For every one of the house of Israel, or of the stranger that sojourneth in Israel, which separateth himself from me, and setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to a prophet to enquire of him concerning me; I the LORD will answer him by myself:

EZEKIEL 14:7KJV
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Ezekiel 14:7 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 14:7 mean?

Ezekiel 14:7 warns that anyone in Israel, whether native or foreigner, who turns away from God and keeps idols in their heart but still seeks a prophetic word from God, will receive a direct answer from God Himself. The verse stresses that God will personally respond to those who are hypocritical in their devotion.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel during their exile. The situation is that some people are outwardly seeking guidance from God while secretly holding on to idolatry. The verse highlights the seriousness of inner loyalty to God, not just outward religious acts, and shows that God sees the heart and will not be deceived by appearances.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 14:7

  • "Idols" (גִּלּוּלִים, gilulim) refers to objects of worship other than God, often with a sense of something detestable or worthless. The use of this word emphasizes how seriously God views any kind of idolatry, even if it is hidden in the heart.
  • "Stumblingblock" (מִכְשׁוֹל, mikshol) means something that causes someone to fall or sin. Here, it refers to the person's own iniquity being put right in front of them, showing that their sin is not accidental but chosen and kept close.
  • "Separateth" (נָזַר, nazar) means to set oneself apart or distance oneself. The verse uses this word to show that turning to idols is an act of separating from God, not just a casual mistake.

Why Ezekiel 14:7 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God is only concerned with outward actions; it shows that God cares deeply about what is in a person’s heart, not just their public behavior.
  • Ezekiel 14:7 connects to the wider passage by showing why God refuses to answer some prayers or prophetic inquiries: the real issue is hidden idolatry, not a lack of religious activity.
  • The verse also highlights that God’s response to hypocrisy is personal and direct, underlining His commitment to truth and sincerity in the relationship with His people.

Where else these words appear

“separateth” Hebrew H5144 · used in 10 verses

  • Leviticus 15:31 Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.
  • Numbers 6:3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.
  • Numbers 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

“stumblingblock” Hebrew H4383 · used in 14 verses

  • Leviticus 19:14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.
  • Isaiah 57:14 And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.
  • Ezekiel 14:3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

“before” Hebrew H5227 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Judges 18:6 And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein ye go.
  • Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

“idols” Hebrew H1544 · used in 45 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • Ezekiel 8:10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, pourtrayed upon the wall round about.
  • Ezekiel 20:39 As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.