Bible Strands
Ezekiel 14:10
They will bear their punishment—the punishment of the inquirer will be the same as that of the prophet—
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The prophet Ezekiel addresses the elders of Israel who have gathered to inquire of the LORD while secretly maintaining idolatrous practices. He delivers this statement immediately after warning that God will destroy any prophet He entices to speak a false message.
The words — The Hebrew verb נָשְׂאֹ (nāśəʾō) translates literally as "they will bear," indicating that both the inquirer and the prophet will share the identical penalty. The noun עָוֹן (ʿāwōn) means "iniquity" or "guilt," establishing that their fates are equal before divine judgment.
The thread — This theme of inescapable guilt appears in Numbers 5:31, where a woman bears her iniquity separate from her husband, and Genesis 4:13, where Cain claims his punishment exceeds what he can bear. Ezekiel 23:49 reinforces the pattern by stating that idolaters will bear the full consequences of their sins.
Why it lands — The text requires seekers to abandon hidden idolatry, recognizing that spiritual deception carries the same fatal consequences for both the guide and the guided. It demands readers examine their own motives before approaching God, ensuring no divided allegiance remains.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him;
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 23:49 They will repay you for your indecency, and you will bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’”
- Genesis 4:13 But Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.
- Numbers 5:31 The husband will be free from guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.”
- Deuteronomy 13:1 If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you,
- Deuteronomy 17:2 If a man or woman among you in one of the towns that the LORD your God gives you is found doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God by transgressing His covenant
- Jeremiah 6:14 They dress the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.
- Jeremiah 8:11 They dress the wound of the daughter of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.
- Jeremiah 14:15 Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end!
- Ezekiel 14:4 Therefore speak to them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him according to his great idolatry,
- Ezekiel 14:7 For when any Israelite or any foreigner dwelling in Israel separates himself from Me, sets up idols in his heart, and puts a wicked stumbling block before his face, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me, I the LORD will answer him Myself.