Ezekiel 14:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 14:21 mean?

Ezekiel 14:21 means that God is warning Jerusalem about the severity of judgment coming upon it, describing four disastrous punishments: war (the sword), famine, dangerous wild animals, and disease. These are described as God’s “sore judgments” that will cut off both people and animals from the city.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel, specifically about Jerusalem. The context is a warning that if God brings these four harsh punishments, it shows just how serious the situation is. The verse emphasizes that these disasters are not random but are sent by God as judgments because of the people’s persistent unfaithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 14:21

• "sore" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word means “evil” or “calamitous.” Here, it stresses the severity and harmful nature of the judgments, not just that they are unpleasant but that they are truly devastating.
• "judgments" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means “decisions” or “acts of justice.” It highlights that these disasters are not accidental but are deliberate acts of justice from God.
• "noisome beast" (חַיָּה, chayyah): The word simply means “living creature” or “beast,” but in this context, it refers to wild animals that become a danger when normal order breaks down, adding another layer of threat beyond war and famine.
• "pestilence" (דֶּבֶר, dever): This word means “plague” or “disease.” It underscores that the judgment includes not just violence and hunger but also sickness that can sweep through a weakened population.

Why Ezekiel 14:21 matters

• This verse clarifies that the disasters facing Jerusalem are not just natural misfortunes but are described as intentional judgments from God, each with a specific purpose.
• Ezekiel 14:21 connects to the wider theme in Ezekiel of God’s justice and the seriousness of turning away from Him, showing that repeated warnings have real consequences.
• The mention of both “man and beast” being cut off shows the total impact of these judgments, affecting all life in the city, not just the people.