Ezekiel 14:4

2 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way?

Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry,

5 so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’

6 Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your abominations.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry,
KJV
Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;
WEB
Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘The Lord GOD says: “Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him there according to the multitude of his idols,
ASV
Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols;
DARBY
Therefore speak to them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling-block of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet, I Jehovah will answer him according to this, according to the multitude of his idols:
BLB
Therefore you must speak to them and say to them, thus says the Lord YHWH: ‘Every man man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart and puts a stumbling block for his iniquity before his face, and comes to the prophet, I, YHWH, will give answer to him in this, according to the abundance of his idolatry,
ÅB
Tal derfor med dem og si til dem: Så sier Herren, Israels Gud: Hver den av Israels hus som gir sine motbydelige avguder rom i sitt hjerte og setter det som er ham et anstøt til misgjerning, for sine øyne og så kommer til profeten, ham vil jeg, Herren, selv svare[^1] for hans mange motbydelige avguders skyld,
OTB
Derfor skal du tale til dem og si: 'Dette sier Herren Gud: Når noen av Israels hus setter opp avguder i sitt hjerte og plasserer en snublestein av urett foran sitt ansikt, og så kommer til profeten, vil jeg, Herren, svare dem i samsvar med deres avgudsdyrkelse.
B1930
Tal derfor med dem og si til dem: Så sier Herren, Israels Gud: Hver den av Israels hus som gir sine motbydelige avguder rum i sitt hjerte og setter det som er ham et anstøt til misgjerning, for sine øine og så kommer til profeten, ham vil jeg, Herren, selv svare for hans mange motbydelige avguders skyld, / < nemlig i gjerning ved å straffe ham; ESK 14, 8.>

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Ezekiel 14:7

    For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 66:4

    So I will choose their punishment and I will bring terror upon them, because I called and no one answered, I spoke and no one listened. But they did evil in My sight and chose that in which I did not delight.”

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 3:17–21

    “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.

    Read in context
  • Isaiah 3:11

    Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done.

    Read in context
  • 2 Kings 1:16

    And Elijah said to King Ahaziah, “This is what the LORD says: Is there really no God in Israel for you to inquire of His word? Is that why you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore you will not get up from the bed on which you are lying. You will surely die.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Kings 21:20–25

    When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 3:4

    Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them.

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 2:7

    But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.

    Read in context