King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 14:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 14:3 in the King James Version says “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?”

Ezekiel 14:3 · KJV

Context

1

Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me.

2

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

3

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

4

Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

5

That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

Read Ezekiel 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God reveals the elders' hidden sin: 'Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?' The phrase 'idols in their heart' (gillulim ba-lebam, גִּלּוּלִים בְּלִבָּם) describes internal idolatry—even without physical images, the heart worships false gods. The 'stumblingblock of their iniquity' (mikhshol avonam, מִכְשׁוֹל עֲוֹנָם) indicates that sin creates obstacles to spiritual sight and right worship. The rhetorical question 'should I be enquired of?' shows God refuses to answer those who maintain heart idolatry while seeking divine guidance. Hypocrisy—outward religious form masking inward idolatry—offends God more than open paganism. God demands heart purity, not mere external compliance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The elders came to Ezekiel seeking a prophetic word (14:1), appearing outwardly religious. Yet God exposed their heart idolatry—they wanted divine blessing while maintaining allegiance to other gods. This pattern characterized pre-exilic Judah—temple worship continued while hearts pursued idols. Archaeological discoveries confirm household idols were common even among those who participated in temple worship. God's refusal to be 'enquired of' by double-minded inquirers demonstrates that He demands exclusive devotion. The New Testament similarly condemns double-mindedness (James 1:6-8, 4:8) and serving two masters (Matthew 6:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'idols of the heart' do you maintain while seeking God's guidance—what competes for your ultimate allegiance?
  2. How does recognizing that God sees heart idolatry (not just outward actions) challenge your worship and devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

“Son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם2 of 16

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים3 of 16
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙4 of 16
H428

these or those

הֶעֱל֤וּ5 of 16

“have set up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

גִלּֽוּלֵיהֶם֙6 of 16

“their idols”

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

עַל7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לִבָּ֔ם8 of 16

“in their heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וּמִכְשׁ֣וֹל9 of 16

“the stumblingblock”

H4383

a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)

עֲוֹנָ֔ם10 of 16

“of their iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

נָתְנ֖וּ11 of 16

“and put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

נֹ֣כַח12 of 16

“before”

H5227

properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of

פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם13 of 16

“their face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ14 of 16

“of at all”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ15 of 16

“of at all”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

לָהֶֽם׃16 of 16
H0

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 14:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 14:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 14:7Ezekiel 7:19Ezekiel 20:3Ezekiel 20:16Isaiah 1:15Ezekiel 14:4

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