Old Testament
Ezekiel 14:21
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 expressing the severity of the consequences that will come upon Jerusalem due to its disobedience.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then the Lord GOD says: "How much worse will it be when I send all 4 of my devastating judgments against Jerusalem at once — war, famine, wild beasts, and plague — to wipe out both people and animals?
For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God is expressing the severity of the consequences that will come upon Jerusalem due to its disobedience. He lists four devastating judgments: war, famine, wild beasts, and plague. Each of these represents a different form of suffering that will affect both people and animals. The imagery is stark, highlighting the totality of destruction that will occur. God is emphasizing that these judgments are not just random; they are a direct response to the people's actions. The message is clear: ignoring God's guidance leads to dire outcomes. This serves as a warning to take seriously the consequences of our choices and the importance of living in alignment with what is right. The passage invites reflection on how our actions can lead to suffering, not just for ourselves but for those around us. It’s a call to recognize the weight of our decisions and the impact they have on our lives and communities. Understanding this can help us make better choices moving forward.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 14:21 to your life
This passage encourages us to consider the impact of our choices. Just as Jerusalem faced consequences for its actions, we too must reflect on how our decisions affect ourselves and others. It’s a reminder to seek guidance and live responsibly to avoid negative outcomes. Taking this to heart can lead to a more fulfilling life and healthier relationships. We can choose to act with wisdom and care in our daily lives, fostering a positive environment.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 14:21 mean?
Ezekiel 14:21 conveys God's warning about the severe consequences that will befall Jerusalem due to its disobedience. It lists four judgments: war, famine, wild beasts, and plague, emphasizing the total destruction that will affect both people and animals.
What are the four judgments mentioned in Ezekiel 14:21?
The four judgments mentioned in Ezekiel 14:21 are war, famine, wild beasts, and plague. Each judgment represents a different form of suffering that will lead to the destruction of both the people and the animals in Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the judgments in Ezekiel 14:21?
The significance of the judgments in Ezekiel 14:21 lies in their role as a direct response to the people's disobedience. They serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's guidance and the impact of one's actions on the community.
How does Ezekiel 14:21 relate to personal choices?
Ezekiel 14:21 relates to personal choices by illustrating that disobedience can lead to severe consequences, not just for oneself but also for others. It encourages reflection on how our decisions can affect our lives and those around us.
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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