Ezekiel 14:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Under the fourth judgment, the same principle holds: the righteous three preserve only themselves through their righteousness.
The Context of Ezekiel 14:20
The same principle applies even under the fourth judgment of plague: only the three righteous save themselves.
What Does Ezekiel 14:20 Mean?
This final repetition completes the cycle through all four judgments: famine, beasts, sword, and pestilence. In each case, Noah, Daniel, and Job could save only themselves, not their children or community. Their righteousness is effectual for their own souls but cannot extend to others facing divine judgment. The consistency of this principle across all four judgments underscores its importance to the message.
By ending the cycle with this affirmation, Ezekiel stresses that righteousness is ultimately a personal matter in relation to God. Each individual stands in judgment for their own covenant loyalty or breach. The security of the righteous rests not on saving others but on their own unwavering faithfulness, which preserves them even when judgment sweeps away everyone and everything around them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 14:20
What does Ezekiel 14:20 mean?
Under the fourth judgment, the same principle holds: the righteous three preserve only themselves through their righteousness.
What is the context of Ezekiel 14:20?
The same principle applies even under the fourth judgment of plague: only the three righteous save themselves.