Ezekiel 14:4
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;
Ezekiel 14:4 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel serves as a warning from the Lord GOD to the house of Israel. It emphasizes the consequences of setting up idols in one's heart and allowing them to become stumbling blocks leading to iniquity. The Lord GOD states that those who do so and then come to the prophet seeking answers will receive a response based on the multitude of idols in their hearts. This is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a pure and faithful heart before the Lord. The verse suggests that idolatry hinders one's ability to truly hear and receive guidance from God. It highlights the need for repentance and turning away from idols in order to receive genuine communication and forgiveness from the Lord. Ultimately, the verse conveys the message that true devotion and purity of heart are necessary for a meaningful relationship with God.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Ezekiel, God warns the people of Israel about the dangers of idolatry. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the severity of setting up idols in one's heart. The emphasis here is on the internal nature of idol worship, rather than just the physical act of erecting statues or images. The phrase "stumblingblock of his iniquity" suggests that idolatry not only separates us from God but also causes us to stumble in our walk with Him. Additionally, it is crucial to note that coming to a prophet with a heart full of idols will not result in receiving a favorable answer from the Lord. God, in His infinite wisdom, sees through the facade of false worship and will respond according to the multitude of idols in one's heart. This passage serves as a poignant reminder for believers to guard their hearts against any form of idolatry and to seek God with sincerity and purity.
Ezekiel 14:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
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;
World English Bible
Therefore speak to them, and tell them, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: 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, and comes to the prophet; I Yahweh will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols;
Douay-Rheims
Therefore speak to them, and say to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Man, man of the house of Israel that shall place his uncleannesses in his heart, and set up the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and shall come to the prophet inquiring of me by him: I the Lord will answer him according to the multitude of his uncleannesses:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore speake vnto them, and say vnto them, Thus saith the Lord God, Euery man of the house of Israel that setteth vp his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumbling blocke of his iniquitie before his face, and commeth to the Prophet, I the Lord will answere him that commeth, according to the multitude of his idoles: