Ezekiel 14:21
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?
Ezekiel 14:21 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "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?" is a declaration from God about the impending judgment that will befall Jerusalem. The four judgments mentioned - the sword, famine, noisome beast, and pestilence - symbolize the severity of the punishment that will come upon the city for its sins and disobedience. Each of these judgments represents different forms of destruction and suffering that will impact both humans and animals in Jerusalem. The sword signifies violence and war, famine represents scarcity and hunger, the noisome beast could refer to wild animals or creatures that bring harm, and pestilence signifies disease and plague. God is warning of the devastating consequences that will come upon Jerusalem if they continue to stray from His ways and ignore His commandments. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of staying faithful to God's will.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel is that it serves as a warning from God to the people of Jerusalem. The prophet Ezekiel delivers a message from the Lord, stating that if the people continue in their wicked ways, God will send four severe judgments upon the city: the sword, famine, noisome beasts, and pestilence. These judgments are meant to bring about punishment and discipline for the sins of the people. The word "sore" in the verse signifies the severity and intensity of these judgments, emphasizing the seriousness of the consequences of disobedience to God's will. Each of these judgments represents a different aspect of destruction that will come upon Jerusalem if the people do not turn from their wicked ways. This passage serves as a reminder of God's power and authority to bring judgment upon those who rebel against Him, as well as His desire for repentance and obedience from His people.
Ezekiel 14:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
For thus saith the Lord Jehovah: How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the evil beasts, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast!
World English Bible
For thus says the Lord Yahweh: How much more when I send my four severe judgments on Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the evil animals, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and animal!
Douay-Rheims
For thus saith the Lord: Although I shall send in upon Jerusalem my four grievous judgments, the sword, and the famine, and the mischievous beasts, and the pestilence, to destroy out of it man and beast,
Geneva Bible (1599)
For thus saith the Lord God, Howe much more when I sende my foure sore iudgements vpon Ierusalem, euen the sworde, and famine, and the noysome beast and pestilence, to destroy man and beast out of it?