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;

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};

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,

Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: โ€˜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,

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

Commentary on Ezekiel 14:4

Ezekiel 14:4 delivers a powerful and sobering message directly from the Lord GOD concerning the spiritual state of the exiles in Babylon. It highlights the profound danger of spiritual hypocrisy and the inevitability of divine judgment when outward religious observance is disconnected from inward purity.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel was ministering to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a group that included many who still clung to their old sinful ways even after the initial waves of captivity. In Ezekiel chapter 14, certain elders of Israel came to Ezekiel seeking a word from the Lord. However, God reveals to Ezekiel that these men, despite their outward show of piety, were secretly harboring idols in their hearts and actively engaging in sin. This verse is part of God's instruction to Ezekiel on how to respond to such individuals, setting the stage for a divine answer that exposes their true spiritual condition rather than validating their hypocrisy.

Key Themes

  • Idolatry of the Heart: The most striking theme is the concept of "idols in his heart." This goes beyond physical images to encompass anything that takes God's rightful place in one's affections, trust, or allegiance. It speaks to covetousness, self-worship, or reliance on anything other than God. This internal idolatry is just as offensive to God as overt idol worship.
  • Stumblingblock of Iniquity: "Putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face" refers to a deliberate choice to live in sin, allowing habitual wrongdoing to hinder one's spiritual walk and even lead others astray. It suggests a conscious and unrepentant engagement with sin.
  • Divine Accountability: Despite their pretense, God promises to "answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols." This is not an answer of guidance or blessing, but one of judgment that perfectly matches the extent and nature of their hidden rebellion. God sees the heart and responds accordingly, demonstrating His justice and discernment.
  • Hypocrisy Exposed: The verse underscores the futility of approaching God with a divided heart. True worship and inquiry require sincerity and a genuine desire to turn from sin.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "idols in his heart" (Hebrew: ื’ึดึผืœึผื•ึผืœึดื™ื ื‘ึฐึผืœึดื‘ึผื•ึน - gillulim b'libbo) is particularly potent. The term gillulim is often used by Ezekiel to refer to detestable idols, emphasizing their abominable nature. Placing them "in his heart" signifies a deep-seated spiritual corruption, where the very core of one's being is devoted to something other than God. This internal devotion to false gods or sinful desires is what Paul later calls covetousness, which is idolatry.

The "stumblingblock of his iniquity" (ืžึดื›ึฐืฉืื•ึนืœ ืขึฒื•ึนื ึธื• - mikshol avonav) highlights an obstacle or snare that leads to falling. It's not just passive sin, but an active, self-imposed hindrance that prevents spiritual progress and right relationship with God.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 14:4 serves as a timeless warning for all who claim to seek God. It challenges us to examine our own hearts:

  • Self-Examination: Are there "idols" in our heartsโ€”things we prioritize, trust in, or love more than God? This could be money, career, relationships, comfort, or even our own opinions and desires.
  • Sincerity in Worship: True worship and prayer require a pure heart. God is not fooled by outward religious performance if our inner lives are filled with unconfessed sin or divided loyalties.
  • Consequences of Hypocrisy: God's "answer" to a hypocritical heart will be aligned with its true condition, not its outward appearance. This can manifest as a lack of spiritual understanding, continued bondage to sin, or even direct judgment. As Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us, God is found when sought with the whole heart.

This verse calls for genuine repentance and a commitment to wholehearted devotion to the Lord, recognizing that He sees and responds to the true state of our hearts.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.