What does Ezekiel 14:14 mean?
"Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD." - Ezekiel 14:14

Ezekiel 14:14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD."
This verse is part of a vision of judgment that the prophet Ezekiel receives from the Lord. In this vision, the elders of Israel come to Ezekiel seeking guidance from the Lord. However, the Lord tells Ezekiel that these elders have set up idols in their hearts and have committed idolatry, and therefore, the Lord will judge them for their actions. In this verse, the Lord references three righteous men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—to illustrate that even their righteousness would not be enough to spare the elders from the judgment that is to come.
The verse begins with the phrase "Though these three men," which indicates that the righteousness of these three men is being contrasted with the unrighteousness of the elders seeking guidance. This sets the stage for the rest of the verse, as it emphasizes the exceptional righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job. Each of these men is well-known for their faith and righteousness in the Bible, and they serve as examples of individuals who remained faithful to God despite facing great adversity.
Noah is best known for building the ark and surviving the Great Flood, which was a testament to his obedience and faith in God. Daniel was a prophet and advisor to the kings of Babylon, and he continued to worship and serve God even in the face of persecution. Job is famous for his unwavering faith in God, even after losing his family, wealth, and health. These examples serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of righteousness and faith in the face of difficult circumstances.
The verse goes on to say that even if these three righteous men were present in the land, they would only be able to save themselves through their righteousness, and not the unrighteous elders seeking guidance. This highlights the individual nature of righteousness and judgment before God. It emphasizes the personal responsibility that each person has to live a righteous life and seek a relationship with God. It also serves as a warning to those who may believe that the righteousness of others can save them from their own wrongdoing.
The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" at the end of the verse underscores the authority and certainty of the statement being made. It is a declaration from God himself, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the impending judgment that is to come.
In the context of the book of Ezekiel, this verse serves as a warning to the elders of Israel, who have strayed from God and turned to idolatry. It reminds them that even the righteousness of well-known figures like Noah, Daniel, and Job would not be enough to save them from the judgment they are facing. It also serves as a reminder to the reader that personal righteousness and faith are essential in maintaining a relationship with God.
Symbolically, this verse represents the idea that righteousness and faith are individual responsibilities. It serves as a reminder that one cannot rely on the righteousness of others to save them from their own wrongdoing. It also emphasizes the importance of personal faith and obedience to God in the face of judgment.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 14:14 is a powerful and thought-provoking verse that highlights the importance of personal righteousness and faith. It serves as a warning to those who may think that the righteousness of others can save them from their own wrongdoing, and it emphasizes the individual responsibility to live a righteous life and seek a relationship with God. The examples of Noah, Daniel, and Job serve as reminders of the faith and obedience that God desires from his people.
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Ezekiel 14:14 Artwork
Ezekiel 14:14 - "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 14:14-16 (KJVA) 14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. 15 If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: 16 Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.
"Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD." - Ezekiel 14:14
"Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD." - Ezekiel 14:14
Ezekiel 14:14-16 (KJVA) 14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. 15 If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: 16 Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.
Ezekiel 14:6
Ezekiel 14:12 - "¶ The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,"
Ezekiel 14:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 11:14 - "Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 1:14 - "And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning."
Ezekiel 27:14 - "They of the house of Togarmah traded in thy fairs with horses and horsemen and mules."
Ezekiel 14:1 - "Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me."
Ezekiel 30:14 - "And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No."
Ephesians 1:4
Zephaniah 1:4
Ezekiel 41:14 - "Also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits."
Isaiah 9:1-4
Matthew 8:1-4
Ezekiel 48:14 - "And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD."
Full picture of dry bones Ezekiel 37:1-14
Ezekiel 17:14 - "That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand."
Ezekiel 32:14 - "Then will I make their waters deep, and cause their rivers to run like oil, saith the Lord GOD."
Zephaniah 1:4
ephesians 1:4
Ephesians 1:4
Obadiah 1:4
Genesis 1:4
Ephesians 1:4
Ezekiel 35:14 - "Thus saith the Lord GOD; When the whole earth rejoiceth, I will make thee desolate."
Ezekiel 44:14 - "But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein."