Old Testament
Ezekiel 4:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said to me, 'Son of man, look, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem. They will eat bread by weight and with care, and they will drink water by measure, with astonishment.'
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Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:
What Ezekiel 4:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel, warning him about the dire situation in Jerusalem. The phrase 'break the staff of bread' signifies a severe shortage of food. People will have to ration their bread and water, consuming it carefully and in small amounts. This scarcity will lead to astonishment and fear among the people. They will realize the gravity of their circumstances as they struggle to find enough to eat and drink. The imagery of weighing bread and measuring water highlights the desperation they will face. This message serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of relying on Him for sustenance and support. It emphasizes that when we stray from our values, we may find ourselves in situations where our basic needs are threatened, leading to a profound sense of vulnerability and reflection on our choices. Ultimately, this passage calls us to consider how we prioritize our lives and the sources of our true nourishment.
How to apply Ezekiel 4:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our relationship with our basic needs and values. Are we taking our resources for granted? It reminds us to appreciate what we have and to seek deeper connections with our sources of support, both physical and spiritual. In times of scarcity, we can find strength in community and faith. We should also consider how our actions impact others around us, especially in difficult times. We can choose to
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
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Keep studying Ezekiel 4:16
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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 4:16 mean?
Ezekiel 4:16 conveys God's warning to Ezekiel about the severe food shortage in Jerusalem. The phrase 'break the staff of bread' indicates a lack of food, leading people to ration their bread and water, which will result in astonishment and fear as they face their dire circumstances.
What is the significance of 'staff of bread' in Ezekiel 4:16?
The 'staff of bread' in Ezekiel 4:16 symbolizes the essential support and sustenance that food provides. By breaking this staff, God is indicating a drastic reduction in food supply, highlighting the desperation and vulnerability of the people in Jerusalem.
What does 'eat bread by weight' mean in Ezekiel 4:16?
'Eat bread by weight' means that the people will have to measure their food carefully due to scarcity. This imagery illustrates the severity of the situation, where basic needs must be rationed, reflecting a time of great hardship.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 4:16?
Ezekiel 4:16 presents themes of food scarcity, the consequences of choices, reliance on God, and vulnerability. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence on God for sustenance and the impact of our actions on our well-being.
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