Old Testament
Ezekiel 14:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Son of man, when a land sins against me by trespassing grievously, I will stretch out my hand against it, break its staff of bread, send famine upon it, and cut off both people and animals from it.
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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:
What Ezekiel 14:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel about the consequences of a land that turns away from Him. When a community or nation acts in ways that deeply offend God, He responds by withdrawing His blessings. This can lead to severe hardships, such as famine, where food becomes scarce. The phrase 'break its staff of bread' symbolizes the end of sustenance and support. Both people and animals will suffer as a result of this disobedience. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. God desires a relationship with His people, and when they stray, He must act to bring them back to Him. This passage highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and the impact it can have on a community's well-being. It encourages reflection on our choices and their effects on our lives and those we care about, urging us to seek alignment with God's will for our lives and communities. It’s a call to accountability and awareness.
How to apply Ezekiel 14:13 to your life
Consider how your actions affect not just you but also those around you. Reflect on areas in your life where you may be straying from what is good and right. Seek to align your choices with values that promote well-being for yourself and your community. Remember, your decisions can have a ripple effect on others. Make choices that foster connection and support rather than division and hardship. Embrace accountability in your relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 14:13 mean for communities today?
Ezekiel 14:13 serves as a warning that the actions of a community can lead to serious consequences, including divine judgment. It emphasizes that when a society turns away from God's principles, it risks losing His blessings, which can manifest in hardships like famine or social strife. This verse encourages communities to reflect on their collective values and behaviors, urging them to seek alignment with God's will to foster well-being and harmony.
How can I apply the message of Ezekiel 14:13 in my life?
To apply the message of Ezekiel 14:13, consider how your personal choices impact not just yourself but also those around you. Reflect on areas where you may be straying from positive values and seek to make decisions that promote the well-being of your community. Engage in actions that build connections and support rather than division. This verse calls for accountability in your relationships and encourages you to align your life with principles that honor God.
What does 'breaking the staff of bread' symbolize?
In Ezekiel 14:13, 'breaking the staff of bread' symbolizes the withdrawal of sustenance and support from God. It indicates that when a land sins grievously against Him, He may allow famine or scarcity to occur as a consequence. This phrase highlights the seriousness of turning away from God and serves as a reminder that our actions can lead to dire consequences, affecting both individuals and the wider community.
What are the consequences of sin according to Ezekiel 14:13?
Ezekiel 14:13 outlines that the consequences of sin can be severe, including divine judgment that leads to famine and suffering. When a land sins against God, He may withdraw His blessings, resulting in a lack of resources and support for both people and animals. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a relationship with God and adhering to His guidance to avoid such dire outcomes.
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