King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 7:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 7:13 in the King James Version says “For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whol...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. although they: Heb. though their life were yet among the living in the: or, whose life is in his iniquity the iniquity: Heb. his iniquity”

Ezekiel 7:13 · KJV

Context

11

Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. theirs: or, their tumultuous persons: Heb. tumult

12

The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

13

For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. although they: Heb. though their life were yet among the living in the: or, whose life is in his iniquity the iniquity: Heb. his iniquity

14

They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

15

The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. This verse addresses the Year of Jubilee laws being nullified by coming judgment. Normally, land sold during economic hardship would return to original families in the Jubilee year, but Ezekiel prophesies this restoration will not occur.

The seller shall not return to that which is sold indicates the Babylonian exile will make Leviticus 25 provisions impossible. The covenant blessings that protected Israelite family inheritance are being suspended due to covenant violation. This is not merely political catastrophe but theological crisis—God covenant mechanisms are being dismantled because the people have already broken covenant.

Although they were yet alive emphasizes that even survivors will not see restoration. The vision is touching the whole multitude confirms this judgment is comprehensive, affecting entire nation. Which shall not return uses the same Hebrew root as return from exile, creating wordplay—there will be no return to the land or to normal covenant life.

Neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life warns that wickedness provides no security. Those who grew powerful through oppression and injustice will find their ill-gotten gains provide no protection. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates that covenant blessings cannot be presumed upon while living in covenant rebellion. God is sovereign over both blessing and curse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:8-55) occurred every 50 years and included land returning to original owners, debt forgiveness, and release of Hebrew servants. This system prevented permanent economic inequality and maintained tribal land allotments given by Joshua.

By Ezekiel time, there is little evidence the Jubilee was actually practiced. Social stratification had increased, with wealthy landowners consolidating property and dispossessing small farmers. Isaiah and Micah had earlier condemned this practice of joining house to house and field to field (Isaiah 5:8).

The exile would make Jubilee impossible—there would be no land to return to, as Babylon had conquered it. Even after the 538 BC return under Cyrus, many did not go back, and those who did faced different political realities under Persian rule. The pre-exilic social and economic order was permanently disrupted.

This verse would have been devastating to hear, as it announced the end of covenant protections that had defined Israelite society for centuries. It signaled not just military defeat but the unraveling of the covenantal fabric of national life.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the suspension of Jubilee laws teach about the conditionality of covenant blessings?
  2. How does this passage challenge presumption upon God grace while living in disobedience?
  3. In what ways did economic injustice contribute to Israel covenant violation?
  4. How does Christ fulfill the true Jubilee that earthly Israel failed to maintain?
  5. What warning does this give to churches that claim covenant promises while tolerating sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הַמּוֹכֵ֗ר2 of 21

“For the seller”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּמְכָּר֙4 of 21

“to that which is sold”

H4465

merchandise; abstractly, a selling

לֹ֣א5 of 21
H3808

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

יָשׁ֔וּב6 of 21

“shall not return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְע֥וֹד7 of 21
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חַיָּת֖וֹ8 of 21

“although they were yet alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

חַיָּת֖וֹ9 of 21

“although they were yet alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

כִּֽי10 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָז֤וֹן11 of 21

“for the vision”

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

אֶל12 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל13 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הֲמוֹנָהּ֙14 of 21

“is touching the whole multitude”

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

לֹ֣א15 of 21
H3808

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

יָשׁ֔וּב16 of 21

“shall not return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְאִ֧ישׁ17 of 21

“neither shall any”

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)

בַּעֲוֺנ֛וֹ18 of 21

“himself in the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

חַיָּת֖וֹ19 of 21

“although they were yet alive”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לֹ֥א20 of 21
H3808

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

יִתְחַזָּֽקוּ׃21 of 21

“strengthen”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 25:24-28Ezekiel 33:26-27Ezekiel 13:22Psalms 52:7Ecclesiastes 8:8Job 15:25

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