Ezekiel 4:17
Ezekiel 4:17 in Multiple Translations
So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity.
That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.
that they may want bread and water, and be dismayed one with another, and pine away in their iniquity.
So that they may be in need of bread and water and be wondering at one another, wasting away in their sin.
Running out of food and water, they will be horrified as they look at one another wasting away because of their sins.”
Because that bread and water shall faile, they shalbe astonied one with another, and shall consume away for their iniquitie.
so that they lack bread and water, and have been astonished one with another, and been consumed in their iniquity.
that they may lack bread and water, be dismayed one with another, and pine away in their iniquity.
That they may want bread and water, and be astonished one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.
So that when bread and water fail, every man may fall against his brother, and they may pine away in their iniquities.
because water and food will be very scarce. They will see each other becoming extremely thin, and they will be appalled; but this will happen because they are being punished for the sins that they have committed.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:17
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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְמַ֥עַן
יַחְסְר֖וּ
לֶ֣חֶם
וָ/מָ֑יִם
וְ/נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙
אִ֣ישׁ
וְ/אָחִ֔י/ו
וְ/נָמַ֖קּוּ
בַּ/עֲוֺנָֽ/ם
לְמַ֥עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
יַחְסְר֖וּ
châçêr
H2637
to lack
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
וָ/מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
Conj | N-mp
וְ/נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙
shâmêm
H8074
be desolate
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/אָחִ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וְ/נָמַ֖קּוּ
mâqaq
H4743
to rot
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
בַּ/עֲוֺנָֽ/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:17
לְמַ֥עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יַחְסְר֖וּ
châçêr
H2637
"to lack"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.
לֶ֣חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
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.
וָ/מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
Conj | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וְ/נָשַׁ֨מּוּ֙
shâmêm
H8074
"be desolate"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.
Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/אָחִ֔י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
וְ/נָמַ֖קּוּ
mâqaq
H4743
"to rot"
Conj | V-Niphal-3cp
This word means to rot or decay, like a wound festering or something molding away. It is used to describe a process of deterioration or corruption. The word is used in various contexts, including physical and moral decay.
Definition: 1) to decay, pine away, rot, fester 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to fester (of wounds) 1a2) to rot, rot away 1a3) to moulder away 1a4) to pine away 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rot
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: consume away, be corrupt, dissolve, pine away. See also: Leviticus 26:39; Ezekiel 4:17; Psalms 38:6.
בַּ/עֲוֺנָֽ/ם
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:17
Context — The Defiled Bread
15“Look,” He replied, “I will let you use cow dung instead of human excrement, and you may bake your bread over that.”
16Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure.
17So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 24:23 | Your turbans will remain on your heads and your sandals on your feet. You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins, and you will groan among yourselves. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:39 | Those of you who survive in the lands of your enemies will waste away in their iniquity and will decay in the sins of their fathers. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 33:10 | Now as for you, son of man, tell the house of Israel that this is what they have said: ‘Our transgressions and our sins are heavy upon us, and we are wasting away because of them! How can we live?’ |
Ezekiel 4:17 Summary
This verse is saying that when people turn away from God and disobey Him, they will suffer the consequences, which can include physical struggles like not having enough food and water. Just like our bodies need food and water to survive, our spirits need God's presence and guidance to thrive, as seen in Matthew 4:4 and John 6:35. When we see others struggling, it can be a reminder to us to examine our own lives and turn to God for help and restoration. By trusting in God's love and provision, we can find strength and hope, even in difficult times, as promised in Psalm 23:1-4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to lack food and water in Ezekiel 4:17?
In this context, lacking food and water means that the people of Jerusalem will suffer from severe scarcity and famine, which will lead to physical and spiritual weakness, as seen in Leviticus 26:26 and Deuteronomy 28:48.
Why will the people be appalled at the sight of one another?
The people will be appalled because they will see the devastating effects of sin and God's judgment on their bodies and lives, similar to what is described in Psalm 38:3-8 and Lamentations 4:8.
Is this verse only talking about physical iniquity or is it also referring to spiritual iniquity?
This verse is primarily referring to the spiritual iniquity of the people, which has led to God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 4:13 and Isaiah 1:4-6, although it also has physical consequences.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse shows that God is a holy and just God who judges sin, but also a God who cares about His people and desires their repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 18:23 and 2 Peter 3:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can examine my own life for signs of spiritual iniquity, and how can I turn to God for forgiveness and restoration?
- How can I balance the truth of God's judgment with the truth of His love and mercy, and what does this mean for my relationships with others?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision, even in times of scarcity and uncertainty, and what does this verse teach me about His sovereignty?
- How can I use this verse to reflect on my own priorities and values, and what does it teach me about the importance of seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:17
That they may want bread and water,.... Or, "because they shall want" (l) c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:17
That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:17
The Lord will take away their provision, that they may die with want, punished for all their sins, and disappointed of all that their false prophets promised them; and under strangest disappointments, be filled with strangest amazements and horrors, at the woeful miseries of one another, and falling dead in each other’ s helpless sight.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:17
Ezekiel 4:17 That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.Ver. 17. And be astonied.] At their straits and disappointments. And consume away for their iniquity.] They. shall "pine away in their iniquity"; this is the last and worst of judgments there threatened, after those other dismal ones.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:17
9–17. Symbol of scarcity during the siege and pollution in the dispersion from having to eat unclean things among the Gentiles The passage continues Ezekiel 4:8. The prophet is commanded (while lying immovably on his side in siege) to take of all kinds of grain, coarse as well as fine, of everything that will still hunger, and cast them into one vessel. These are to be baked into cakes and fired with hot ashes of men’s dung, though on the prophet’s entreaty a relaxation of this repulsive condition is granted and he is allowed to substitute the dung of cows. These cakes are to be eaten sparingly in small quantity from time to time, and water drunk with them sparingly. And this use of the cakes so prepared is to continue all the time that the prophet lies on his side. These actions symbolize first, great scarcity and straitness during the siege (Ezekiel 4:16-17); and secondly, pollution from eating unclean things in the exile among the nations (Ezekiel 4:13).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:17
16, 17. These verses explain Ezekiel 4:10-11. Staff of bread — Or, staff (of life), which is bread (Leviticus 26:26; Isaiah 3:1).