Ezekiel 14:7

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For every one {H376} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, or of the stranger {H1616} that sojourneth {H1481} in Israel {H3478}, which separateth {H5144} himself from me {H310}, and 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 a prophet {H5030} to enquire {H1875} of him concerning me; I the LORD {H3068} will answer {H6030} him by myself:

Complete Jewish Bible

For everyone, whether from the house of Isra'el or a foreigner living in Isra'el, who separates himself from me and takes his idols into his heart, thus setting in front of himself the stumblingblock that leads to sin, and then comes to the prophet, asking him to consult me for him, I myself, ADONAI, will answer him.

Berean Standard Bible

For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself.

American Standard Version

For every one of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that separateth himself from me, and taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet to inquire for himself of me; I Jehovah will answer him by myself:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 14:7 delivers a profound indictment against spiritual hypocrisy, addressing both native Israelites and resident foreigners who, despite outwardly seeking divine counsel from a prophet, harbored deep-seated idolatry and unconfessed sin within their hearts. The verse powerfully declares that the Lord, who sees beyond mere external religiosity, will personally confront and expose such duplicity, providing a direct, unmediated answer that reveals their true spiritual condition rather than granting their insincere requests. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to purity and truth, even amidst the moral decay of His people in exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader prophetic discourse in Ezekiel 14 where the prophet directly confronts the elders of Israel who have come to inquire of the Lord. The immediate preceding verses (Ezekiel 14:1-6) establish the core problem: these elders, though appearing devout, have "set up their idols in their heart" and placed "the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face" ([Ezekiel 14:3](/ezekiel/14-3 "Ezekiel 14:3 - Elders with Idols in Their Hearts")). God declares that He will not be inquired of by such individuals, promising to answer them according to their idolatry, not their feigned piety. Verse 7 specifically extends this divine judgment to "every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel," broadening the scope of the warning from the elders to the entire community. The subsequent verses (Ezekiel 14:8-11) detail the severe consequences for those who persist in this spiritual rebellion, emphasizing God's determination to purge idolatry from His people and restore genuine relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Israel. The people, including those already deported to Babylon, struggled to reconcile their covenant relationship with God with their current suffering. Many sought answers from prophets, but often with a syncretistic mindset, blending worship of Yahweh with pagan practices learned from surrounding nations or retained from pre-exilic times. Idolatry was not always overt worship of physical images; it often manifested as trust in human alliances, self-reliance, or the pursuit of wealth and comfort over obedience to God. The presence of "strangers that sojourneth in Israel" highlights the inclusivity of God's covenant demands, extending ethical and religious obligations to all who resided within the community, regardless of their ethnic origin. The practice of consulting prophets was common, but Ezekiel's message challenges the assumption that such consultation would automatically yield a favorable divine response when the heart was compromised.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 14:7 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of Ezekiel. The primary theme is the **sovereignty and holiness of God**, particularly His intolerance for spiritual impurity and His unwavering commitment to His own glory. This verse underscores the theme of **idolatry of the heart**, emphasizing that true defilement originates internally, not merely from outward actions. It reveals God's omniscience and His ability to discern the true condition of the human heart, contrasting outward religious performance with inward spiritual corruption. This leads to the theme of **divine judgment**, as God promises a direct, personal "answer" that serves as a confrontation and condemnation of their sin, rather than the desired prophetic guidance. The concept of the "stumblingblock of iniquity" ([Ezekiel 14:3](/ezekiel/14-3 "Ezekiel 14:3 - The Stumblingblock of Iniquity")) is also central, illustrating how deliberate sin creates an insurmountable barrier to genuine communion with God. Ultimately, this passage, like much of Ezekiel, calls for **true repentance and a transformed heart**, anticipating the promise of a new spirit and a heart of flesh found later in the book ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Idols (Hebrew, _gillûwl'_):** This term (H1544) is primarily used by Ezekiel, often translated as "idols" or "detestable things." It literally means "logs" or "dung-pellets," emphasizing the utter worthlessness, defilement, and contemptible nature of these objects in God's sight. By calling them "idols in his heart," the prophet highlights that the problem is not just external pagan worship but an internal allegiance to anything that displaces God, rendering one's inner being corrupt and offensive to the Holy One.
* **Separateth himself (Hebrew, _nâzar'_):** The root (H5144) means "to hold aloof" or "to abstain." While it can refer to consecration (as in a Nazirite vow), here it is used in a negative sense, signifying a deliberate act of spiritual estrangement or apostasy. It implies a conscious decision to withdraw from God's covenant and His ways, a turning away that is active and intentional, rather than merely passive neglect. This separation is a volitional act of rebellion against the divine relationship.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This verb (H6030) means "to eye," "to heed," or "to respond." While it can denote a favorable answer, in this context, coupled with "by myself," it signifies a direct, personal, and often confrontational divine response. God is not merely giving information through a prophet; He is personally intervening to expose the sin and pronounce judgment. His "answer" is not the guidance they sought but the revelation of their hypocrisy and the consequence of their divided loyalty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel,"**: This clause establishes the broad scope of the divine decree, encompassing both native-born Israelites and resident aliens (proselytes or those living among them). God's standards of holiness and His condemnation of idolatry apply universally to all who claim to be part of His covenant community or reside within its sphere of influence.
* **"which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart,"**: This identifies the core spiritual problem. The individual actively "separates" from God, indicating a deliberate turning away. This estrangement is manifested by "setting up idols in his heart," meaning internal, hidden allegiances to anything (be it wealth, power, comfort, or self-will) that rivals God's rightful place of supreme devotion. This "heart idolatry" is as offensive as overt worship of physical images.
* **"and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face,"**: This describes the active embrace and indulgence of sin. A "stumblingblock" (H4383, _mikshôwl'_) is an obstacle or snare. By placing it "before his face," the individual is not merely tempted by sin but actively, knowingly, and perhaps even proudly, allows their iniquity to guide their path, hindering their spiritual vision and relationship with God. Their sin is not hidden but is a deliberate impediment to righteousness.
* **"and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me;"**: This highlights the profound hypocrisy. Despite the internal idolatry and active embrace of sin, the individual maintains a facade of piety by seeking divine counsel from a prophet. This outward religious act is a deceptive attempt to manipulate God or gain a favorable word while refusing to genuinely repent or surrender.
* **"I the LORD will answer him by myself:"**: This is God's resolute declaration. He will not allow His name or His prophets to be used for insincere purposes. His "answer" will not be the comfortable guidance or affirmation they seek, but a direct, personal, and unmediated confrontation with their sin and the pronouncement of His righteous judgment. This emphasizes God's omniscience and His commitment to purity within His people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 14:7 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message. The concept of "idols in his heart" is a striking use of **metaphor**, extending the physical act of idol worship to the internal realm of one's affections and allegiances, thereby emphasizing the spiritual nature of true defilement. The phrase "putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face" functions as a vivid **metonymy** or **symbolism**, where the "stumblingblock" represents the destructive power of sin, actively embraced and allowed to obstruct one's spiritual path and vision. There is profound **irony** in the individual's action: they "come to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me" (God), while simultaneously having "separated himself from me" and harboring "idols in his heart." This stark contrast between outward religious performance and inward spiritual rebellion underscores the depth of their hypocrisy. Finally, the declaration "I the LORD will answer him by myself" is a powerful statement of **divine agency** and **sovereignty**, asserting God's direct, personal intervention and His refusal to be mocked by insincere worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 14:7 powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is concerned not merely with outward religious observance but with the true condition of the human heart. It exposes the futility and offense of spiritual hypocrisy, where individuals attempt to approach a holy God with divided loyalties and unconfessed sin. This passage underscores God's omniscience, His ability to see beyond facades, and His righteous commitment to confronting impurity. It reveals that God's "answer" to those who harbor idols in their hearts is not necessarily a word of comfort or guidance, but a direct revelation of their sin and a pronouncement of judgment, emphasizing His demand for genuine repentance and wholehearted devotion.

* [Proverbs 1:28](/proverbs/1-28 "Proverbs 1:28 - When They Call, I Will Not Answer")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Hebrews 4:12-13](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12-13 - The Word of God Discerning Thoughts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 14:7 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to look beyond the superficiality of religious performance and confront the true state of our hearts. In a world that often values outward appearance, this verse reminds us that God's gaze penetrates to our innermost being, discerning our deepest affections and allegiances. It compels us to ask: What "idols" might I be harboring in my heart—be it comfort, success, approval, possessions, or self-will—that subtly compete for the devotion due only to God? Am I genuinely seeking God's will, or am I approaching Him with a hidden agenda, hoping for an "answer" that aligns with my desires rather than His truth? This passage calls us to radical honesty and sincere repentance, urging us to dismantle any "stumblingblocks of iniquity" that hinder our walk with God and to cultivate a heart fully surrendered and devoted to Him. True spiritual vitality flows from an undivided heart, transparent before the Lord, willing to receive His answer, whatever it may be.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What hidden "idols" might be competing for supremacy in my heart, even if they are not physical images?**
* **In what ways might I be separating myself from God through subtle disobedience or a lack of wholehearted pursuit?**
* **Am I truly seeking God's will when I pray or consult His Word, or am I seeking validation for my own desires?**
* **What "stumblingblocks of iniquity" (habits, attitudes, or relationships) am I allowing to remain "before my face," hindering my spiritual progress?**
* **How does the knowledge that God will "answer me by myself" impact my approach to prayer and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "idols in his heart" mean if they are not physical statues?**

Answer: The phrase "idols in his heart" (H1544, _gillûwl_) refers to any object of affection, trust, or devotion that displaces God from His rightful, supreme position in one's life. While physical idols were common, Ezekiel emphasizes that the root of idolatry is internal. It could be wealth, power, self-reliance, human approval, comfort, or even one's own desires and plans. These become "idols" when they are loved, served, or sought after more than God, or when they become the ultimate source of security, identity, or meaning. God sees the heart, and He considers such internal allegiances to be as offensive as overt worship of pagan deities. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where greed is called idolatry ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Greed is Idolatry")).

**Why does God say, "I the LORD will answer him by myself," instead of through the prophet?**

Answer: This phrase signifies God's direct, personal, and unmediated intervention. Typically, people would come to a prophet to receive a word from the Lord. However, in this context, because the individuals are approaching God with hypocritical hearts, harboring idols and iniquity, God declares that He will bypass the prophetic intermediary to deliver His "answer" directly. This "answer" is not the guidance or favorable word they sought, but rather a powerful revelation of their sin and a pronouncement of judgment. It underscores God's omniscience and His refusal to be mocked or manipulated by insincere religious acts. It's a divine confrontation, exposing their duplicity and demonstrating His commitment to holiness, as seen in passages like [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secret to His Servants").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 14:7, with its stark portrayal of a holy God confronting the hypocrisy of those with idols in their hearts, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "stumblingblock of iniquity" that separates humanity from God is precisely what Jesus came to remove, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice for Sin")). Unlike the false prophets who might be consulted by those with divided hearts, Jesus is the true Prophet, Priest, and King, who perfectly embodies God's truth and grace. He did not merely give an "answer" from God; He *is* the answer, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Jesus consistently exposed the "idols in the heart" and the hypocrisy of religious leaders, seeing beyond their outward piety to their inner corruption ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He confronted those who honored God with their lips but whose hearts were far from Him ([Mark 7:6](/mark/7-6 "Mark 7:6 - Honoring God with Lips Only")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides the means for a radical heart transformation, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant where God puts His law in our minds and writes it on our hearts, taking away the heart of stone and giving a heart of flesh ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, God's "answer" to those who genuinely turn from their heart-idols and trust in Christ is not judgment, but forgiveness, reconciliation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, enabling true worship in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - God is Spirit")). For those who reject Him, however, Jesus Himself becomes the "stumblingblock" and "rock of offense," leading to judgment for those who do not believe ([1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ the Stumbling Block")).

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

Exodus 12:48

And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Isaiah 58:2

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

Leviticus 20:2

Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever [he be] of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth [any] of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.

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 14:8

And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 21:1

¶ The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,