Ezekiel 4:13
Ezekiel 4:13 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said, “This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.”
And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.
And Jehovah said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations whither I will drive them.
And the Lord said, Even so the children of Israel will have unclean bread for their food among the nations where I am driving them.
Then the Lord said, “This is the way the Israelites will eat their unclean bread among the nations where I'll exile them.”
And the Lord said, So shall the children of Israel eate their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will cast them.
And Jehovah saith, 'Thus do the sons of Israel eat their defiled bread among the nations whither I drive them.'
The LORD said, “Even thus will the children of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations where I will drive them.”
And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.
And the Lord said: So shall the children of Israel Beat their bread all filthy among the nations whither I will cast them out.
That will symbolize that the Israeli people will be forced to eat food that is unacceptable to me when they are living in the nations to which I will force them to go.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:13
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 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
יְהוָ֔ה
כָּ֣כָה
יֹאכְל֧וּ
בְנֵֽי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
אֶת
לַחְמָ֖/ם
טָמֵ֑א
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֕ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אַדִּיחֵ֖/ם
שָֽׁם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּ֣כָה
kâkâh
H3602
thus
Adv
יֹאכְל֧וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
לַחְמָ֖/ם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
טָמֵ֑א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
unclean
Adj
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֕ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אַדִּיחֵ֖/ם
nâdach
H5080
to banish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:13
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּ֣כָה
kâkâh
H3602
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'thus' or 'in this way', often used to compare or explain something, like in 2 Samuel 18:30, where a messenger describes a scene in a particular manner. It helps clarify the context of a story or situation.
Definition: like this, thus
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: after that (this) manner, this matter, (even) so, in such a case, thus. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Chronicles 7:21; Psalms 144:15.
יֹאכְל֧וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְנֵֽי
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לַחְמָ֖/ם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
טָמֵ֑א
ṭâmêʼ
H2931
"unclean"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be unclean in a spiritual sense, often due to sin or impurity, as seen in Leviticus. It can refer to people, places, or things. The concept is key to understanding biblical purity laws.
Definition: 1) unclean, impure 1a) ethically and religiously 1b) ritually 1c) of places
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: defiled, [phrase] infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Numbers 9:6; Isaiah 6:5.
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֕ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אַדִּיחֵ֖/ם
nâdach
H5080
"to banish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To banish or drive away, used in various contexts, such as expelling someone from a community, as seen in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to impel, thrust, drive away, banish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to impel 1a2) to thrust away, banish 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be impelled 1b2) to be thrust out, be banished 1b2a) banished, outcast (participle) 1b3) to be driven away 1b4) to be thrust away, thrust aside 1c) (Pual) to be thrust into 1c1) thrust (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to thrust, move, impel 1d2) to thrust out, banish 1d3) to thrust away, thrust aside 1e) (Hophal) to be chased, be hunted 1e1) chased, hunted (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw. See also: Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 27:13; Psalms 5:11.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:13
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:13
- Sermons on Ezekiel 4:13
Context — The Defiled Bread
11You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times.
12And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.”
13Then the LORD said, “This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.”
14“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.” 15“Look,” He replied, “I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 1:8 | But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself. |
| 2 | Hosea 9:3–4 | They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, and their sacrifices will not please Him, but will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat will be defiled. For their bread will be for themselves; it will not enter the house of the LORD. |
Ezekiel 4:13 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 4:13, shows how God's people would have to eat food that was not clean according to God's laws when they were sent away from their homes, as a result of their disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:64-67. This was a hard thing for them to do, and it reminds us that when we disobey God, we may have to face difficult consequences, as stated in Galatians 6:7-8. God wants us to be pure and obey His laws, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, and this verse encourages us to seek spiritual purity and obedience in our daily lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Ezekiel to eat defiled bread?
God instructed Ezekiel to eat defiled bread as a sign of the Israelites' impending exile and the unclean conditions they would face, as seen in Ezekiel 4:13, and this act was a visual representation of the spiritual defilement of the nation, as mentioned in Leviticus 18:24-25.
What does 'defiled bread' represent in this context?
The 'defiled bread' represents the spiritual and physical impurity that the Israelites would experience during their exile, as stated in Ezekiel 4:13, and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobeying God's laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15, 25.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual purity?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual purity, as God is a holy God who demands obedience and purity from His people, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
What can we learn from Ezekiel's response to God's instruction?
Ezekiel's response, as seen in Ezekiel 4:14, demonstrates his desire to remain pure and obedient to God's laws, and it serves as an example for believers to prioritize their spiritual purity and obedience to God, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be 'eating defiled bread' in my own life, and how can I seek spiritual purity?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's holiness and my responsibility to live a pure life?
- In what ways can I, like Ezekiel, be a sign to others of God's demand for purity and obedience, as seen in Ezekiel 4:13 and Isaiah 43:10-12?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize spiritual purity in my daily life, and how can I seek accountability and support in this pursuit?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:13
And the Lord said, even thus shall the children of Israel,.... Not the ten tribes only, or those who were among the other two, but all the Jews in captivity: eat the defiled bread among the Gentiles,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:13
And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:13
This verse is a key to the former. Even thus; scanty, mean, ill-dressed, and polluted in the very dressing, loathsome to any but starved bellies. The children of Israel; not only the house of Judah, but all the rest of the children of Israel; not in the siege only, but this misery should pursue them. Among the Gentiles; who would be ready enough to upbraid them, and twit them, as breaking the rules of their religion to fill their bellies: thus their sins would bring them to extremest want and shame.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:13
Ezekiel 4:13 And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.Ver. 13. Eat their defiled bread.] Not able now to observe that ceremonial purity in their meats which God had commanded. This was just upon them for their worshipping those their dungy deities.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:13
(13) Eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles.—The Mosaic law purposely so hedged the people about with detailed precepts in regard to their food and its preparation, that it was impossible for them to share the food of the Gentiles without contracting ceremonial defilement; and the declared object of this symbolism is to teach that the Israelites should thus be forced to contract defilement. Their sins had brought them to that pass, which is so often the result of continued and obdurate sin, that it should be impossible for them to avoid further transgression. Ezekiel shows by his reply, in Ezekiel 4:14, that like St. Peter, in Acts 10:14, he had ever been a scrupulous observer of the law. To St. Peter, however, it was made known that in the breadth of the Christian dispensation this ceremonial law was now done away, while to Ezekiel it still remained in full force.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:13
13. eat their defiled bread] Rather: eat their bread unclean. This is the meaning of the symbol: the food which the people shall eat among the nations will be unclean. In a pathetic passage of Hosea it is said: “they shall not dwell in the Lord’s land; but Ephraim shall eat unclean food in Assyria. They shall not pour out wine offerings to the Lord, neither shall their sacrifices be pleasing unto him; their bread shall be unto them as the bread of mourners, all that eat thereof shall be polluted; for their bread shall be for their appetite; it shall not come into the house of the Lord” (ch. Ezekiel 9:3-4 R.V. marg.). A foreign land was in itself unclean (Amos 7:17), no presence of Jehovah sanctified it; all food eaten in it was also common for it was not hallowed by part of it being brought into the house of the Lord and offered to him. Food eaten among the heathen was as the bread of mourners in Israel, all who partook of it were polluted. But as the words of the prophet suggest (Ezekiel 4:14) in addition to this general uncleanness the people were forced in their straits or induced to eat many things actually prohibited by the Law, such as that which died of itself or was torn by wild beasts (ch. Ezekiel 44:31; Leviticus 17:15; Deuteronomy 14:21. Comp.
Isaiah 65:4). And it is natural that in the sore famine during the siege such unclean food was eaten, as indeed more terrible practices prevailed (ch. Ezekiel 5:10). Ezekiel 4:13 appears in a shorter form in LXX., but there is no reason to regard the whole verse as a gloss.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:13
The ceremonial ordinances in relation to food were intended to keep the nation free from idolatrous usages; everywhere among the pagan idol feasts formed a leading part in their religious services,
Sermons on Ezekiel 4:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dare to Be a Daniel by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God and relying on the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ for salvation. He encourages believers to s |
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(Montana) Daniel by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and thanksgiving in the life of a believer. He highlights the example of Daniel, who prayed and gave thanks to God t |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act |
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1) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 1 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering four key words that represent divine principles and truth. He shares his personal struggle to be a spiritual Da |
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He Will Soon Rejoice in His Love by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God will do a work in believers, helping them understand true strength and truth. He assures that with this understanding, believers wi |
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(The Spiritual Man) Spiritual Mindedness by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking with God and living a spiritual lifestyle. He shares a personal experience of missionary work in Africa, highlight |
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(Daniel: The Man God Uses #2) the Revelation of Christ by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dream of a statue or man with different body parts made of different materials. He explains that these represent different kingdoms, star |