King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 24:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 24:14 in the King James Version says “I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither wi... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 24:14 · KJV


Context

12

She hath wearied herself with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum shall be in the fire.

13

In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee.

14

I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

15

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

16

Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. run down: Heb. go


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD." This verse piles up emphatic declarations—"I have spoken," "it shall come to pass," "I will do it"—guaranteeing fulfillment. "I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent" (three negatives) emphasizes irrevocable commitment. "According to thy ways" establishes perfect justice—measure-for-measure judgment matching sin's severity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Every prophetic detail came true exactly as declared—Jerusalem fell (586 BC), temple burned, population exiled. God's word proved utterly reliable. The triple negative emphasized that no intercession, diplomacy, or strategy could reverse decreed judgment. This fulfilled word established that God means what He says—both judgment warnings and later restoration promises proved equally certain (Ezekiel 36-37).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do emphatic guarantees demonstrate God's absolute reliability?
  2. What does 'according to thy ways' teach about perfect measure-for-measure justice?
  3. In what ways should certainty of divine promises (both warning and blessing) shape our response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֲנִ֨י1 of 17
H589

i

יְהוָ֤ה2 of 17

I the LORD

H3068

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

דִּבַּ֙רְתִּי֙3 of 17

have spoken

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בָּאָ֣ה4 of 17

it it shall come to pass

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וְעָשִׂ֔יתִי5 of 17

and I will do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לֹֽא6 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶפְרַ֥ע7 of 17

it I will not go back

H6544

to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin

וְלֹא8 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָח֖וּס9 of 17

neither will I spare

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

וְלֹ֣א10 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶנָּחֵ֑ם11 of 17

neither will I repent

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

כִּדְרָכַ֤יִךְ12 of 17

according to thy ways

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְכַעֲלִילוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙13 of 17

and according to thy doings

H5949

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

שְׁפָט֔וּךְ14 of 17

shall they judge

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

נְאֻ֖ם15 of 17

thee saith

H5002

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֥י16 of 17

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹֽה׃17 of 17

GOD

H3069

god


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 24:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 24:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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