King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:14 in the King James Version says “Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,”

Ezekiel 11:14 · KJV

Context

12

And ye shall know that I am the LORD: for ye have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments, but have done after the manners of the heathen that are round about you. for ye: or, which have not walked

13

And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

14

Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

15

Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is this land given in possession.

16

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

Read Ezekiel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's response begins: 'Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men of thy kindred, and all the house of Israel wholly, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the LORD: unto us is given in possession.' This reveals the contempt Jerusalem's remaining inhabitants felt toward the exiles. They claimed the exiles were distant from the LORD and forfeited their inheritance, while those remaining in Jerusalem possessed the land by divine right.

The phrase 'Get you far from the LORD' suggests Jerusalem's inhabitants viewed exile as divine rejection—God expelled them, so they lost covenant status. The claim 'unto us is given in possession' reflects false confidence that remaining in the land proved divine favor. This represents serious theological error—confusing external circumstances with spiritual reality, assuming prosperity indicates God's approval regardless of moral/spiritual condition.

From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the danger of prosperity gospel thinking—assuming material blessing proves divine favor. The inhabitants' logic was backwards: those under judgment (Jerusalem) claimed favor, while those experiencing discipline (exiles) were dismissed as rejected. True favor isn't measured by circumstances but by covenant relationship, faith, and eventual restoration God promises through prophets.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tensions between exiled Jews and those remaining in Jerusalem appear throughout this period. Jeremiah 24 uses good figs (exiles) and bad figs (those remaining) to illustrate that the exiled community, though suffering, were the ones God would restore. Those remaining falsely thought they'd been spared because of righteousness, when actually God's purpose lay with the exiled community from whom restoration would come.

Land theology was central to Israelite identity—the land was covenant inheritance from Abraham (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). Remaining in the land seemed to validate covenant status. But prophets taught that unfaithful presence in the land brings judgment, while faithful exile maintains true covenant relationship. Geography doesn't determine spiritual status; faith, obedience, and God's electing grace do. This challenged ancient assumptions and challenges modern nationalist theologies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does confusing external blessing with divine favor lead to spiritual pride and false security?
  2. What does the reversal (blessed exiles, judged inhabitants) teach about God's values versus human assumptions?
  3. In what ways might you be trusting external religious status rather than genuine covenant relationship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר2 of 5

“Again the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 5

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֥י4 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“came unto me saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 11 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes