Ezekiel 14:4

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore speak {H1696} unto them, and say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Every man {H376} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} that setteth up {H5927} his idols {H1544} in his heart {H3820}, and putteth {H7760} the stumblingblock {H4383} of his iniquity {H5771} before {H5227} his face {H6440}, and cometh {H935} to the prophet {H5030}; I the LORD {H3068} will answer {H6030} him that cometh {H935} according to the multitude {H7230} of his idols {H1544};

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore speak to them, and tell them that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Everyone in the house of Isra'el who takes his idols into his heart, thus setting in front of himself the stumblingblock that leads to sin, and then comes to the prophet, I myself, ADONAI, will answer him in a manner suited to his many idols,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry,

American Standard Version

Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:4 presents a stark divine declaration to the house of Israel: those who outwardly seek prophetic counsel while secretly harboring idols in their hearts and deliberately embracing sin will receive a divine "answer." This response from the Lord GOD will not be one of guidance or blessing, but rather a precise judgment calibrated to the depth and multitude of their hidden idolatries, thereby exposing the futility of spiritual hypocrisy and affirming the inevitability of divine discernment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct and authoritative divine response to a specific scenario detailed at the outset of [Ezekiel 14](/ezekiel/14 "Ezekiel 14 - Idolatry and Judgment"). Elders of Israel, ostensibly seeking a word from the Lord, approached the prophet Ezekiel. However, before Ezekiel could even articulate a message, God revealed to him their true spiritual condition: they had "set up their idols in their hearts" and placed "the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face" ([Ezekiel 14:3](/ezekiel/14-3 "Ezekiel 14:3 - Idolatry in the Heart")). [Ezekiel 14:4](/ezekiel/14-4 "Ezekiel 14:4 - God's Answer to Hypocrisy") is God's explicit instruction to Ezekiel on how to confront these hypocritical inquirers, establishing the profound principle that God responds to the genuine state of the heart, not merely to outward religious performance. This divine pronouncement lays the groundwork for the subsequent verses, which delineate the severe consequences awaiting both unrepentant idolaters and any prophet who might mislead them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolded during the Babylonian exile, spanning approximately 593-571 BC. This period represented a profound national catastrophe for Israel, as they were forcibly removed from their homeland. While physically separated from the overt idolatrous practices that had permeated Judah prior to Jerusalem's destruction, many exiles carried their spiritual corruption with them into Babylon. In this foreign land, the absence of the physical Temple, which had often served as a focal point for both sincere worship and ritualistic hypocrisy, compelled a re-evaluation of religious practice. The emphasis shifted from external rites to the internal disposition of the heart. The "idols in his heart" mentioned here likely encompass more than just mental images of pagan deities; they refer to any desire, covetousness, self-reliance, trust in human alliances, or anything that usurped God's rightful place in their affections and allegiance—a pervasive spiritual condition that persisted even in their exiled state. The act of "coming to the prophet" was a traditional and legitimate means of seeking divine guidance, yet in this context, it starkly highlights the deceptive nature of those who sought God's word while clinging to their sin.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 14:4](/ezekiel/14-4 "Ezekiel 14:4 - God's Response to Internal Idolatry") powerfully articulates several overarching themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader prophetic tradition. A primary theme is the **nature of true worship versus hypocrisy**, emphasizing God's penetrating gaze beyond superficial appearances to the heart's true allegiance. This verse introduces the profound concept of **internal idolatry**, asserting that the heart itself can become the seat of false gods, thereby clarifying that sin is not merely an external action but an insidious inward disposition. It also underscores **divine omniscience and justice**, demonstrating unequivocally that God is not deceived by pretense and will respond to individuals according to their true spiritual condition, rather than their feigned piety. This divine response itself functions as a **stumblingblock** for those who persist in their iniquity, revealing God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His refusal to validate unrepentant sin. Furthermore, the passage implicitly highlights the **responsibility of the prophet** to deliver God's unvarnished truth, even when that truth is confrontational and uncomfortable, a duty also emphasized in passages like [Ezekiel 3:17-21](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17-21 - The Watchman's Responsibility").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** From the root `גָּלַל` (galal), meaning "to roll," `gillûwl` properly refers to a "log" or something "round," and by implication, an idol. Ezekiel frequently employs this term, often rendered as "detestable things" or "dung-gods," to convey profound contempt and abhorrence for pagan deities and their images. Its usage here underscores the vile, worthless, and utterly repugnant nature of what these individuals have allowed to occupy the throne of their hearts, vividly illustrating their deep spiritual degradation.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term denotes the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions and affections but also the will, intellect, and conscience. When idols are "set up" in the heart, it signifies that the very core of one's being—their deepest desires, allegiances, thought processes, and decision-making faculties—are devoted to something other than God. This makes the idolatry profoundly internal and pervasive, far more insidious and comprehensive than mere outward ritualistic practice.
* **stumblingblock (Hebrew, _mikshôwl'_):** Derived from `כָּשַׁל` (kashal), meaning "to stumble" or "to fall," `mikshôwl` refers to an obstacle, enticement, or snare that causes one to fall, whether literally or figuratively. Here, it is "the stumblingblock of his iniquity," indicating that their own chosen sin actively serves as an impediment to their spiritual well-being and their right relationship with God. This suggests a deliberate and perhaps cherished embrace of sin that not only hinders their own walk but can also lead others astray or provoke severe divine judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase unequivocally establishes the divine authority and imperative nature of the message. Ezekiel functions merely as the mouthpiece; the words originate directly from "the Lord GOD" (a combination of H136, _ʼĂdônây_, and H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_, emphasizing God's sovereignty and covenant faithfulness), underscoring the gravity, certainty, and unalterable truth of the ensuing declaration. The repetition of "speak unto them, and say unto them" further amplifies the urgency and non-negotiable character of the prophetic task.
* **"Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart,":** This clause precisely identifies the target audience: any individual within the covenant community, regardless of outward appearance, social standing, or religious profession, who has actively and intentionally allowed false allegiances or desires to take root in their innermost being. "Setting up his idols in his heart" vividly portrays a deliberate act of devotion, where the core of one's being is given over to something other than the One True God, even in the absence of a physical idol.
* **"and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face,":** This clause describes a conscious, deliberate, and perhaps even cherished engagement with sin. The "stumblingblock of his iniquity" signifies that their own chosen sin acts as a constant obstacle or snare, actively hindering their spiritual progress and inevitably leading them to fall. Placing it "before his face" suggests a blatant, unashamed, and persistent embrace of their wrongdoing, making it a visible and integral part of their life and decision-making.
* **"and cometh to the prophet;":** This highlights the profound hypocrisy inherent in the situation. Despite their profound internal and active rebellion against God, these individuals still engage in outward religious practice, approaching God's prophet as if seeking genuine divine counsel, blessing, or a favorable oracle. This act underscores the deceitfulness of their hearts and their misguided attempt to manipulate or appease God through external rituals without internal repentance.
* **"I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;":** This is God's resolute and unyielding declaration of His response. The promised "answer" is not one of guidance, comfort, or favor, but rather one of judgment, exposure, and divine retribution. God solemnly promises to respond directly to the true, hidden condition of their heart, specifically "according to the multitude of his idols"—meaning the extent, nature, and depth of their internal idolatry will precisely determine the nature and severity of His judgment. This reveals God's perfect discernment, unyielding justice, and His refusal to be mocked or deceived.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:4 is profoundly rich in **Metaphor** and **Irony**. The central metaphor of "idols in his heart" powerfully conveys the radical idea that true idolatry extends beyond the external worship of pagan images to encompass an internal devotion to anything that replaces God in one's affections, trust, and ultimate allegiance. Similarly, "the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face" serves as a vivid metaphor for the self-imposed hindrance, moral blindness, and ultimately destructive nature of cherished and unrepentant sin. The verse employs profound **Irony**: individuals approach the prophet ostensibly seeking a word from the Lord, yet the "answer" they receive is not one of comfort, guidance, or blessing, but a divine judgment that mercilessly exposes their hidden sin and hypocrisy. This ironic twist underscores God's omniscience and His refusal to be manipulated by outward piety. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" functions as a powerful **Authoritative Declaration**, lending an undeniable weight, finality, and divine authenticity to the pronouncement, emphasizing that this is not Ezekiel's opinion but God's direct, unalterable, and sovereign decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:4 profoundly articulates a foundational biblical truth: God's ultimate concern is with the heart, which the Scriptures consistently identify as the wellspring of all human thought, desire, and action. It meticulously dismantles any notion that external religious observance or ritualistic performance can compensate for internal corruption or divided loyalties. The concept of "idols in the heart" radically expands the understanding of idolatry beyond physical objects to encompass any desire, ambition, relationship, or allegiance that displaces God from His rightful, supreme position in one's life. This internal state of rebellion inevitably manifests as "stumblingblocks of iniquity," demonstrating that sin is not merely a series of isolated actions but a deep-seated perversion of the will and affections. God's promise to "answer him... according to the multitude of his idols" underscores His perfect justice, infallible discernment, and unwavering holiness, revealing that He cannot be deceived and will always respond to the true condition of the human heart, whether in judgment or in grace. This passage serves as a timeless warning against spiritual hypocrisy and a fervent call to radical sincerity and undivided devotion in one's relationship with the Almighty.

* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart and God's Knowledge")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person Comes from the Heart")
* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart, Not Outward Appearance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:4 serves as a piercing divine x-ray, exposing the spiritual reality beneath any outward religious veneer. It compels us, as believers, to move beyond superficial adherence to religious practices and to genuinely examine the deepest recesses of our hearts. In a world where appearances often dictate perception and value, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that God sees and judges with perfect clarity, discerning the true objects of our worship and the actual motivations behind our actions. It challenges us to identify any "idols" that may have subtly taken root in our affections—be it the relentless pursuit of success, the comfort of material possessions, the validation of relationships, the cultivation of self-image, or even the misuse of spiritual gifts—and to repent of placing them above God. Furthermore, it calls us to confront the "stumblingblocks of iniquity" that we may be consciously or unconsciously nurturing, recognizing that unaddressed sin actively hinders our spiritual walk, obstructs our fellowship with God, and ultimately invites divine discipline. True worship, as this verse implicitly teaches, flows from a heart wholly devoted to God, free from the duplicity that seeks to impress others while harboring secret rebellion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" might I be harboring in my heart that subtly compete for God's rightful place in my affections, trust, or ultimate allegiance?**
* **In what specific ways might I be putting "the stumblingblock of my iniquity before my face," consciously or unconsciously allowing cherished sin to hinder my spiritual growth and relationship with God?**
* **How does this verse challenge my current understanding of true worship and prayer? Am I approaching God with a sincere and undivided heart, or with a heart that is divided in its loyalties?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to cultivate a heart fully devoted to God and to actively remove any spiritual stumblingblocks that impede my walk with Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "idols in his heart" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "idols in his heart" extends far beyond literal statues or pagan deities. It refers to anything that takes God's rightful place in our affections, trust, or ultimate allegiance. This can include covetousness (which [Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Earthly Things") explicitly calls idolatry), self-reliance, the relentless pursuit of wealth or status, the idolization of relationships, comfort, entertainment, personal opinions, or even our own desires and ambitions. It signifies a spiritual condition where something other than God becomes the primary focus, source of meaning, or ultimate security in our lives, even if we outwardly profess faith in Him.

**Why does God "answer" hypocrisy with judgment instead of guidance?**

Answer: God "answers" hypocrisy with judgment because His holy character demands truth and integrity, especially from those who claim to seek Him. To provide guidance or blessing to a heart filled with unrepentant idolatry and sin would be to condone their duplicity and validate their false piety. God's response is an act of divine justice and perfect discernment, revealing that He cannot be mocked or deceived ([Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - You Reap What You Sow")). His "answer" serves to expose the true spiritual state of the individual, aiming not merely to condemn, but to lead them to genuine repentance rather than allowing them to persist in self-deception and further rebellion. It is a severe mercy, intended to break through their spiritual blindness and call them to authentic relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:4, with its piercing indictment of internal idolatry and the self-imposed "stumblingblock of iniquity," finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, with its emphasis on external law and ritual, often highlighted humanity's inherent inability to cleanse the heart (as powerfully articulated in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")). Jesus, however, radically taught that true defilement originates not from what goes into a person, but from what originates from within the heart—evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander ([Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "Matthew 15:19 - Out of the Heart Comes Evil")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that cleanses believers from all unrighteousness. Through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, the new covenant, prophetically promised in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts"), is inaugurated, where God writes His law not on tablets of stone, but directly on the hearts of His people, giving them a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Christ, as the ultimate Prophet and the embodiment of divine truth, exposes the hidden idolatry of the human heart, not to condemn those who turn to Him in faith, but to offer radical transformation and genuine reconciliation with God. He alone can remove the "stumblingblock of iniquity" by empowering believers to walk in newness of life through the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling them to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")) with an undivided heart.

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

Isaiah 66:4

I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not.

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:

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 3:21

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous [man], that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Ezekiel 3:4

And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.