14:12 14:12

Ezekiel 14:13

14:14 14:14

Bible Versions

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:
Son {H1121} of man {H120}, when the land {H776} sinneth {H2398} against me by trespassing {H4603} grievously {H4604}, then will I stretch out {H5186} mine hand {H3027} upon it, and will break {H7665} the staff {H4294} of the bread {H3899} thereof, and will send {H7971} famine {H7458} upon it, and will cut off {H3772} man {H120} and beast {H929} from it:
"Human being, when a land sins against me by dealing treacherously with me, so that I stretch out my hand over it and break off its food supply, sending it famine and eliminating both its humans and its animals;
“Son of man, if a land sins against Me by acting unfaithfully, and I stretch out My hand against it to cut off its supply of food, to send famine upon it, and to cut off from it both man and beast,
Son of man, when a land sinneth against me by committing a trespass, and I stretch out my hand upon it, and break the staff of the bread thereof, and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast;

Commentary for Ezekiel 14:13 KJV.

Context of Ezekiel 14:13

The prophet Ezekiel delivered God's message to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. Chapter 14 specifically addresses the issue of idolatry and the false prophets among the people. God declares His unwavering judgment against those who set up idols in their hearts and inquire of Him, emphasizing His holiness and justice. This verse is part of a series of pronouncements where God lists various severe judgments—famine, wild beasts, sword, and pestilence—that He would send upon a land that trespasses grievously against Him. The divine pronouncements in this chapter underscore that even if righteous individuals like Noah, Daniel, or Job were present, their righteousness would only deliver themselves, not the nation (as expanded upon in Ezekiel 14:14).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment for Corporate Sin: This verse highlights God's direct intervention in response to a nation's widespread and severe disobedience. The phrase "when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously" underscores the collective responsibility and the cumulative effect of national apostasy and idolatry.
  • Famine as a Consequence: The breaking of the "staff of the bread" is a powerful metaphor for the removal of basic sustenance. It signifies God cutting off the very means of life, leading to widespread famine that affects "man and beast." This form of judgment is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a direct result of covenant unfaithfulness (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:15ff).
  • God's Hand of Judgment: "Then will I stretch out mine hand upon it" emphasizes God's active, intentional, and sovereign role in bringing about these consequences. It is not an impersonal force but a deliberate act of divine justice and a warning to nations.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "staff of the bread" (מַטֵּה לֶחֶם, matteh lechem in Hebrew) is a vivid idiomatic expression. The word matteh literally means "staff" or "rod," and lechem means "bread" or "food." Together, it signifies the primary means of support or livelihood. To "break the staff of the bread" means to destroy the very foundation of sustenance, leading inevitably to starvation. This imagery conveys the severity and totality of the impending famine, emphasizing that God controls the very necessities of life.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 14:13 serves as a timeless warning about the serious consequences of persistent national or collective sin and rebellion against God. While the immediate context was ancient Israel, the principle remains: actions have consequences, especially when a society turns away from divine principles. It encourages reflection on a society's moral health and its relationship with God. For believers, it's a call to intercession for their nations and to live righteously, understanding that God's justice is real. It also reminds us that true security comes not from material abundance but from God's provision and favor, which can be withdrawn when His people turn from their wicked ways.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 26:26

    [And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

  • Ezekiel 4:16

    Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

  • Ezekiel 15:8

    And I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 5:16

    When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for [their] destruction, [and] which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

  • Ezekiel 14:19

    Or [if] I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:

  • Jeremiah 32:43

    And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It [is] desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

  • Isaiah 3:1

    ¶ For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,
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