Ezekiel 14:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even the three righteous men cannot save their own children from this judgment; only they themselves survive.
The Context of Ezekiel 14:16
The same three righteous men cannot even save their own children from this judgment.
What Does Ezekiel 14:16 Mean?
The principle deepens: not only can the righteous not save the broader population, but even their own family members—sons and daughters—cannot be delivered. Their righteousness extends only to themselves. The phrase 'as I live' is a solemn oath, emphasizing the certainty and binding nature of this declaration. The land becomes desolate, completely emptied of its former life and prosperity.
This tragic consequence reveals the comprehensive nature of divine judgment on a sinful land. Family bonds, natural affection, and parental protection cannot override God's judgment. Each person stands accountable individually; the righteous parent cannot shield children from the consequences of the land's transgression. Only the righteous themselves pass through, stripped of everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 14:16
What does Ezekiel 14:16 mean?
Even the three righteous men cannot save their own children from this judgment; only they themselves survive.
What is the context of Ezekiel 14:16?
The same three righteous men cannot even save their own children from this judgment.