greece, emphasizing the importance of preaching and comforting believers am |
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Jeremiah the Man of Sorrows by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of young people preparing for the mission field and the focus on success rather than serving God. He emphasizes the need for a high s |