Ezekiel 14:20

Ezekiel 14:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves.

King James Version KJV

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

American Standard Version ASV

though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, they should deliver neither son nor daughter; they should but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, by my life, says the Lord, they would not keep son or daughter safe; only themselves would they keep safe through their righteousness.

Free Bible Version FBV

As I live, declares the Lord God, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were present, they couldn't save their sons or daughters. Their good lives would only save themselves.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And though Noah, Daniel and Iob were in the middes of it, As I liue, sayth the Lord God, they shall deliuer neither sonne nor daughter: they shall but deliuer their owne soules by their righteousnes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Noah, Daniel, and Job, in its midst: I live — an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah — neither son nor daughter do they deliver; they, by their righteousness, deliver their own soul.

World English Bible WEB

though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live,” says the Lord GOD, “they would deliver neither son nor daughter; they would deliver only their own souls by their righteousness.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall deliver their own souls only by their righteousness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Noe, and Daniel, and Job be in the midst thereof: as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter: but they shall only deliver their own souls by their justice.

Translation for Translators T4T

as surely as I am alive, even if Noah, Daniel and Job were in that country, they would not be able to save even their sons and daughters. They would save only themselves because of their being righteous. That is what I, Yahweh the Lord, declare.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 14:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 14:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/נֹ֨חַ דנאל דָּנִיֵּ֣אל וְ/אִיּוֹב֮ בְּ/תוֹכָ/הּ֒ חַי אָ֗נִי נְאֻם֙ אֲדֹנָ֣/י יְהוִ֔ה אִם בֵּ֥ן אִם בַּ֖ת יַצִּ֑ילוּ הֵ֥מָּה בְ/צִדְקָתָ֖/ם יַצִּ֥ילוּ נַפְשָֽׁ/ם

וְ/נֹ֨חַ Nôach H5146 Noah Conj | N-proper

דנאל Dânîyêʼl H1840 Daniel N-proper

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל Dânîyêʼl H1840 Daniel N-proper

וְ/אִיּוֹב֮ ʼÎyôwb H347 Job Conj | N-proper

בְּ/תוֹכָ/הּ֒ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff

חַי chay H2416 alive Adj

אָ֗נִי ʼănîy H589 I Pron

נְאֻם֙ nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff

יְהוִ֔ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 YHWH/God N-proper

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

בֵּ֥ן bên H1121 son N-ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

בַּ֖ת bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs

יַצִּ֑ילוּ nâtsal H5337 to rescue V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp

הֵ֥מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

בְ/צִדְקָתָ֖/ם tsᵉdâqâh H6666 righteousness Prep | N-fs | Suff

יַצִּ֥ילוּ nâtsal H5337 to rescue V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp

נַפְשָֽׁ/ם nephesh H5315 soul N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 14:20

וְ/נֹ֨חַ Nôach H5146 "Noah" Conj | N-proper

Noah, the patriarch who built the ark to save his family and two of every kind of animal from the flood, is the namesake of this Hebrew word. He is first mentioned in Genesis 5:29 as the son of Lamech. His story is a crucial part of biblical history.

Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.5.29; son of: Lamech (H3929H); father of: Shem (H8035), Ham (H2526) and Japheth (H3315) Also named: Nōe (Νῶε "Noah" G3575) § Noah = "rest" son of Lamech, father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth; builder of the ark which saved his family from the destruction of the world which God sent on the world by the flood; became the new seminal head of mankind because his family were the only survivors of the flood

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Noah. See also: Genesis 5:29; Genesis 8:11; Isaiah 54:9.

דנאל Dânîyêʼl H1840 "Daniel" N-proper

Daniel was a man from the tribe of Judah, son of David and Abigail, and his name means God is my judge.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Abigail (H0026); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); also called Daniel at 1Ch.3.1; Aramaic of kil.av (כִּלְאָב "Chileab" H3609) § Daniel = "God is my judge" 1) the 2nd son of David, by Abigail the Carmelitess 2) the 4th of the greater prophets, taken as hostage in the first deportation to Babylon, because of the gift of God of the interpretation of dreams, he became the 2nd in command of the Babylon empire and lasted through the end of the Babylonian empire and into the Persian empire. His prophecies are the key to the understanding of end time events. Noted for his purity and holiness by contemporary prophet, Ezekiel 2a) also, 'Belteshazzar' (H1095 or H1096) 3) a priest of the line of Ithamar who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:1; Daniel 1:21; Daniel 12:9.

דָּנִיֵּ֣אל Dânîyêʼl H1840 "Daniel" N-proper

Daniel was a man from the tribe of Judah, son of David and Abigail, and his name means God is my judge.

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Daniel. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:1; Daniel 1:21; Daniel 12:9.

וְ/אִיּוֹב֮ ʼÎyôwb H347 "Job" Conj | N-proper

Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.

בְּ/תוֹכָ/הּ֒ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

חַי chay H2416 "alive" Adj

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

אָ֗נִי ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

נְאֻם֙ nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms

This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.

Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)

Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.

אֲדֹנָ֣/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff

Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.

Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.

יְהוִ֔ה Yᵉhôvih H3069 "YHWH/God" N-proper

YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.

Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)

Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

בֵּ֥ן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

בַּ֖ת bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs

The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.

Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')

Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.

יַצִּ֑ילוּ nâtsal H5337 "to rescue" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp

To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.

הֵ֥מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

בְ/צִדְקָתָ֖/ם tsᵉdâqâh H6666 "righteousness" Prep | N-fs | Suff

Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.

Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)

Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.

יַצִּ֥ילוּ nâtsal H5337 "to rescue" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp

To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.

נַפְשָֽׁ/ם nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs | Suff

The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.

Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 14:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 14:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:20
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20
Sermons on Ezekiel 14:20

Context — Four Dire Judgments

18then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered. 19Or if I send a plague into that land and pour out My wrath upon it through bloodshed, cutting off from it both man and beast,

20then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. Their righteousness could deliver only themselves.

21For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dire judgments—sword, famine, wild beasts, and plague—in order to cut off from it both man and beast? 22Yet, behold, some survivors will be left in it—sons and daughters who will be brought out. They will come out to you, and when you see their conduct and actions, you will be comforted regarding the disaster I have brought upon Jerusalem—all that I have brought upon it.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 14:14	then even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in it, their righteousness could deliver only themselves, declares the Lord GOD.
2	1 John 2:29	If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.
3	Isaiah 3:10	Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor.
4	Acts 10:35	but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.
5	Hosea 10:12	Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain.
6	1 John 3:10	By this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
7	Ezekiel 14:16	then as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, even if these three men were in it, they could not deliver their own sons or daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the land would be desolate.
8	Job 5:19–24	He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven. In famine He will redeem you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes. You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth. For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you. You will know that your tent is secure, and find nothing amiss when inspecting your home.
9	1 John 3:7	Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
10	Ezekiel 18:22	None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live.

Ezekiel 14:20 Summary

[This verse is saying that even the most righteous people cannot save their loved ones from God's judgment, and that each person is responsible for their own relationship with God, as stated in Ezekiel 14:20. This is a reminder that we should focus on our own walk with God, as seen in Colossians 2:6-7, and not rely on others to save us. We can still have a positive influence on those around us, as seen in Matthew 5:16, by living a life of obedience to God and being a light to those around us, as stated in Philippians 2:15. By trusting in God's sovereignty and judgment, as stated in Psalm 37:3-7, we can have peace and confidence in His plan, even in difficult circumstances.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that even Noah, Daniel, and Job could not deliver their own sons or daughters?

This means that even the most righteous people cannot save their loved ones from God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 14:20, and is a reminder that each person is responsible for their own relationship with God, as stated in Deuteronomy 24:16.

Why are Noah, Daniel, and Job mentioned specifically in this verse?

Noah, Daniel, and Job are mentioned because they were known for their exceptional righteousness, as seen in Genesis 6:9, Daniel 6:4, and Job 1:1, and their inclusion emphasizes the severity of God's judgment.

Does this verse mean that our righteousness has no effect on those around us?

While our righteousness cannot save others from God's judgment, as stated in Ezekiel 14:20, it can still have a positive influence on them, as seen in Matthew 5:16, and we are called to be a light to those around us, as stated in Philippians 2:15.

How can we apply the lesson of this verse to our own lives?

We can apply this lesson by recognizing that our primary focus should be on our own relationship with God, as stated in Matthew 22:37-38, and not relying on others to save us, and by living a life of obedience to God, as seen in Jeremiah 7:23.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have been relying on others for my spiritual well-being, rather than focusing on my own relationship with God?
How can I use my own experiences of God's mercy and grace to be a light to those around me, as stated in Psalm 107:2?
In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God and my commitment to following Him, as seen in John 14:15?
What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and judgment, rather than trying to control the outcome, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 14:20

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it,.... Who are again mentioned by name, as in Ezekiel 14:14; and are the three men referred to in Ezekiel 14:16; [as] I live, saith the Lord God, they shall

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 14:20

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: The argument is cumulative.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20

Their own souls; their person, their life. By their righteousness; not meriting the deliverance, but yet the justice and mercy of God shall surely keep them from falling in the punishment who were kept from the sin.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20

Ezekiel 14:20 Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, [were] in it, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall [but] deliver their own souls by their righteousness.Ver. 20. Neither son nor daughter.] Though it were an only one, and so more dear to them. They shall but deliver.] Howbeit a good man also may die of the plague, as did Oecolampadius, Greenham, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20

(15-20) In these verses the same declaration is repeated, for the sake of emphasis, with each one of three other instruments of punishment, with only such variations of phraseology as are required for rhetorical reasons. The phrase “their own souls” is here also simply equivalent to “themselves.” The judgments mentioned are all taken from the warnings in Leviticus 26, the famine from Leviticus 26:26, the wild beasts from Leviticus 26:22, the sword and also the pestilence from Leviticus 26:25.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 14:20

12–23. The presence of righteous men among a sinful people will not save the sinners The passage may be in answer to thoughts which the prophet felt might rise in the minds of those to whom he spoke. He threatened destruction to people and prophets alike, a destruction indiscriminate and universal. Were not these threats exaggeration? Were they in harmony with God’s former ways of dealing with his people? Would he slay the righteous with the wicked? would he not rather spare the wicked on the intercession of the righteous and for their sake, as often in former times? (Genesis 18:23; Numbers 14:15). To this the prophet replies after Jeremiah 15 that righteous men among the people shall not avert God’s judgment, they shall only save their own souls. (1) Ezekiel 14:12-20. A supposition is put that God brings any one of his four great judgments, famine, evil beasts, sword or pestilence, upon a land to destroy it. Though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in that land, they should by their righteousness save neither sons nor daughters, only their own souls. (2) Ezekiel 14:21-23. Application to Jerusalem. Much less shall the righteous save the wicked when the Lord shall bring all his four sore judgments together upon Jerusalem. And if a remnant be spared and carried into all lands, this apparent exception will only confirm and impress the principle by shewing to all how inevitable the utter destruction of Jerusalem was on account of its wickedness, and that God in his righteousness could deal in no other way with it. And thus the exiles when they see the way and doings of those that escape from Jerusalem will be comforted for its fall, and their minds will be lifted up into a higher sympathy with God in his acts of righteousness. On the prophet’s own sympathy, cf. ch. Ezekiel 3:14. Ezekiel 14:12-14. Famine.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 14:20

20. By their righteousness — This is the strength of all intercessory prayer; but no prayer, however fervent, coming from any heart, however righteous, can put away this punishment so justly due to

Sermons on Ezekiel 14:20

	Sermon	Description
	Revival Series 6 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of creating an engaging and spiritually uplifting atmosphere in the church. He believes that it is crucial to not only physical
	Job #1: The Crisis by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker introduces the book of Job and explains that they will focus on one main lesson from the book. The first session covers chapters 1 and 2, which are titl
	God Looks for Wholehearted People by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to stand in the gap and hold to the highest standards of God's Word, not seeking personal reputation but solely desiring to reflect
	Future World by Clement of Rome	Clement of Rome emphasizes the impossibility of serving both God and worldly desires, highlighting the need to choose one over the other. He warns against the allure of material ga
	The Supreme Vocation (Daniel 10:1-21) by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's declaration to Daniel, 'O man greatly beloved,' illustrating that this vocational love transcends mere redeeming love
	John 18:37-19:15 by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the humility and endurance of Jesus during His trial before Pilate, highlighting how Jesus exhibited gentleness, mildness, and silence in the face of fa
	The Book of Job by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the book of Job, acknowledging the need for limitations in studying its vast content and focusing on the panoramic view of the book. He refutes claims tha