Old Testament

Ezekiel 25:4

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

ClearClear Bible Translation

Because of this, I am handing you over to the people of the east. They will take possession of your land, set up their palaces among you, and make their homes in your territory. They will eat your fruit and drink your milk.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Behold, therefore I will deliver thee to the men of the east for a possession, and they shall set their palaces in thee, and make their dwellings in thee: they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk.

What Ezekiel 25:4 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God is declaring a significant change for a people who have strayed from His ways. He is allowing them to be taken over by a neighboring nation from the east. This new group will settle in their land, taking advantage of the resources that once belonged to the people. They will build their homes and enjoy the fruits of the land, which symbolizes a loss of control and identity for the original inhabitants. This message serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from what is right and just. It highlights the importance of staying true to one's values and the potential repercussions of neglecting them. The imagery of eating fruit and drinking milk represents the basic sustenance and comfort that will now be enjoyed by others, emphasizing the depth of loss. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that our choices can lead to significant changes in our lives and communities, often in ways we may not foresee or desire. It calls for reflection on our actions and their impact.

How to apply Ezekiel 25:4 to your life

This passage encourages us to reflect on our choices and their potential consequences. It reminds us to stay true to our values and to be mindful of how our actions can affect our lives and communities. By making wise decisions, we can avoid negative outcomes and maintain our identity and purpose in life. Staying grounded in our principles is essential for a fulfilling life. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “In this chapter, God warns of the consequences of straying

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 Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

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

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, 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.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

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 25:4

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 25:4

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 25:4 mean?

Ezekiel 25:4 conveys God's message of judgment against a people who have turned away from Him. It indicates that they will be conquered by a neighboring nation, losing their land and resources, which symbolizes a significant loss of control and identity.

What is the significance of the 'men of the east' in Ezekiel 25:4?

The 'men of the east' represent a foreign power that will invade and take possession of the land. This signifies a shift in power and control, illustrating the consequences of the original inhabitants' actions and choices.

What does 'they shall eat thy fruit, and they shall drink thy milk' mean in Ezekiel 25:4?

This phrase symbolizes the basic sustenance and comfort that the invading nation will enjoy from the land that once belonged to the original inhabitants. It highlights the depth of loss and the consequences of turning away from God's ways.

What is the overall message of Ezekiel 25:4?

The overall message of Ezekiel 25:4 is a warning about the consequences of straying from God's principles. It emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and staying true to one's values to avoid negative outcomes.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

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