Ezekiel 14:3

KJV

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, these men {H582} have set up {H5927} their idols {H1544} in their heart {H3820}, and put {H5414} the stumblingblock {H4383} of their iniquity {H5771} before {H5227} their face {H6440}: should I be enquired {H1875} of at all {H1875} by them?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, thus setting in front of themselves the stumblingblock that leads to sin. Should I let them consult me at all?

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way?

American Standard Version

Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:3 delivers a stark divine indictment against the elders of Israel who sought counsel from the Lord through the prophet Ezekiel. Despite their outward appearance of seeking God, their hearts were deeply entrenched in idolatry and unrepentant sin, creating an insurmountable barrier to genuine communion. This verse powerfully reveals God's righteous indignation and His refusal to be consulted by those whose spiritual inquiries are marred by hypocrisy and a divided allegiance, exposing the profound chasm between external religious practice and internal spiritual reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Ezekiel 14, following a direct encounter where "certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD" (Ezekiel 14:1) and sat before the prophet. Rather than providing an immediate answer to their unspoken questions, God directly addresses Ezekiel concerning the elders' true spiritual condition. This divine revelation serves as a crucial preface to the subsequent warnings against idolatry and the call for individual repentance (Ezekiel 14:4-11), establishing God's unwavering demand for sincerity and holiness. The broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy frequently highlights the deep-seated spiritual corruption within Israel, even among those in leadership, and God's impending judgment upon a nation that has repeatedly turned away from Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the Babylonian captivity (after 597 BC). This was a period of profound national crisis, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the displacement of God's people. In such times, it was common for people to seek divine guidance through prophets, especially regarding their future or the duration of their exile. However, many, like these elders, brought with them the spiritual maladies that had plagued Judah before the exile, including syncretism and idolatry. The cultural practice of consulting prophets was widespread, but God here exposes the superficiality of such inquiries when the heart remained unyielded to Him. The concept of "stumblingblock" (Hebrew: *mikshol*) was understood as a physical obstacle or a moral impediment, deeply relevant in a society grappling with the consequences of its moral failings.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the Old Testament. Foremost is **Internal Idolatry**, emphasizing that true idolatry is not merely the worship of physical images but a deeper devotion of the heart to anything other than God. This concept is echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The deceitfulness of the heart"), which speaks to the heart's inherent deceitfulness. Another crucial theme is **The Stumblingblock of Iniquity**, illustrating how unrepentant sin acts as a direct barrier to genuine communion with God, preventing His people from receiving His guidance or blessing. This aligns with the principle in [Isaiah 59:2](/isaiah/59-2 "Isaiah 59:2 - Your iniquities have separated between you and your God"), where sin creates a chasm between humanity and God. Finally, the rhetorical question highlights **God's Demand for Sincerity and His Refusal to be Mocked**, underscoring that God's holiness will not tolerate hypocrisy or superficial religious observance. He seeks genuine devotion, not mere ritual.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to roll" or "a log," is a highly derogatory word for idols, often translated as "dung-gods" or "detestable things." Its use here emphasizes God's utter contempt for these objects of false worship and, by extension, for the spiritual corruption they represent, especially when they pollute the hearts of His own people. It underscores the profound offense of their divided loyalty.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is far more than just an organ; it is the center of a person's being, encompassing their intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. When the text states they "set up their idols in their heart," it signifies that their ultimate affections, desires, and allegiances were given to these false gods, even if outwardly they sought the Lord. It points to a deep-seated spiritual corruption that permeated their inner core.
* **Stumblingblock (Hebrew, _mikshôwl'_):** This word literally means "a cause of falling," "an obstacle," or "a ruin." Here, it refers to the persistent, unconfessed "iniquity" (sin) of the elders. By "putting the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face," they had consciously placed their sin as a direct impediment to their spiritual vision and their ability to genuinely approach God. Their unrepentant actions and attitudes created an impassable barrier to divine favor and true understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart":** God directly addresses Ezekiel, revealing the hidden spiritual condition of the elders who had come to inquire of Him. The phrase "idols in their heart" powerfully conveys that their idolatry was not merely external (e.g., worshipping physical statues) but a deep-seated internal devotion and allegiance to anything other than God. Their affections, loyalty, and trust were misplaced, even as they outwardly sought divine counsel.
* **"and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face":** This clause further exposes their spiritual hypocrisy. Their "iniquity" (sin, perversity) was not merely present but actively placed "before their face," signifying that it was a conscious, unaddressed obstacle. This "stumblingblock" prevented them from seeing God clearly, from walking in His ways, and from genuinely receiving His truth. Their unrepentant sin acted as a self-imposed barrier to sincere communion and divine revelation.
* **"should I be enquired of at all by them?":** This rhetorical question expresses God's righteous indignation and His absolute refusal to engage with such hypocrisy. It underscores His holiness and His demand for sincerity. The question implies that their inquiries are meaningless and offensive to Him because their hearts are far from Him, and they have no genuine intention of abandoning their sinful ways. God will not be treated as a mere oracle for those unwilling to repent.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "should I be enquired of at all by them?", which is not meant to be answered but to emphasize God's indignation and His absolute refusal to be consulted by those whose hearts are deceitful. This device highlights the gravity of their spiritual state and God's unwavering holiness. **Metaphor** is also evident in the phrases "idols in their heart" and "stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face." These are not literal physical objects but figurative representations of internal spiritual realities: misplaced affections and unrepentant sin, respectively. The use of these metaphors vividly portrays the profound internal corruption of the elders. Furthermore, the passage contains subtle **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions and emotions to God, such as being "enquired of" and expressing refusal. This makes God's response relatable and underscores His personal engagement with His people's spiritual condition, even as He judges their hypocrisy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:3 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and the integrity God demands from His people. It underscores that God is not merely concerned with outward religious observances but intensely scrutinizes the heart, the seat of genuine devotion. The presence of "idols in their heart" signifies a divided loyalty, a spiritual adultery that renders any external inquiry or worship meaningless in God's sight. Their "stumblingblock of iniquity" illustrates how unconfessed and unrepented sin creates an impassable barrier, preventing true communion and making God unwilling to respond. This verse serves as a timeless warning against hypocrisy, emphasizing that God cannot be mocked; He demands sincerity, purity of heart, and a genuine commitment to righteousness from those who seek Him.

* [Psalm 51:10](/psalm/51-10 "Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart")
* [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - This people honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.")
* [James 1:8](/james/1-8 "James 1:8 - A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:3 serves as a piercing mirror for every believer, challenging us to look beyond superficial religiosity and examine the true state of our hearts. In a world that often values outward appearance, this verse reminds us that God sees and judges our innermost being. We are called to honestly assess what "idols" might reside in our own hearts—anything that subtly or overtly competes with God for our ultimate affection, trust, or allegiance. These can manifest as an over-reliance on career, comfort, relationships, possessions, self-image, or even spiritual pride. Furthermore, we must confront the "stumblingblocks of iniquity" in our lives—those unconfessed sins, unaddressed habits, or unrepentant attitudes that hinder our intimacy with God and obstruct His guidance. True spiritual vitality demands a radical honesty before God, leading to genuine repentance and a fervent desire to align our inner world with His righteous standards. Our prayers and inquiries are truly heard when they flow from a heart undivided and sincerely devoted to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What subtle "idols" might I be harboring in my heart that compete with my devotion to God?**
* **Are there any unconfessed sins or unrepentant attitudes that are acting as a "stumblingblock" in my relationship with God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more sincere and undivided heart in my worship, prayers, and daily walk with Christ?**

### FAQ

**What does "idols in their heart" mean for us today, given that most Christians don't worship physical statues?**
Answer: For contemporary believers, "idols in their heart" extends beyond physical statues to anything that takes the place of God as the ultimate object of our affection, trust, and devotion. This can include career success, financial security, personal comfort, relationships, self-image, power, or even intellectual pursuits. It signifies a misplaced allegiance where something other than God holds the primary position in our thoughts, desires, and priorities. The New Testament connects covetousness with idolatry in [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Covetousness is idolatry"), illustrating that even seemingly benign desires can become idols if they usurp God's rightful place in our hearts. It's about where our ultimate security, identity, and satisfaction are sought.

**Why does God refuse to be "enquired of" by those with idols in their heart?**
Answer: God refuses to be "enquired of" by them because His holiness and righteous character cannot be trifled with. He demands sincerity and truth in the inward parts, as seen in [Psalm 51:6](/psalm/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - You desire truth in the inward parts"). Their inquiries were not born of genuine repentance or a desire for true communion, but rather a superficial attempt to gain divine favor or validation without abandoning their sinful ways. God cannot be manipulated or treated as a mere oracle for those who are unwilling to submit to His will. To answer them would be to condone their hypocrisy and compromise His divine integrity. He seeks those who worship Him in spirit and and truth, as Jesus declared in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:3, with its stark condemnation of internal idolatry and the "stumblingblock of iniquity," finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the elders of Israel faced a God unwilling to be inquired of due to their unrepentant hearts, Jesus came to address the very root of this problem: the sin that separates humanity from God. He consistently exposed the hypocrisy of those who honored God with their lips but whose hearts were far from Him, echoing the prophetic lament (e.g., [Matthew 15:8](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - This people honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.")). Jesus himself became the ultimate "stumblingblock" for those who rejected Him due to their hardened hearts and spiritual blindness, as prophesied in [1 Peter 2:8](/1_peter/2-8 "1 Peter 2:8 - A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense"). However, for those who believe, He is the precious cornerstone upon whom a new spiritual temple is built. Through His sacrificial death, Christ removed the "stumblingblock of iniquity" that stood between humanity and a holy God, offering forgiveness and cleansing for the heart (e.g., [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - How much more shall the blood of Christ...purge your conscience from dead works?")). He enables true communion, inviting those with pure hearts to see God (as promised in [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the pure in heart")). In Christ, the way to inquire of God is made open, not through outward ritual or hypocritical pretense, but through a genuine, repentant heart transformed by His grace, allowing believers to draw near with confidence through His blood (e.g., [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus")).

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

Ezekiel 14:7

For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:

Ezekiel 7:19

They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Ezekiel 20:16

Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

Ezekiel 20:3

Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

Ezekiel 14:4

Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

Ezekiel 44:12

Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.