Ezekiel 33:17
Ezekiel 33:17 in Multiple Translations
Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.
¶ Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
But the children of your people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: when it is they whose way is not equal.
However, your people are complaining, ‘What the Lord does isn't right.’ But it's what they're doing that isn't right.
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equall: but their owne way is vnequall.
And the sons of thy people have said: The way of the Lord is not pondered, As to them — their way is not pondered.
“‘Yet the children of your people say, “The way of the Lord is not fair;” but as for them, their way is not fair.
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the LORD is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
And the children of thy people have said: The way of the Lord is not equitable: whereas their own way is unjust.
Your fellow Israelis say, ‘What Yahweh does is not fair.’ But it is your behavior that is not fair.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 33:17
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 33:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אָמְרוּ֙
בְּנֵ֣י
עַמְּ/ךָ֔
לֹ֥א
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
דַּרְכָּ֥/ם
לֹֽא
יִתָּכֵֽן
וְ/אָמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עַמְּ/ךָ֔
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
אֲדֹנָ֑/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
דַּרְכָּ֥/ם
derek
H1870
way
N-cs | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתָּכֵֽן
tâkan
H8505
to measure
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 33:17
וְ/אָמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
עַמְּ/ךָ֔
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִתָּכֵ֖ן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֲדֹנָ֑/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.
וְ/הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | 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.
דַּרְכָּ֥/ם
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִתָּכֵֽן
tâkan
H8505
"to measure"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Means to measure or balance something, like weighing goods in trade, or estimating the value of something, as in Proverbs 24. It involves evaluating or testing something to determine its worth.
Definition: 1) to regulate, measure, estimate, ponder, balance, make even, level, weigh, be equal, be weighed out, test, prove 1a) (Qal) estimate (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be estimated 1b2) to be made even or right, be adjusted to the standard 1c) (Piel) to weigh out, mete out 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be weighed out, be measured out 1d2) measured out (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: bear up, direct, be (un-)equal, mete, ponder, tell, weigh. See also: 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 24:12; Psalms 75:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 33:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 33:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:17
- Sermons on Ezekiel 33:17
Context — The Message of the Watchman
15if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die.
16None of the sins he has committed will be held against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.
17Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.
18If a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he will die for it. 19But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness and does what is just and right, he will live because of this.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 25:24–26 | Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ ‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 18:25 | Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is it My way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:29 | Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? |
| 4 | Job 40:8 | Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? |
| 5 | Job 35:2 | “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’ |
| 6 | Luke 19:21–22 | For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? |
| 7 | Ezekiel 33:20 | Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to his ways, O house of Israel.” |
Ezekiel 33:17 Summary
This verse is saying that when people blame God for being unfair, it's actually their own ways that are not just. It's like when we do something wrong and then blame someone else for the consequences. God is saying that He is always just and fair, and if we're experiencing problems, it's because of our own actions, not because of Him. This is similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 32:4, where it says that God is a rock, and His works are perfect, just, and fair. We need to take responsibility for our own actions and trust in God's goodness and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the people say 'The way of the Lord is not just'?
This phrase indicates that the people are questioning God's fairness and justice, possibly due to their own experiences or circumstances, as seen in other scriptures like Job 21:7 or Psalms 73:3.
How does God respond to the people's claim that His way is not just?
God responds by stating that it is actually the people's way that is not just, implying that their own actions and decisions are the cause of their problems, not God's ways, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:4.
What is the main issue that God is addressing in this verse?
The main issue is the people's tendency to blame God for their circumstances instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, which is a theme also found in Romans 2:1 and Jeremiah 2:35.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance and forgiveness?
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging one's own sin and wrongdoing, which is a crucial step towards repentance and forgiveness, as seen in verses like Ezekiel 33:15-16 and 1 John 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be blaming God for my circumstances instead of taking responsibility for my own actions?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice and fairness, even when things don't seem to be going my way?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge my own sin and wrongdoing, and seek forgiveness and repentance?
- How can I balance the idea of God's justice with the idea of His mercy and forgiveness, as seen in verses like Psalms 103:8-10?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:17
Yet the children of thy people say,.... "Not my people"; for surely the children of God could never say what follows; and one would think that even no man could say it, after so much had been said by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:17
Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:17
These impious, obstinate quarrellers will accuse and do condemn the just and holy God, that they may acquit themselves. See this verse explained, See Poole "", See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:17
Ezekiel 33:17 Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.Ver. 17. Yet the children of the people say.] This was a second cavil of theirs. See Ezekiel 33:10; Ezekiel 18:25. Archesilas was surnamed Cavillator: so might these well have been. Their way is not equal.] There is no equity at all in this causeless quarrel of theirs.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:17
17. Cf. Ezekiel 18:25; Ezekiel 18:29.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:17
10-20. Compare notes Ezekiel 18:23-32. The people have ceased to excuse themselves, and now “pine away” in utter despair because of their sins.
Sermons on Ezekiel 33:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ezekiel 33:17 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the common accusation against God regarding His fairness and justice, emphasizing that humanity's suffering stems from sin and rebellion against God. He expla |
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Running the Race by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord, laying aside burdens and sins, and running the race of life with patience while keeping our focus on Jesus. It encour |
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An Alarm to the Unconverted 5 of 5 by Joseph Alleine | In this sermon, Joseph Alayne passionately urges his audience to embrace the kingdom of heaven and not neglect eternal glory. He emphasizes that God offers salvation and eternal jo |
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Fear Factor by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of fear and its consequences in our lives. He references Bible verses such as James 4:14 and Ecclesiastes to emphasize the fleetin |
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A Life of Communion by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of understanding God's true nature to foster a life of communion with Him. Many Christians struggle with a distorted view of God, believin |
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Ezekiel 18:29 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the misconception that God is unfair, emphasizing that individuals are responsible for their own sins rather than being punished for their ancestors' actions. |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |