Ezekiel 22:14

KJV

Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Can thine heart {H3820} endure {H5975}, or can thine hands {H3027} be strong {H2388}, in the days {H3117} that I shall deal {H6213} with thee? I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it, and will do {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

Can your courage last, can your strength continue during the days when I deal with you? I, ADONAI, have spoken it; and I will do it.

Berean Standard Bible

Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will act.

American Standard Version

Can thy heart endure, or can thy hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with thee? I, Jehovah, have spoken it, and will do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 22:14 delivers a profound rhetorical challenge from the LORD to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, questioning their capacity to endure or withstand the severity of His impending judgment. This verse starkly underscores the absolute futility of human strength, courage, or resolve when confronted with divine wrath, culminating in an emphatic declaration of God's unwavering resolve to execute precisely what He has spoken, thereby signifying the inevitability and certainty of the promised judgment against a city steeped in profound corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the fabric of Ezekiel 22, a powerful prophetic oracle that meticulously details Jerusalem's pervasive moral and spiritual corruption. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 22:1-12) serve as a damning indictment, cataloging a litany of grievous sins including idolatry, rampant bloodshed, systemic injustice, sexual immorality, and the blatant desecration of sacred things. The city is vividly portrayed as a "bloody city" (Ezekiel 22:2), a place where every conceivable form of wickedness flourishes. Immediately following the rhetorical questions of verse 14, the narrative transitions into the potent metaphor of Jerusalem as dross in a refining furnace (Ezekiel 22:17-22), where the intense, consuming heat represents the purifying, yet utterly devastating, judgment of God. This imagery powerfully reinforces the idea that the people will be utterly powerless to resist or endure the divine reckoning that is about to descend upon them, emphasizing their complete helplessness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during a profoundly tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically amidst the Babylonian exile. The initial wave of exiles, including Ezekiel himself, had already been deported to Babylon in 597 BC, while Jerusalem, though under Babylonian vassalage, still stood. The prophecies contained in Ezekiel 22 were primarily directed at the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem, serving as a dire warning of the impending, final destruction of the city and its revered temple in 586 BC. Culturally, the people of Judah possessed a long-standing covenant relationship with Yahweh, yet they also exhibited a persistent and tragic pattern of idolatry and social injustice, often mirroring the abominable practices of the surrounding pagan nations. The concept of divine judgment for covenant disobedience was a deeply ingrained aspect of Israelite thought, frequently articulated through prophetic warnings of war, famine, and exile, as explicitly outlined in the curses of the Mosaic covenant, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience"). God's judgment was therefore not arbitrary but a just and necessary response to their prolonged and unrepentant rebellion against His covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 22:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, asserting God's absolute authority and irresistible power to bring about His purposes, especially in confronting and punishing sin. The rhetorical questions within the verse underscore the profound **Human Impotence** in the face of God's might; no human strength, courage, or cunning can possibly withstand His righteous wrath. This theme resonates throughout the prophetic literature, consistently emphasizing the futility of human efforts when God intervenes in judgment, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 2:10-22](/isaiah/2-10-22 "Isaiah 2:10-22 - The Day of the Lord's Judgment"). Secondly, the concluding declaration, "I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it]," profoundly emphasizes **God's Unwavering Fidelity to His Word**. What God declares, He unfailingly executes. This divine certainty applies not only to judgment but also to His glorious promises of restoration, as beautifully illustrated in later chapters of Ezekiel, such as [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - New Heart and Spirit"). Finally, the verse implicitly serves as a powerful call for **Repentance and Recognition of God's Authority**, presenting these as the only viable and rational responses to such an overwhelming and inevitable divine decree.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word (H3820) refers to the innermost core of a person—encompassing their feelings, will, intellect, and serving as the very center of their being. In the context of "Can thine heart endure?", the question probes the inner resolve, courage, and moral fortitude of the people. It asks if their spirit or intrinsic strength will be able to sustain them or bear the crushing weight of God's impending judgment. The implicit answer is a resounding "No," signifying a complete and utter collapse of inner fortitude and resilience.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** Derived from H2388, this term signifies to be firm, courageous, or to prevail. When applied to "hands" (H3027, _yâd'_), which frequently symbolize power, capability, and active engagement, the question "or can thine hands be strong?" challenges their outward ability to act, resist, or defend themselves. It directly questions their physical might, their military capacity, and their practical ability to cope with the coming calamity, unequivocally implying that all their efforts will be utterly ineffectual and powerless.
* **Do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root (H6213) is a broad and comprehensive term meaning to accomplish, make, or perform. In the concluding, definitive statement, "I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it]," it emphasizes the absolute certainty and active execution of God's declared word. It is far more than a mere threat; it is a divine commitment to bring about the pronounced judgment with full force and precision. God's speaking is inextricably linked to His doing, powerfully highlighting His omnipotence, His unwavering faithfulness to His pronouncements, and the unalterable nature of His decrees.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Can thine heart endure,"**: This is the initial component of a potent rhetorical question, directly challenging the inner capacity, courage, and resolve of the people of Jerusalem. It probes whether their inner spirit, their will, or their very being can sustain them under the immense pressure, suffering, and overwhelming nature of God's judgment. The implied answer is a definitive "no," signifying a complete and devastating collapse of their inner fortitude and moral resilience.
* **"or can thine hands be strong,"**: The second part of the rhetorical question shifts focus to external capability and power. "Hands" here represent action, physical strength, military might, and the practical ability to resist or defend. The question asks if their physical prowess, their strategic cunning, or their collective ability to cope will be sufficient to avert or withstand the divine onslaught. Once again, the implied answer is that they will be utterly helpless and unable to exert any effective resistance or defense.
* **"in the days that I shall deal with thee?"**: This phrase precisely specifies the context and timing of the divine challenge. "The days that I shall deal with thee" refers to the specific period of God's active, direct, and punitive intervention in judgment against Jerusalem. The verb "deal" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) in this context powerfully conveys the sense of God Himself performing or executing His judgment. It indicates a time when God will directly engage with them in a punitive manner, rendering their human endurance or strength utterly irrelevant and futile.
* **"I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it]."**: This is a solemn divine oath and an unalterable declaration, a common and powerful prophetic formula in Hebrew (Hebrew: _ani Adonai dibbarti ve'asiti_). "I the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_) emphasizes the speaker's identity as the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God, lending ultimate and unquestionable authority to the statement. "Have spoken [it]" (H1696, _dâbar'_) refers to the divine pronouncements of judgment already uttered, and "will do [it]" (H6213, _ʻâsâh'_) confirms the absolute certainty and active execution of those pronouncements. This definitive declaration removes all doubt about the inevitability, completeness, and unyielding nature of the promised judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 22:14 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, posed twice in the opening clause ("Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong?"). These questions are not designed to elicit an answer from the audience but rather to emphasize an obvious and devastating truth: human capacity is utterly insufficient to withstand the magnitude of divine judgment. This device compels the audience to confront their inherent helplessness and vulnerability. Following this, the verse culminates in a powerful **Divine Oath** or **Solemn Declaration**: "I the LORD have spoken [it], and will do [it]." This prophetic formula serves as an emphatic affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty, His unchangeable character, and the unwavering certainty of His word. It transforms what might be perceived as a mere warning into an unalterable divine decree, leaving no room for doubt, negotiation, or escape. The subtle use of **Anthropomorphism** is also present in the phrase "I shall deal with thee," where God is described as actively engaging in a punitive action, akin to human interaction, making His judgment more tangible, personal, and immediate for the recipients of the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 22:14 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over human affairs. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not to be trifled with; His warnings are as certain and unyielding as His promises. The verse highlights the terrifying reality of divine judgment for persistent and unrepentant sin, a theme woven throughout the entire tapestry of the Old Testament. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is infinitely merciful and patiently longs for repentance, there comes a point when His righteous character and holy nature demand that sin be dealt with decisively and without compromise. This certainty of God's word, both in its declarations of judgment and its promises of salvation, forms the bedrock of biblical theology, affirming His faithfulness to His own character and His unalterable declarations.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that He should lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word will not return void")
* [Hebrews 10:31](/hebrews/10-31 "Hebrews 10:31 - A fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 22:14 serves as a timeless and profoundly sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the ultimate inevitability of God's perfect justice. While the immediate context was ancient Jerusalem facing physical destruction, the underlying principle applies universally across all generations: persistent and unrepentant rebellion against God's holy will ultimately leads to dire and unavoidable consequences. This verse powerfully challenges our pervasive human tendency towards self-reliance, spiritual hubris, and a casual approach to sin, forcing us to confront our inherent weakness and utter helplessness before an almighty and holy God. It calls for profound humility, honest introspection, and genuine repentance, compelling us to recognize that our only true strength, endurance, and hope for salvation come solely from Him. The absolute certainty of God's word—that what He speaks, He will unfailingly do—should inspire both a healthy, reverential fear of His holiness and a deep, unwavering trust in His faithfulness. It compels us to align our lives wholeheartedly with His revealed will, seeking His abundant mercy and transformative grace rather than foolishly testing His infinite patience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be subtly relying on my own "heart" (inner resolve) or "hands" (personal capability) instead of humbly submitting to God's sovereign will?**
* **How does the absolute certainty of God's word, encompassing both His warnings and His promises, profoundly impact my daily decisions, my priorities, and my overall trust in His divine character?**
* **What specific sins, patterns of disobedience, or areas of unrepentance in my life might be inviting God's disciplinary "dealing," and how can I respond today with genuine, heartfelt repentance and a renewed commitment to His ways?**

### FAQ
**Does God still "deal" with people in judgment today, or was this only for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While the immediate, national judgment on Jerusalem in Ezekiel's time was a unique historical event with specific covenantal implications, the underlying principle of God "dealing" with humanity for sin remains eternally true. God's character as a righteous and just judge does not change. In the New Testament, we learn that God's ultimate and final judgment for sin is reserved for the end times (for example, the Great White Throne Judgment described in [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). However, even in the present age, individuals can experience the natural and spiritual consequences of sin in their lives, and God's loving discipline for His children (as explained in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")) is a form of His "dealing" that aims to bring about repentance, spiritual growth, and righteousness. The core message of human inability to stand against God's judgment remains a universal truth, pointing all humanity to the desperate need for a Savior.

**How does this verse, focused so heavily on judgment, relate to God's mercy and love?**

Answer: Ezekiel 22:14, while undeniably stern and foreboding, does not negate God's mercy; rather, it profoundly underscores the desperate need for it. God's judgment is a necessary manifestation of His perfect holiness and unblemished justice, which inherently demands a righteous response to sin. His boundless mercy is revealed precisely in His patience (allowing ample time for repentance) and, ultimately, in His gracious provision for salvation. The very severity of the warning in Ezekiel 22:14 serves as an urgent and compassionate call to repentance, which, when genuinely offered, is always met with God's open arms of mercy. For instance, in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God desires repentance, not death"), God emphatically declares, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live." Thus, the judgment highlights the profound depth of human sin and the incredible, immeasurable value of God's redemptive grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 22:14, with its chilling rhetorical questions about humanity's capacity for endurance and strength in the face of divine judgment, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Fallen humanity, in its inherent sinfulness, truly cannot "endure" God's righteous wrath or be "strong" enough to withstand the cataclysmic consequences of sin. Every person stands condemned under the crushing weight of their own transgressions, utterly powerless to save themselves from the impending divine reckoning. However, Christ, the perfect and spotless Lamb of God, uniquely possessed the divine capacity to endure the full, unmitigated fury of God's judgment on our behalf. On the cross, Jesus, the eternal Son of God, willingly became sin for us (as profoundly articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")), bearing the infinite wrath that our hearts could never endure and that our hands could never deflect. His divine strength was perfectly sufficient where ours was utterly lacking. Through His unparalleled atoning sacrifice, God "dealt" with sin decisively and completely, not by destroying the repentant sinner, but by pouring out His righteous judgment upon His own beloved Son. Therefore, for all who, by grace through faith, put their trust in Him, the terrifying questions of Ezekiel 22:14 are answered not by human strength or merit, but by Christ's perfect obedience, substitutionary suffering, and victorious sacrifice. We can now "stand" before a holy God, not by our own righteousness, but by being clothed in His imputed righteousness (as beautifully explained in [Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justification by faith and access to grace")), having profound peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, who endured what we could not, so that we might live eternally.

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 21:7

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak [as] water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Ezekiel 24:14

I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 13:21

What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them [to be] captains, [and] as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail?

Job 40:9

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?

1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.