Ezekiel 7:13

KJV

For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision [is] touching the whole multitude thereof, [which] shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the seller {H4376} shall not return {H7725} to that which is sold {H4465}, although they were yet alive {H2416}: for the vision {H2377} is touching the whole multitude {H1995} thereof, which shall not return {H7725}; neither shall any {H376} strengthen {H2388} himself in the iniquity {H5771} of his life {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the seller will not return to what he sold, even if he is still alive; for though the vision was brought to all her many people, nobody repented. Each kept living his own wicked life; they weren't strong enough [to repent].

Berean Standard Bible

The seller will surely not recover what he sold while both remain alive. For the vision concerning the whole multitude will not be revoked, and because of their iniquity, not one of them will preserve his life.

American Standard Version

For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they be yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, none shall return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 7:13 is a sobering prophetic declaration concerning the comprehensive and irreversible nature of God's impending judgment upon ancient Judah. It vividly portrays a society in utter collapse, where economic transactions become meaningless, and the pursuit of security through worldly possessions or sinful endeavors is rendered utterly futile. The verse underscores that divine wrath will sweep away all human attempts at self-preservation and self-reliance, revealing the finality of God's decree against a nation steeped in iniquity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 7 initiates a new prophetic oracle, distinct from the preceding chapters which detailed specific judgments against Jerusalem and its inhabitants. The chapter opens with the emphatic declaration, "[The end is come upon the four corners of the land](/ezekiel/7-2 "Ezekiel 7:2 - The End Has Come"), setting a tone of inescapable and imminent destruction. This verse, Ezekiel 7:13, is embedded within a series of pronouncements detailing the breakdown of social order, the worthlessness of wealth, and the pervasive fear that will grip the people as God's judgment unfolds. It directly follows verses that speak of the defilement of the sanctuary and the scattering of the people, reinforcing the idea that no aspect of life, including economic stability, will remain untouched by the coming catastrophe. The repetition of themes like "the end is come" and the futility of escape emphasizes the absolute nature of the divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Ezekiel 7:13 is delivered during a critical period in Judah's history, likely after the first Babylonian deportation in 597 BC but before the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The people of Judah, despite earlier warnings, continued in idolatry and rebellion against God, often trusting in political alliances or their own economic prosperity rather than in the Lord. In ancient Israel, land ownership was deeply tied to covenant blessings and family identity, passed down through generations. The idea that "the seller shall not return to that which is sold" directly challenges this foundational aspect of Israelite society. It speaks to a time of siege, famine, and invasion where property rights would be utterly nullified, and even surviving individuals would find their former lives and possessions irrevocably lost. The cultural practice of buying and selling land, a symbol of stability and future hope, is depicted as a meaningless act in the face of overwhelming divine judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the **Irreversible Judgment** of God, emphasizing that once the divine decree is issued and executed, there is no turning back, no reversal of fortunes for the unrepentant nation. The repeated phrase "shall not return" underscores this finality. Secondly, the verse exposes the **Futility of Material Possessions** as a source of security or strength. In a time of divine wrath, wealth, land, and economic transactions are rendered worthless, aligning with biblical principles that "[riches profit not in the day of wrath](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath") but righteousness delivers from death." Finally, it underscores the **Consequences of Iniquity**, directly linking the societal collapse and personal ruin to the pervasive sin of the people. The inability to "strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life" means that all attempts to find stability or advantage through unrighteous means will ultimately fail and lead to destruction, as seen in the broader narrative of Judah's decline due to its covenant unfaithfulness (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:6](/ezekiel/6-6 "Ezekiel 6:6 - Desolation of Idolatrous Places")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** Derived from the root "châzâh" (to gaze, to see), _châzôwn_ refers to a sight, mentally perceived, often a dream, revelation, or oracle from God. In Ezekiel 7:13, it explicitly states that "the vision [is] touching the whole multitude," emphasizing that this dire prophecy is not a mere human prediction but a divinely revealed truth, a direct communication from God Himself concerning the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment. This term underscores the authoritative and certain nature of Ezekiel's message.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** This word signifies a noise, tumult, crowd, or abundance. It can refer to a large company of people, a great quantity, or even wealth. In this context, "the whole multitude thereof" refers to the entire populace of Judah, encompassing all social strata and economic classes. The use of _hâmôwn_ here suggests not just a numerical count but also the bustling activity and collective identity of the people. The judgment is not selective but global, affecting the entire "crowd" or "abundance" of the nation, implying a widespread and inescapable calamity that will disrupt their collective life and prosperity.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** This term denotes perversity, moral evil, fault, or sin. Crucially, it also carries the connotation of the guilt and punishment associated with such wrongdoing. _ʻâvôn_ suggests a crookedness or distortion of character, a deviation from God's righteous path. In Ezekiel 7:13, the phrase "iniquity of his life" points to a deeply ingrained pattern of moral corruption and unrighteous living that defined the nation. The inability to "strengthen himself in the iniquity" highlights that their persistent sin, far from being a source of power or security, will be the very cause of their undoing and the means by which they are weakened and brought to ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the seller shall not return to that which is sold,"**: This clause vividly illustrates the economic and social upheaval caused by the impending judgment. It signifies that property transactions, which were meant to be permanent transfers of ownership, will be nullified. Once land or goods are sold, the original owner will have no opportunity to reclaim them, not because of legal constraints, but because the entire system of ownership and stability will collapse. This speaks to the utter finality and destruction of the established order.
* **"although they were yet alive:"**: This phrase adds a chilling layer to the judgment. Even if individuals survive the initial onslaught, their survival does not mean a return to normalcy or the recovery of their former status or possessions. Life itself, _chay_, is preserved, but the fabric of their existence, their economic security, and their social standing are irrevocably lost. This emphasizes the depth and permanence of the devastation.
* **"for the vision [is] touching the whole multitude thereof, [which] shall not return;"**: This part clarifies the scope and source of the judgment. The "vision" (a divine revelation) concerns the "whole multitude" (the entire population of Judah). The repetition of "shall not return" reinforces the absolute certainty and comprehensiveness of the judgment. It is not just about individual property, but about the entire nation's inability to revert to its previous state of peace, prosperity, or even spiritual standing. There will be no restoration of the status quo for the unrepentant people.
* **"neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life."**: This final clause delivers a powerful moral indictment. It declares that no one will be able to find security, power, or comfort through their unrighteous dealings, ill-gotten gains, or sinful lifestyles. Their "iniquity of his life" (their habitual and pervasive sin) will not serve as a source of strength or refuge. Instead, it will be the very cause of their weakness and downfall, exposing the futility of trusting in anything other than God's righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 7:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the phrase "shall not return," which appears twice within the verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute and irreversible nature of the coming catastrophe, underscoring that there will be no recovery, no reversal of fortunes, and no going back to the way things were. The entire chapter functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct divine pronouncement delivered through the prophet, lending it immense authority and certainty. The imagery of the "seller shall not return to that which is sold" is a form of **Metonymy**, where the economic transaction stands in for the complete breakdown of societal order and the futility of all human endeavors in the face of divine wrath. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the expectation of life ("although they were yet alive") with the reality of irreversible loss and the inability to find strength in one's "iniquity," highlighting the stark difference between human presumption and divine reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 7:13 profoundly articulates God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over human history, even amidst chaos. It reveals that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of persistent sin and rebellion, demonstrating that He will not tolerate unrepentant iniquity indefinitely. The verse challenges humanity's innate tendency to find security in material wealth, personal strength, or even sinful cunning, declaring such trusts utterly worthless when confronted by divine decree. It underscores the biblical truth that true security and strength are found only in righteousness and dependence on God, not in the fleeting illusions of earthly possessions or self-serving schemes. This prophetic word serves as a timeless reminder that while human life may persist, the foundations upon which it is built—if they are not God-centered—are ultimately fragile and subject to collapse under the weight of divine accountability.

* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 7:13 serves as a profound and challenging mirror for all generations, calling us to critically examine where we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of security. In a world that often equates worth with wealth, and strength with self-reliance, this verse starkly reminds us that all earthly foundations are temporary and vulnerable to collapse. It compels us to consider the true nature of God's justice and the inevitable consequences of persistent sin, both individually and corporately. Rather than seeking to "strengthen ourselves in the iniquity of our lives"—whether through dishonest gain, manipulative practices, or a general disregard for God's commands—we are called to build our lives on the unshakable foundation of His Word and His righteousness. This means cultivating a heart of repentance, pursuing justice, and living with an eternal perspective, understanding that our true and lasting inheritance is found in Christ alone, not in fleeting material possessions or worldly power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my security and strength in life? Is it in material possessions, personal achievements, or my relationship with God?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "strengthen myself in the iniquity of my life," even subtly, by compromising my values or seeking gain through questionable means?**
* **How does the irreversible nature of God's judgment, as depicted in this verse, shape my understanding of repentance and the urgency of living righteously?**
* **If all my earthly possessions and societal standing were suddenly rendered meaningless, what would remain of my identity and hope?**

### FAQ
**What does "the seller shall not return to that which is sold" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the complete and irreversible disruption of normal life and economic order during the impending judgment. In ancient Israel, land was often sold or mortgaged with the expectation that it could be redeemed or would revert to the family in the Jubilee year (see [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee")). Ezekiel 7:13 declares that these traditional practices and expectations will be utterly nullified. Even if the original seller or buyer remains alive, the land or property will be lost forever, likely confiscated by invaders or rendered worthless in the societal collapse. It means there will be no recovery, no restoration of property rights, and no return to previous economic stability for anyone, regardless of their survival.

**How does this verse relate to God's justice and the consequences of sin?**

Answer: This phrase signifies the complete and irreversible disruption of normal life and economic order during the impending judgment. In ancient Israel, land was often sold or mortgaged with the expectation that it could be redeemed or would revert to the family in the Jubilee year (see [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee")). Ezekiel 7:13 declares that these traditional practices and expectations will be utterly nullified. Even if the original seller or buyer remains alive, the land or property will be lost forever, likely confiscated by invaders or rendered worthless in the societal collapse. It means there will be no recovery, no restoration of property rights, and no return to previous economic stability for anyone, regardless of their survival.

**Is this prophecy only about ancient Israel, or does it have broader implications for us today?**

Answer: While the immediate context is the specific judgment upon ancient Judah leading to the Babylonian exile, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 7:13 have timeless and universal implications. It serves as a perennial warning against placing ultimate trust in material possessions, worldly systems, or human strength, especially when those are acquired or maintained through unrighteousness. The verse highlights the fragility of earthly security and the certainty of divine accountability for sin. For believers today, it underscores the importance of seeking true security in God alone, living righteously, and recognizing that our ultimate hope and inheritance are not found in this fleeting world but in Christ (e.g., [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 7:13, with its stark pronouncement of irreversible judgment and the futility of finding strength in iniquity, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "vision" that touches the "whole multitude" and declares that they "shall not return" to their former state of security due to their "iniquity" points to humanity's universal predicament under the curse of sin. No human effort, no amount of wealth, and no personal righteousness could ever reverse the spiritual alienation caused by sin or "strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life" to escape God's righteous judgment. However, in Christ, the finality of this judgment for the believer is transformed. While the Old Testament vision spoke of an irreversible loss, the New Testament proclaims an irreversible gain for those who trust in Jesus. He is the ultimate "seller" who, through His sacrifice on the cross, "sold" Himself (gave Himself up) to redeem us from the curse of the law and the power of sin (see [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us From the Curse")). The "iniquity of his life" that rendered humanity helpless is fully borne by Christ, who "knew no sin, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (as articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us")). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secured a "return" for humanity—not to earthly possessions or a prior state of innocence, but to a reconciled relationship with God, a new spiritual life, and an eternal inheritance that "cannot perish, spoil or fade" (as described in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Thus, where Ezekiel prophesied an inescapable judgment for those clinging to their iniquity, Christ offers an escape from that judgment and a new, unbreakable strength found not in self or sin, but in His perfect righteousness and finished work (see [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

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

Leviticus 25:24

And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land.

Leviticus 25:28

But if he be not able to restore [it] to him, then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it until the year of jubile: and in the jubile it shall go out, and he shall return unto his possession.

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Job 15:25

For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.

Leviticus 25:31

But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubile.

Ecclesiastes 8:8

[There is] no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither [hath he] power in the day of death: and [there is] no discharge in [that] war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Ezekiel 33:26

Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and shall ye possess the land?