Ezekiel 4:14
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Ezekiel 4:14 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, the speaker is expressing their devotion to God and their commitment to following His laws and commandments. By proclaiming that their soul has not been polluted, the speaker is indicating that they have lived a righteous life by abstaining from eating meat that has died of itself or has been torn in pieces. This refers to the dietary laws outlined in Leviticus 17, where it is forbidden to consume the flesh of animals that have not been properly slaughtered. The speaker's declaration of not allowing abominable flesh into their mouth demonstrates their dedication to maintaining purity and obedience to God's will. This verse serves as a declaration of the speaker's faithfulness and adherence to the laws of God, showcasing their unwavering commitment to living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Theological Overview
When Ezekiel declared to the Lord God that his soul had not been polluted by eating unclean things, he was referring to the dietary laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. In this specific verse, Ezekiel highlights his obedience to God's commandments by stating that he had not consumed any meat that had died of natural causes or had been torn apart by wild animals. This demonstrates Ezekiel's commitment to following the Mosaic Law, which prohibited the consumption of such unclean animals. By abstaining from these forbidden foods, Ezekiel was able to maintain his purity and holiness before the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the significance of living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Ezekiel 4:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said I, Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, my soul hath not been polluted; for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn of beasts; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
World English Bible
Then I said, Ah Lord Yahweh! behold, my soul has not been polluted; for from my youth up even until now have I not eaten of that which dies of itself, or is torn of animals; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Douay-Rheims
And I said: Ah, ah, ah, O Lord God, behold my soul hath not been defiled, and from my infancy even till now, I have not eaten any thing that died of itself, or was torn by beasts, and no unclean flesh hath entered into my mouth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then said I, Ah, Lord God, beholde, my soule hath not bene polluted: for from my youth vp, euen vnto this houre, I haue not eaten of a thing dead, or torne in pieces, neither came there any vncleane flesh in my mouth.