Ezekiel 4:16

KJV

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover he said {H559} unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, behold, I will break {H7665} the staff {H4294} of bread {H3899} in Jerusalem {H3389}: and they shall eat {H398} bread {H3899} by weight {H4948}, and with care {H1674}; and they shall drink {H8354} water {H4325} by measure {H4884}, and with astonishment {H8078}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He then said to me, "Human being, I am going to cut off the supply of bread in Yerushalayim, so that they will anxiously weigh out bread to eat, and, horrified, ration water to drink.

Berean Standard Bible

Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure.

American Standard Version

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with fearfulness; and they shall drink water by measure, and in dismay:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 4:16 delivers a stark prophetic declaration from God to Ezekiel, vividly portraying the severe famine that would grip Jerusalem during its impending siege by Babylon. This verse underscores the desperate and humiliating conditions the inhabitants would endure, forced to ration their most basic provisions—bread and water—with meticulous precision, anxiety, and profound despair, all as a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion against the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 4:16 is embedded within a highly symbolic and performative section of the book, specifically [Ezekiel chapters 4-5](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4-5 - Symbolic Actions of Judgment"). In these chapters, God commands Ezekiel to enact a series of dramatic prophecies that illustrate the coming siege, suffering, and destruction of Jerusalem. Prior to verse 16, Ezekiel has been instructed to lie on his side for an extended period, symbolizing the years of Israel's iniquity, and to prepare a meager, defiled ration of food cooked over dung, further emphasizing the impurity and scarcity of provisions. Verse 16 serves as a verbal explanation of the physical hardships Ezekiel's actions prefigure, specifically detailing the famine aspect. It moves from the prophet's personal experience to the broader experience of the entire city, culminating in the horrific descriptions of cannibalism in [Ezekiel 5:10](/ezekiel/5-10 "Ezekiel 5:10 - Cannibalism during the Siege").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 4:16 is set against the backdrop of the impending Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which would ultimately lead to the city's destruction in 586 BC. At this time, Judah was a vassal state of Babylon, but persistent rebellion and reliance on alliances with Egypt provoked Nebuchadnezzar's wrath. Sieges in the ancient Near East were brutal affairs, designed to starve out the inhabitants. Cities relied on stored provisions and access to water sources, but prolonged encirclement would inevitably lead to extreme scarcity. The cultural understanding of "bread" was not merely a food item but the very "staff of life," representing sustenance and well-being. To "break the staff of bread" was a profound curse, signifying the utter collapse of societal and individual provision. The meticulous weighing and measuring of food and water were not common practices but extreme measures reserved for times of dire famine, highlighting the unprecedented severity of the coming judgment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment** and **Consequences of Disobedience**. God, through Ezekiel, makes it clear that the impending suffering is a direct, just punishment for Jerusalem's idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness (cf. [Ezekiel 5:6-9](/ezekiel/5-6-9 "Ezekiel 5:6-9 - God's Judgment on Jerusalem's Rebellion")). The breaking of the "staff of bread" signifies God's sovereign control over even the most basic necessities of life, demonstrating His ability to withdraw His sustaining hand. Another key theme is **Famine as a Covenant Curse**, a recurring motif in the Old Testament where agricultural blight and scarcity are promised consequences for disobedience, as seen in [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "Leviticus 26:26 - Covenant Curses for Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28:53-57](/deuteronomy/28-53-57 "Deuteronomy 28:53-57 - Horrific Consequences of Disobedience"). The psychological toll of "care" and "astonishment" also introduces the theme of **Despair and Humiliation**, emphasizing not just physical suffering but the profound emotional and spiritual breakdown under divine wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **staff (Hebrew, _maṭṭeh'_):** This word (H4294) primarily refers to a "rod" or "staff," something used for support, guidance, or authority. In the context of "staff of bread," it functions metaphorically to signify the very support system or foundation of life. To "break the staff of bread" means to remove the essential means of sustenance, indicating a complete and devastating collapse of the food supply, rendering life unsustainable.
* **care (Hebrew, _dᵉʼâgâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be anxious," this term (H1674) denotes deep anxiety, worry, fear, heaviness, or sorrow. In Ezekiel 4:16, it vividly describes the constant, gnawing apprehension that would plague the inhabitants of Jerusalem as they consumed their meager rations, perpetually concerned about their survival and the availability of the next morsel. It speaks to the psychological torment of famine.
* **astonishment (Hebrew, _shimmâmôwn'_):** This word (H8078) signifies stupefaction, desolation, or utter amazement, often in a negative sense of shock or horror. It conveys the profound dismay and bewilderment that would overcome the people as they faced the unprecedented and extreme severity of the famine. It points to a state of utter despair, where the reality of their suffering was almost incomprehensible.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the prophecy, emphasizing that God Himself is the active agent of judgment. Addressing Ezekiel as "Son of man" (a common address in the book), God declares His intention to "break the staff of bread," a powerful metaphor signifying the removal of the very foundation of sustenance and life for the city of Jerusalem. This is a direct, sovereign act of God, not merely a natural disaster, demonstrating His control over the most basic human needs.
* **"and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care;"** This segment describes the immediate consequence of the "broken staff of bread." The phrase "by weight" indicates extreme rationing, where every morsel of bread would be meticulously measured out, leaving no room for abundance or even sufficiency. The addition "and with care" highlights the psychological burden accompanying this scarcity—a constant state of anxiety, worry, and fear over whether there would be enough to survive, and how long the meager supplies would last.
* **"and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:"** Parallel to the rationing of bread, water—another essential for life—would also be rationed "by measure." This signifies an equally severe shortage of water, forcing inhabitants to consume only minimal, precisely allotted amounts. The phrase "and with astonishment" captures the profound shock, despair, and bewilderment of the people as they faced such dire and unprecedented conditions, a state of utter desolation caused by the severity of the famine and siege.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 4:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment and suffering. **Metaphor** is central to the verse, particularly in the phrase "break the staff of bread." "Staff" is a metaphor for support and sustenance, so its "breaking" vividly represents the complete collapse of the food supply and the means of life. The phrase itself is a powerful image of divine withdrawal of provision. **Parallelism** is evident in the symmetrical structure describing the rationing of both bread and water: "eat bread by weight, and with care" is mirrored by "drink water by measure, and with astonishment." This repetition emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the deprivation. The terms "by weight" and "by measure" are examples of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole, underscoring the absolute precision and scarcity of provisions. Finally, the words "care" and "astonishment" serve as powerful **Emotional Descriptors**, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll of the famine, moving beyond mere physical suffering to capture the deep anxiety and profound despair of the besieged inhabitants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 4:16 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His sovereign control over all aspects of creation, including the very sustenance of life. The prophecy serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion against God's covenant commands inevitably leads to severe consequences, often manifested in the withdrawal of divine blessing and the experience of hardship. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Jerusalem's deep-seated idolatry and moral corruption, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their faithfulness. The "breaking of the staff of bread" is a powerful theological statement about God's ability to humble the proud and bring about repentance through severe discipline, ultimately aiming for a restoration of relationship, though through painful means.

* [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "God's Covenant Curses for Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Famine as a Consequence of Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 3:1](/isaiah/3-1 "God Removes Support and Supply")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 4:16, though describing a historical judgment, carries timeless truths for believers today. It compels us to recognize God's absolute sovereignty, not just over grand cosmic events, but over the most mundane aspects of our daily lives, including our provisions. This should cultivate a profound sense of gratitude for the abundance we often take for granted, prompting us to thank God for every meal and every drink of water. Furthermore, the verse serves as a sober warning about the consequences of spiritual apathy and rebellion. Just as Jerusalem's physical famine was a result of their spiritual famine, our own neglect of God's Word and persistent sin can lead to a spiritual barrenness and a sense of "care" and "astonishment" in our souls. It calls us to examine our hearts for any idols, any areas where we have broken covenant with God, and to respond with sincere repentance and a renewed commitment to walk in obedience. Ultimately, it reminds us that true security and sustenance come not from earthly provisions, but from a right relationship with the Giver of all good things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's provision for granted, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude?**
* **What "staff of bread" (sources of security or comfort) might I be relying on more than God, and how can I shift my trust fully to Him?**
* **How does the "care" and "astonishment" described in this verse speak to the spiritual anxiety or despair that can result from spiritual disobedience in my own life?**

### FAQ
**What does "break the staff of bread" mean metaphorically?**

Answer: The phrase "break the staff of bread" is a powerful metaphor for the complete removal or destruction of the means of sustenance and life. In ancient cultures, bread was not just a food item but the fundamental support of life itself, often referred to as the "staff of life." Therefore, when God declares He will "break the staff of bread," it signifies that He will bring about a severe famine so extreme that the very foundation of human survival—the regular availability of food—will be utterly shattered. This is a direct act of divine judgment, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the earth's provisions and His ability to withhold them as a consequence of disobedience, as also seen in [Leviticus 26:26](/leviticus/26-26 "God's Covenant Curses for Disobedience").

**Why would God cause such suffering as described in Ezekiel 4:16?**

Answer: The suffering described in Ezekiel 4:16, including extreme famine and rationing, is presented as a direct, just consequence of Jerusalem's persistent and severe rebellion against God's covenant. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, God repeatedly highlights the city's idolatry, moral corruption, and rejection of His prophets' warnings (e.g., [Ezekiel 5:6-9](/ezekiel/5-6-9 "Jerusalem's Rebellion and God's Judgment")). God, as a righteous and holy judge, allows these dire circumstances to befall His people not out of arbitrary cruelty, but as a form of divine discipline intended to bring them to repentance and acknowledge His sovereignty. It underscores the serious nature of sin and the unwavering justice of God, who will not allow His covenant to be continually violated without consequence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 4:16 vividly portrays the physical famine and judgment upon Jerusalem, it also points forward to a deeper spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ. The "breaking of the staff of bread" highlights humanity's utter dependence on God for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. In the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be the true "Bread of Life" (e.g., [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), offering eternal sustenance that transcends any physical famine. While Israel experienced a literal breaking of their physical staff of bread due to their unfaithfulness, humanity's greatest famine is spiritual—a starvation for truth, righteousness, and eternal life, brought about by sin. Jesus came to satisfy this deepest hunger, offering Himself as the living bread "that a person may eat of it and not die" ([John 6:50](/john/6-50 "John 6:50 - The Bread of Life Gives Life")). Furthermore, the "care" and "astonishment" of the besieged Israelites reflect the anxieties and despair of a world separated from God, searching for meaning and peace in vain. Christ, however, offers a peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and promises that those who drink of the water He gives will never thirst again ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Thus, Ezekiel 4:16, in its depiction of desperate scarcity and divine judgment, ultimately magnifies the abundant provision and spiritual fulfillment found uniquely in Jesus Christ, who satisfies our deepest needs and delivers us from the ultimate spiritual famine.

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 5:16

When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for [their] destruction, [and] which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

Isaiah 3:1

¶ For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water,

Leviticus 26:26

[And] when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver [you] your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.

Ezekiel 4:10

And thy meat which thou shalt eat [shall be] by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it.

Ezekiel 4:11

Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.

Ezekiel 14:13

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

Ezekiel 12:18

Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;