Old Testament
Ezekiel 12:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God is warning the people of Jerusalem and Israel about the dire consequences of their actions.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then tell the people of the land, 'This is what the Lord GOD says about the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the land of Israel: They will eat their bread with caution and drink their water with astonishment, because their land will be stripped bare of everything in it — all because of the violence of those who live there.'
And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is warning the people of Jerusalem and Israel about the dire consequences of their actions. They will face a time of scarcity, where even basic necessities like bread and water will be consumed with fear and uncertainty. The land, once bountiful, will become desolate due to the violence and wrongdoing of its inhabitants. This message serves as a stark reminder that our choices have profound effects on our lives and surroundings. The people are urged to recognize the seriousness of their situation and the need for change. God’s words highlight the connection between their behavior and the state of their land, emphasizing that violence leads to destruction. This is not just a warning; it’s an invitation to reflect on their actions and seek a better path. The imagery of eating and drinking with caution paints a vivid picture of their impending reality, urging them to take heed before it’s too late. It’s a call to awareness and responsibility for their community and future.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 12:19 to your life
Consider how your actions impact those around you. Are you contributing to a positive environment, or are you part of the problem? Reflect on your choices and strive to create a community that fosters peace and support. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in your surroundings and relationships. Take responsibility for your role in the community today.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 12:19 mean?
Ezekiel 12:19 conveys God's warning to the people of Jerusalem and Israel about the consequences of their violent actions. It indicates that they will face scarcity and fear in their daily lives as their land becomes desolate due to their wrongdoing.
What is the significance of eating bread with caution in Ezekiel 12:19?
Eating bread with caution in Ezekiel 12:19 symbolizes the fear and uncertainty that the people will experience as their resources dwindle. It highlights the seriousness of their situation and the impact of their violent behavior on their basic needs.
What does drinking water with astonishment mean in Ezekiel 12:19?
Drinking water with astonishment in Ezekiel 12:19 reflects the shock and disbelief the people will feel as they confront the dire state of their land. It emphasizes the drastic change from abundance to scarcity due to their actions.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 12:19?
Ezekiel 12:19 presents themes of consequences of actions, scarcity, violence, and the need for reflection and responsibility. It serves as a reminder that the behavior of individuals can lead to significant changes in their environment.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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