Ezekiel 14:13

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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:

Complete Jewish Bible

"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;

Berean Standard Bible

“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,

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:13 unveils a solemn divine pronouncement, illustrating God's unwavering justice against a land that has grievously sinned against Him through persistent treachery and idolatry. The verse details a specific judgment: the Lord's direct intervention to "break the staff of the bread," signifying the removal of all sustenance, leading to a severe famine that will indiscriminately cut off both human and animal life from the land. This declaration underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His righteous response to profound corporate rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 14 is situated within a series of prophetic oracles delivered to the exiled Israelites in Babylon, specifically addressing their persistent idolatry and the false hopes fostered by deceitful prophets. The chapter opens with elders of Israel coming to inquire of the Lord, yet God reveals that they have "set up their idols in their heart" (Ezekiel 14:3 "Ezekiel 14:3 - Idolatry in the Heart"). He declares that He will answer them according to their idolatry, not their feigned piety. Verses 12-23 form a distinct section where God outlines His "four dreadful judgments"—famine, wild beasts, sword, and pestilence—as instruments of His wrath against a sinful land. This particular verse introduces the judgment of famine, setting the stage for the subsequent pronouncements that even the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, or Job could only save themselves, not the nation (Ezekiel 14:14 "Ezekiel 14:14 - Righteousness of Noah, Daniel, Job"). The cumulative effect of these judgments is to demonstrate God's absolute sovereignty and the inevitability of His judgment against unrepentant sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national crisis for Israel. Many exiles, despite the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, still harbored false hopes of a swift return and restoration, often listening to false prophets who promised peace. Idolatry, which had been a pervasive sin in Israel's history (as seen throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings "1 Kings - History of Israel's Kings") and [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - History of Israel's Kings")), continued even in exile, as individuals brought their pagan practices and idols into their personal lives and homes. Famine was a common and devastating consequence in the ancient Near East, often resulting from drought, war, or pestilence, and was frequently understood as a divine curse for disobedience to the covenant (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Curses of Drought and Famine")). The "staff of bread" was a universal symbol of life's most basic necessity, and its breaking signified the complete withdrawal of sustenance, a judgment that would affect the entire ecosystem—both humans and their livestock.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, emphasizing God's active and direct intervention in human affairs when His covenant people persist in grievous sin. The judgment is not random but a precise, deserved consequence of their actions, particularly their deep-seated idolatry and treachery. Secondly, the verse underscores **Corporate Responsibility and Consequences**, showing that the sin of the "land" (representing the nation or community) incurs a collective divine response, affecting all its inhabitants, "man and beast." This contrasts with the individual righteousness mentioned later in the chapter. Thirdly, it speaks to **God's Sovereignty over Creation and Sustenance**, demonstrating that God, who provides the "staff of the bread," can also withdraw it, revealing His absolute control over life and death. This challenges any reliance on human effort or false gods for provision, directing attention back to the true Source of all life, as seen in the broader narrative of God's provision in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna in the Wilderness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sinneth (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to miss" a mark, and by extension, "to sin." It encompasses a broad range of moral failings, including falling short of God's standard, forfeiting a right, or incurring guilt. In this context, it describes the fundamental deviation from God's righteous path, setting the stage for the more severe "trespassing grievously."
* **trespassing (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cover up," this term figuratively denotes acting covertly or treacherously. It implies a deeper level of unfaithfulness than simply "sinning." It refers to a breach of trust, a betrayal, or an act of disloyalty, particularly against God. The accompanying word "grievously" (Hebrew, _maʻal'_, the noun form of the same root) intensifies this, indicating a profound and intentional act of treachery, often involving sacrilege or a violation of sacred obligations.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root means "to cut (off, down, or asunder)." It carries strong implications of destruction, consumption, and termination. Crucially, it is also the verb used for "making a covenant" (by cutting flesh and passing between pieces), highlighting the reversal of covenant blessings into curses. Here, it signifies a decisive and complete removal or extermination of life, affecting both humans and animals, underscoring the finality and severity of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously":** This opening clause establishes the divine address to Ezekiel and the specific condition that triggers God's judgment. The "land" represents the collective inhabitants, emphasizing corporate sin. "Sinneth" points to a general moral failure, while "trespassing grievously" (a double emphasis using the verb and noun form of *maʻal*) signifies a profound and deliberate act of unfaithfulness, treachery, and violation of the covenant relationship with God. It implies a deep-seated rebellion, not merely an accidental transgression.
* **"then will I stretch out mine hand upon it":** This phrase declares God's direct, active, and powerful involvement in the impending judgment. The "stretching out of the hand" is an anthropomorphism signifying divine intervention, authority, and decisive action, often in judgment (as seen in the plagues of [Exodus](/exodus "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel")). It emphasizes that the calamities are not random occurrences but purposeful acts of God's sovereign will.
* **"and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it":** This is a vivid idiomatic expression for destroying the very means of sustenance. The "staff of the bread" refers to bread as the fundamental support of life, like a staff supports a walker. To "break" it means to render it useless, to remove the source of nourishment. This directly leads to the consequence of "famine," a widespread and devastating lack of food, making the judgment tangible and severe.
* **"and will cut off man and beast from it":** This final clause describes the ultimate, comprehensive outcome of the famine. "Cut off" implies a complete eradication or extermination. The judgment is total, affecting all forms of life—both human beings and their livestock—underscoring the desolation and utter devastation that will befall the land due to its grievous sin. It highlights the pervasive nature of the divine judgment, leaving nothing untouched.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "stretch out mine hand," attributing a human action to God to emphasize His direct and powerful intervention. This makes God's agency in the judgment tangible and comprehensible. The most striking device is **Metaphor** and **Idiom** in "break the staff of the bread." Bread is metaphorically depicted as a "staff," a symbol of support and sustenance, making its destruction a vivid image of the removal of life's necessities. This **Imagery** evokes a powerful sense of desolation and despair, painting a picture of a land stripped of its fundamental means of survival. The phrase "cut off man and beast" utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole, signifying the complete and total destruction of all life within the land. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment, leaving no living thing untouched.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:13 profoundly articulates the principle of divine justice in response to corporate sin, particularly treachery and idolatry. It demonstrates that God is not passive in the face of widespread rebellion but actively intervenes to uphold His holiness and the integrity of His covenant. The breaking of the "staff of the bread" serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation, including the very means of human and animal sustenance. This judgment is a direct consequence of the land's grievous sin, echoing the covenant curses outlined in the Torah, where famine and desolation were promised for disobedience. It underscores that true security and prosperity are contingent upon faithfulness to God, not upon material abundance or human ingenuity.

* [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Breaking the Staff of Bread as a Curse")
* [Deuteronomy 28:23-24](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23-24 - Drought and Famine as Curses")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Refusal to Hear Prayer During Famine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:13 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the profound consequences of collective sin and rebellion against God. While the immediate context was ancient Israel, the principle remains: persistent unfaithfulness and idolatry, whether overt or subtle, invite divine judgment. For nations and communities today, this verse prompts us to consider the moral and spiritual health of our societies. Are we, like ancient Israel, setting up "idols in our hearts"—prioritizing wealth, power, pleasure, or self-sufficiency above God? Do we engage in "grievous trespassing" through systemic injustice, moral decay, or spiritual apathy? This passage calls believers to a posture of humility, repentance, and intercession for their nations, recognizing that God's justice is real and His control over all aspects of life, including sustenance, is absolute. It challenges us to live righteously, to advocate for justice, and to remember that true security and flourishing come not from material abundance but from God's favor and provision, which can be withdrawn when His people turn from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our contemporary society be "trespassing grievously" against God, either individually or corporately?**
* **How does the concept of God "breaking the staff of the bread" challenge our assumptions about security and provision in a world often focused on material abundance?**
* **What is our responsibility as believers when we see our communities or nations drifting away from God's principles?**
* **How can we practically intercede for our nations in light of God's justice and mercy?**

### FAQ
**What does "break the staff of the bread" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "break the staff of the bread" is a powerful Hebrew idiom that signifies the complete destruction or removal of the means of sustenance, leading to severe famine. "Bread" (Hebrew: *lechem*) represents all basic food and provisions, while "staff" (Hebrew: *maṭṭeh*) symbolizes support or foundation. Therefore, to "break the staff of the bread" means to shatter the very foundation of life and livelihood, ensuring widespread starvation. This imagery emphasizes God's absolute control over the provision of life and His ability to withdraw it as a judgment for sin, as also seen in [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Breaking the Staff of Bread").

**Is this judgment only for ancient Israel, or does it apply today?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Ezekiel 14:13 is God's judgment upon ancient Israel for its specific sins of idolatry and treachery during the Babylonian exile, the underlying principles are timeless and universally applicable. God's character as a righteous judge who responds to sin, especially grievous corporate sin, remains constant. While the specific manifestations of judgment may differ in various eras, the principle that actions have consequences and that God holds nations accountable for their moral and spiritual state endures. The passage serves as a warning for all societies that turn away from divine principles, reminding us that God remains sovereign over the provision of life and can withdraw His blessings. The New Testament also warns against the consequences of unrighteousness (e.g., [Romans 1:18-32](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18-32 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:13, with its stark pronouncement of famine and the breaking of the "staff of the bread" due to grievous sin, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal famine, but in the spiritual provision offered by Jesus Christ. The "staff of the bread" represents life's sustenance, which sin severs. Humanity, cut off from God by sin, experiences a spiritual famine, a deep hunger for truth, meaning, and life that the world cannot satisfy (Amos 8:11 "Amos 8:11 - Famine of the Word"). Jesus declares Himself to be the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the ultimate sustenance that satisfies the deepest human longings and overcomes the spiritual death brought by sin. His body, broken on the cross, became the true "staff of the bread," providing eternal life and reconciliation with God, thereby reversing the curse of being "cut off" from life. Through His sacrifice, Jesus bore the judgment for our "grievous trespassing," allowing those who believe in Him to receive spiritual nourishment and never hunger or thirst again (John 6:51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World"). Thus, the judgment of famine in Ezekiel foreshadows humanity's spiritual destitution apart from Christ, and Jesus' provision offers the complete and eternal antidote to that spiritual starvation.

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.

Cross-References

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,