Ezekiel 14:16

KJV

[Though] these three men [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.

KJV (with Strong's)

Though these three {H7969} men {H582} were in it {H8432}, as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, they shall deliver {H5337} neither sons {H1121} nor daughters {H1323}; they only shall be delivered {H5337}, but the land {H776} shall be desolate {H8077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

even if these three men were in it, as I live," says Adonai ELOHIM, "they would save neither sons nor daughters; only they themselves would be saved, and the land would remain barren.

Berean Standard Bible

then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate.

American Standard Version

though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, they should deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only should be delivered, but the land should be desolate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:16 presents a chilling and unyielding declaration from the Lord GOD, underscoring the absolute certainty and profound severity of His impending judgment upon the land of Israel due to its pervasive idolatry and deep-seated rebellion. This verse emphatically states that even the unparalleled righteousness of figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job, if they were present, would be utterly insufficient to avert the corporate catastrophe. While these exemplary individuals would indeed secure their own personal deliverance from the impending doom, the land itself, having irrevocably crossed a divine threshold of sin, was destined for comprehensive desolation. The passage powerfully communicates the limits of even the most fervent intercession in the face of persistent national apostasy and highlights the unwavering, non-negotiable nature of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent verse is strategically placed within Ezekiel 14, a chapter where God confronts the hypocritical elders of Israel who, despite harboring idols in their hearts, presumptuously seek divine counsel. The preceding verses [Ezekiel 14:1-11](/ezekiel/14-1-11 "Ezekiel 14:1-11 - God's Condemnation of Idolatry") lay bare God's profound indignation at their duplicity, declaring His intent to answer them according to their idolatry, rather than their feigned piety. Specifically, [Ezekiel 14:12-20](/ezekiel/14-12-20 "Ezekiel 14:12-20 - Four Severe Judgments on Jerusalem") articulates God's unwavering resolve to unleash a series of devastating judgments—famine, wild beasts, the sword, and plague—upon Jerusalem. Verses 14 and 18 introduce the profound theological concept that the exemplary righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job would only secure their *personal* salvation, not that of the land. Verse 16 serves as a powerful, almost redundant, reiteration and intensification of this principle, emphasizing the finality of the judgment and the precise, limited scope of even the most profound individual righteousness to prevent a corporate catastrophe when a nation has reached a critical mass of sin and rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period for Israel, specifically the Babylonian exile. His audience comprised those who had already endured the initial destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, or those who were soon to experience its ultimate downfall. During this time of immense national trauma, many exiles, and those remaining in Jerusalem, struggled to fully grasp the depth of God's wrath, often seeking false hope or externalizing blame. Idolatry was a deeply entrenched and persistent issue throughout Israel's history, repeatedly leading to the invocation of covenant curses. The specific mention of Noah, Daniel, and Job would have resonated deeply with the audience as figures of unparalleled righteousness, integrity, and divine favor, even in the midst of widespread wickedness. Noah, for instance, survived the global flood due to his faithfulness [Genesis 7:23](/genesis/7-23 "Genesis 7:23 - Noah's Deliverance from the Flood"); Daniel, though living in pagan Babylon, maintained his unwavering integrity and experienced miraculous deliverance [Daniel 6:22](/daniel/6-22 "Daniel 6:22 - Daniel in the Lions' Den"); and Job, despite unimaginable suffering, remained blameless before God [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Righteous Character"). By invoking these iconic figures, God underscores the stark reality that even such exceptional individual piety could not prevent the decreed judgment on a nation that had utterly defiled itself through persistent apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Ezekiel 14](/ezekiel/14 "Ezekiel 14 - God's Judgment on Idolatry") is God's unwavering, righteous, and often irrevocable judgment against persistent idolatry and moral corruption. This particular verse contributes significantly to several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating God's absolute control over judgment and His righteous response to sin, powerfully affirmed by the solemn divine oath, "as I live, saith the Lord GOD." Secondly, it illuminates the **Limits of Intercession**, illustrating that while intercessory prayer is indeed powerful and often effective (as seen, for example, in [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")), there comes a critical point when a nation's sin becomes so egregious and unrepentant that corporate judgment is unavoidable, and even the most righteous individuals cannot avert it for the whole. Finally, it emphasizes **Individual Accountability and Deliverance**, affirming that personal righteousness, though unable to save a wicked society, unequivocally secures the deliverance of the faithful individual, a principle vividly illustrated by God's preservation of Lot from the destruction of Sodom [Genesis 19:16](/genesis/19-16 "Genesis 19:16 - Lot's Deliverance from Sodom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This term (H582) refers to humanity in general, often carrying connotations of mortality, frailty, or commonness, distinguishing it from other Hebrew words for "man" that might emphasize strength, dignity, or specific roles. In this context, its use highlights that even the most exceptional human beings, despite their profound righteousness, are still mortal and finite, unable to override God's ultimate and determined decree of judgment. It underscores that human merit, even at its peak, has inherent limitations before divine justice.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** The verb (H5337) signifies "to snatch away," "to rescue," "to save," or "to pull out." It is employed twice in this verse, first in the negative ("they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters") and then immediately in the positive ("they only shall be delivered"). This stark linguistic contrast powerfully underscores the precise and limited nature of the deliverance being discussed: it is personal, direct, and non-transferable. It emphasizes that God's rescue is specifically for the righteous individual alone, not for their unrepentant kin or the corrupt, condemned land.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** This noun (H8077) denotes "devastation," "waste," "ruin," or "astonishment." It describes the utter ruinous and uninhabited state of the land as a direct, inevitable consequence of divine judgment. The term evokes not merely physical emptiness but also a profound sense of horror, shock, and abandonment at the overwhelming extent of the destruction. It paints a grim, vivid picture of the land's irreversible fate, stripped of life and order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Though] these three men [were] in it":** This opening clause establishes a hypothetical, yet profoundly significant, scenario. It directly references the exemplary figures of Noah, Daniel, and Job, previously mentioned in [Ezekiel 14:14](/ezekiel/14-14 "Ezekiel 14:14 - Noah, Daniel, and Job as Examples"). It acknowledges their unparalleled righteousness and their potential, humanly speaking, as powerful intercessors. However, the conjunction "though" immediately introduces the counter-argument, setting the stage for the declaration that even their presence would be utterly insufficient to alter God's determined decree.
* **"as I live, saith the Lord GOD":** This is a solemn and profound divine oath, a formula frequently employed in the Old Testament to underscore the absolute certainty, immutability, and inviolability of God's declaration. It signifies that what follows is an unchangeable and unbreakable word from the sovereign God, Yahweh (H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_), who is the Master (H136, _ʼĂdônây_) of all creation. The phrase "as I live" (H2416, _chay_) emphasizes God's very being, His eternal existence, and His unchanging character as the ultimate guarantee of the truth and certainty of His spoken word.
* **"they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters":** This is the core negative declaration, a stark and uncompromising statement. Despite the exemplary righteousness of the "three men," their piety, their intercession, or even their mere presence cannot extend to saving their own offspring or any other inhabitants of the land. The terms "sons" (H1121, _bên_) and "daughters" (H1323, _bath_) are used comprehensively to represent the totality of the population, emphasizing that no one else, regardless of their familial or societal relation to the righteous, would be spared through proxy or association.
* **"they only shall be delivered":** This clause provides the crucial counterpoint, delineating the precise and limited scope of deliverance. The righteous individuals themselves would indeed be rescued, snatched away from the impending judgment. This serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to those who walk uprightly before Him. Their personal integrity and faithfulness secure their own salvation, but the divine rescue extends no further than their individual persons.
* **"but the land shall be desolate":** This final, grim pronouncement states the ultimate and inescapable fate of the land itself. It signifies utter ruin, waste, and pervasive devastation (H8077, _shᵉmâmâh_). The judgment is comprehensive and inescapable for the territory, rendering it uninhabited, barren, and a stark monument to the consequences of its deep-seated sin and God's righteous, unyielding wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:16 masterfully employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where the extreme, almost unthinkable, example of "these three men" (Noah, Daniel, and Job)—figures renowned for their righteousness and intercessory power—is used to profoundly emphasize the severity and finality of God's judgment. By stating that even *their* combined righteousness cannot save others, God underscores the absolute, non-negotiable nature of His decree against a nation steeped in sin. The phrase "as I live, saith the Lord GOD" functions as a solemn **Divine Oath**, lending immense weight, **Authority**, and irreversibility to the pronouncement. This oath also acts as a powerful form of **Asseveration**, a definitive declaration of truth. The repeated use of the verb "deliver" (H5337, _nâtsal_) in both negative ("shall deliver neither sons nor daughters") and positive ("they only shall be delivered") forms creates a stark **Contrast**, powerfully highlighting the precise distinction between corporate doom and individual salvation. Finally, the declaration that "the land shall be desolate" uses vivid **Imagery** and serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, painting a grim, evocative picture of the future and instilling a sense of utter destruction and abandonment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:16 profoundly illustrates the intricate intersection of divine justice, corporate sin, and individual righteousness. It reveals that while God is infinitely merciful and often delays judgment, there comes a critical point when a nation's persistent rebellion, idolatry, and moral corruption cross a divine threshold, rendering corporate judgment unavoidable. At such a juncture, even the most profound intercession or the presence of exemplary righteous individuals cannot avert the decreed catastrophe for the land and its unrepentant inhabitants. However, the verse simultaneously affirms God's unwavering commitment to the righteous, ensuring their personal deliverance even amidst widespread destruction, thereby underscoring the enduring value and efficacy of personal faithfulness in the face of societal decay. This passage serves as a sobering reminder that God's justice is as real and certain as His mercy, and that personal piety, while securing individual salvation, does not guarantee the rescue of a persistently rebellious community that has exhausted God's patience.

* [Jeremiah 15:1](/jeremiah/15-1 "Jeremiah 15:1 - Limits of Intercession for Judah")
* [Genesis 18:22-33](/genesis/18-22-33 "Genesis 18:22-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Righteousness Delivers from Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:16 confronts us with the sobering, yet profound, reality of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of unrepentant sin, both corporately and individually. In an age where societal norms often drift further from biblical truth and moral boundaries are increasingly blurred, this verse serves as a powerful and urgent warning against the dangers of widespread moral decay and idolatry, reminding us that there are indeed limits to divine patience and forbearance. It compels us to engage in a deep, honest examination of our own hearts and the spiritual state of our communities, prompting us to ask whether we are truly seeking God's face or subtly harboring "idols"—anything that takes God's rightful place—which could provoke His righteous anger. While the prospect of corporate judgment is undeniably daunting, the verse simultaneously offers profound encouragement and a steadfast promise for the individual believer: personal righteousness and unwavering faithfulness to God are never in vain. Even when the world around us seems to be crumbling into chaos and desolation, God promises to deliver and preserve those who are truly His. This truth calls us to a deeper, more resolute commitment to personal holiness, to live as radiant lights in an increasingly darkening world, and to trust implicitly in God's sovereign protection, knowing that our ultimate hope and security are found in Him alone, regardless of the temporal fate of our immediate surroundings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols," whether overt or subtle, might be present in my own heart or in my community that could provoke God's righteous judgment?**
* **How does this passage challenge my preconceived understanding of God's mercy and justice, and how should I respond to both aspects of His character?**
* **In what tangible ways can I cultivate and deepen my personal righteousness and unwavering faithfulness, even when surrounded by pervasive societal ungodliness and moral compromise?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on sin, as revealed in this passage, motivate me to more passionately and urgently share the good news of salvation through Christ with others?**

### FAQ
**Does God still judge nations today, or is this concept only applicable to ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the specific covenant relationship and direct prophetic pronouncements given to ancient Israel differ in form from God's dealings with modern nations, the fundamental principles of divine justice and the inevitable consequences of widespread sin remain timeless and universally applicable. Scripture consistently teaches that God is absolutely sovereign over all nations [Psalm 33:10-12](/psalm/33-10-12 "Psalm 33:10-12 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations") and that He judges according to perfect righteousness [Psalm 9:8](/psalm/9-8 "Psalm 9:8 - God Judges the World Righteously"). While contemporary judgments may not manifest in the same immediate, dramatic, and overtly prophetic ways as seen in Ezekiel's time, the moral arc of the universe undeniably bends towards justice. Nations that persistently reject God's moral law, embrace widespread unrighteousness, and suppress truth can expect to experience the natural and spiritual consequences of their choices, including societal decay, internal instability, economic decline, and a withdrawal of divine favor. Ultimately, all nations and individuals will stand before God's final, righteous judgment [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:16, with its stark declaration of judgment and the profound limitations of human righteousness, points powerfully and profoundly to the absolute necessity and ultimate sufficiency of Jesus Christ. The "three men"—Noah, Daniel, and Job—represent the pinnacle of human righteousness and intercessory power, yet even their combined piety and fervent prayers could not save a nation steeped in unrepentant sin. This truth highlights a fundamental biblical principle: human righteousness, no matter how exemplary or sincere, is inherently insufficient to atone for either corporate or individual sin before a holy and just God. The ultimate "deliverance" (H5337, _nâtsal_) from the spiritual desolation of sin and the certainty of divine judgment is not found in human merit, human intercession, or human effort, but solely in the perfect righteousness and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is the unique and perfectly righteous one, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose intercession is not limited by human frailty but is eternally effective and all-sufficient [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ provides the only means by which humanity can be truly "delivered" from the spiritual desolation of sin and eternally reconciled to God, offering a salvation that extends beyond mere individual preservation to the redemption and transformation of all who believe [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love for Us"). The judgment pronounced in Ezekiel, leading to the desolation of the land, foreshadows the ultimate judgment of sin, from which only Christ can deliver. His coming kingdom will bring an end to all desolation, establishing a new heavens and new earth where perfect righteousness dwells and where His people will live in unending peace and joy [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth").

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

Genesis 19:29

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Job 22:20

Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.

Ezekiel 14:18

Though these three men [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves.

Genesis 18:23

¶ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:33

And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.