Old Testament

Ezekiel 17:14

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

so that the kingdom would be kept weak and unable to rise up — surviving only by honoring the covenant.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

What Ezekiel 17:14 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we see a picture of a kingdom that is intentionally kept weak. The idea is that by remaining humble and honoring the covenant, the kingdom can survive despite its limitations. This suggests that strength does not always come from power or dominance, but rather from loyalty and commitment to promises made. The covenant represents a relationship built on trust and mutual respect. By adhering to this covenant, the kingdom can maintain its existence, even when it seems vulnerable. This teaches us that sometimes, true strength lies in humility and faithfulness. It’s a reminder that we can thrive in our own lives by staying true to our commitments, even when circumstances are challenging. The focus is on the importance of honoring agreements and the strength that can come from that dedication, rather than seeking power for its own sake. This perspective encourages us to reflect on our own relationships and the commitments we make to others, emphasizing the value of integrity and loyalty.

How to apply Ezekiel 17:14 to your life

Consider the commitments you have in your life, whether in relationships or work. Reflect on how honoring these agreements can provide stability and strength, even in tough times. Embrace humility and recognize that true power often comes from being faithful to your promises, not from seeking control or dominance over others. Stay dedicated to your values and relationships, and you will find resilience in challenges you face.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of the king setting the royal crown on the head of Esther as she kneels before his throne, while the court looks on

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Esther

Rows of uncovered stone walls on the mound at Tel Shiloh, with no modern buildings in view.

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shiloh

Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 17:14

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Ezekiel 17:14

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 17:14 mean?

Ezekiel 17:14 illustrates a kingdom that remains weak yet survives by honoring its covenant. It emphasizes that true strength comes from humility and loyalty to commitments rather than seeking power.

What is the meaning of the covenant in Ezekiel 17:14?

In Ezekiel 17:14, the covenant represents a promise or agreement that the kingdom must uphold to maintain its existence. It highlights the importance of trust and mutual respect in relationships.

How does Ezekiel 17:14 relate to strength in weakness?

Ezekiel 17:14 shows that a kingdom's survival is linked to its commitment to the covenant, suggesting that true strength often lies in humility and dedication rather than in power.

What themes are present in Ezekiel 17:14?

Key themes in Ezekiel 17:14 include humility, the significance of covenants, finding strength in weakness, loyalty, and the importance of commitment in relationships.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.