Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.’ New Living Translation I will do this to capture the minds and hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their detestable idols.’ English Standard Version that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols. Berean Standard Bible so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’ King James Bible That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. New King James Version that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols.” ’ New American Standard Bible in order to take hold of the hearts of the house of Israel who have turned away from Me due to all their idols.”’ NASB 1995 in order to lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel who are estranged from Me through all their idols."’ NASB 1977 in order to lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel who are estranged from Me through all their idols.”’ Legacy Standard Bible in order to seize the house of Israel by their heart, those who are estranged from Me through all their idols.”’ Amplified Bible in order that I may take hold of the heart (mind) of the house of Israel who are all estranged from Me because of their idols.”’ Christian Standard Bible so that I may take hold of the house of Israel by their hearts. They are all estranged from me because of their idols.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible so that I may take hold of the house of Israel by their hearts. They are all estranged from Me because of their idols.” American Standard Version that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Contemporary English Version When they hear my message, maybe they will see that they need to turn back to me and stop worshiping those idols. English Revised Version that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. GOD'S WORD® Translation I will do this to recapture the hearts of the nation of Israel. They have deserted me because of their disgusting idols.' Good News Translation All those idols have turned the Israelites away from me, but by my answer I hope to win back their loyalty. International Standard Version I'll do this in order to capture the hearts of Israel's house who have become alienated from me due to all of their idols."'" NET Bible I will do this in order to capture the hearts of the house of Israel, who have alienated themselves from me on account of all their idols.' New Heart English Bible that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols."' Webster's Bible Translation That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleso that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’ World English Bible that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionin order to catch the house of Israel by their heart, in that they have become estranged from off Me by their idols—all of them. Young's Literal Translation in order to catch the house of Israel by their heart, in that they have become estranged from off me by their idols -- all of them. Smith's Literal Translation So that taking the house of Israel in their heart, which were all of them separated from me by their blocks. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat the house of Israel may be caught in their own heart, with which they have departed from me through all their idols. Catholic Public Domain Version so that the house of Israel may be seized within their own heart, by which they have withdrawn from me to all their idols. New American Bible in order to catch the hearts of the house of Israel, estranged from me because of all their idols. New Revised Standard Version in order that I may take hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, all of whom are estranged from me through their idols. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat I may take the house of Israel in the imagination of their own hearts, because they have departed from me through all their idols. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because I shall seize the house of Israel in their heart, because they have departed from me by all their idols OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all turned away from Me through their idols. Brenton Septuagint Translation that he should turn aside the house of Israel, according to their hearts that are estranged from me in their thoughts. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Idolatrous Elders Condemned…4Therefore 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, 5so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’ 6Therefore tell the house of Israel that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Repent and turn away from your idols; turn your faces away from all your abominations.… Cross References Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Psalm 44:21 would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart? Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. 1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. Jeremiah 11:20 O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. Romans 8:27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Proverbs 21:2 All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. Acts 15:8 And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. Revelation 2:23 Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. Matthew 15:8-9 ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” Isaiah 29:13 Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. Treasury of Scripture That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols. I may Ezekiel 14:9,10 And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel… Hosea 10:2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images. Zechariah 7:11-14 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear… estranged Deuteronomy 32:15,16 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation… Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Jeremiah 2:5,11-13,31,32 Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? … Jump to Previous Catch Children Deserted Estranged Heart Hearts Hold House Idols Israel Lay Order Strange Thoughts TurnedJump to Next Catch Children Deserted Estranged Heart Hearts Hold House Idols Israel Lay Order Strange Thoughts TurnedEzekiel 14 1. God answers idolaters according to their own heart6. They are exhorted to repent, for fear of judgments, by means of seduced prophets 12. God's irrevocable sentence of famine 15. of wild beasts 17. of the sword 19. and of pestilence 22. A remnant shall be reserved for example of others so that I may take hold of the hearts of the people of Israel This phrase indicates God's desire to reclaim the devotion and loyalty of the Israelites. Throughout the Old Testament, the heart symbolizes the center of human will and emotion. God's intention is to bring the Israelites back to a covenant relationship with Him, emphasizing His role as a loving and just deity who seeks repentance and restoration. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s pursuit of His people, as seen in passages like Hosea 2:14-20, where God speaks of alluring Israel back to Himself. The phrase also underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with His people, contrasting with the impersonal nature of idol worship. For because of their idols, they are all estranged from Me.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. House of Israel Refers to the collective people of Israel, who were in a covenant relationship with God but had turned to idolatry. 3. Idols Objects or entities that the Israelites worshipped in place of the one true God, leading to their spiritual estrangement. 4. God (Yahweh) The one true God of Israel, who desires a pure and undivided devotion from His people. 5. Babylonian Exile The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection on their covenant with God. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryIdolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but anything that takes precedence over God in our hearts. We must examine our lives for modern-day idols. God's Desire for Our Hearts God seeks a relationship with us that is genuine and undivided. He wants to "seize" our hearts, meaning He desires our full devotion and love. Estrangement from God Sin and idolatry create a separation between us and God. Recognizing this estrangement is the first step toward repentance and restoration. The Call to Repentance Just as God called Israel to turn from their idols, He calls us to repent and return to Him, promising forgiveness and renewal. The Role of the Heart The heart is central to our spiritual life. We must guard it against influences that lead us away from God and ensure it is aligned with His will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:5?2. How does Ezekiel 14:5 reveal God's desire for Israel's repentance and faithfulness? 3. What idols today might cause our hearts to be "estranged" from God? 4. How can Ezekiel 14:5 guide us in identifying personal spiritual idols? 5. What steps can we take to align our hearts with God's will? 6. How does Ezekiel 14:5 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? 7. What does Ezekiel 14:5 reveal about God's relationship with Israel's idolatry? 8. How does Ezekiel 14:5 challenge the concept of free will? 9. Why does God desire to "seize the hearts" of the Israelites in Ezekiel 14:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 14? 11. Should you not flee from temptation and idolatry? 12. In Ezekiel 20:5-8, how credible is the claim that the Israelites rebelled immediately after God's promise to deliver them from Egypt, given the differing details in Exodus? 13. In 1 Corinthians 8:10-12, how is the idea of 'wounding a weak conscience' consistent with a broader biblical worldview that heavily focuses on personal responsibility for sin? 14. What is the definition and meaning of idolatry? What Does Ezekiel 14:5 Mean So that I may take hold of the hearts• The Lord’s stated goal is not mere outward compliance but a deep, internal surrender. He seeks to “take hold” or “capture” hearts, drawing His people into genuine devotion (Deuteronomy 6:5; Jeremiah 24:7). • Throughout Scripture God pursues relationship, wooing His covenant people back from rebellion (Hosea 2:14 – 20). • In Ezekiel 14 the elders have come to inquire of the prophet while secretly harboring idols (14:3). God responds in a way designed to expose those hidden loyalties, so their hearts can be reclaimed (Hebrews 4:12). • The same principle applies today: the Lord exposes whatever competes with Him so we can return to wholehearted love (James 4:8). Of the people of Israel • Israel holds a unique covenant status—chosen, treasured, set apart to reflect God’s glory (Exodus 19:5-6; Amos 3:2). • Because of that privilege, their divided hearts grieve Him all the more (Romans 9:4-5). • God’s dealings with Israel in Ezekiel illustrate His faithful commitment: He disciplines not to discard but to restore (Hebrews 12:6-11; Ezekiel 36:22-28). • The verse reminds us that belonging to God brings accountability; He will not let His people drift without confronting them. For because of their idols • Idolatry—anything loved, trusted, or feared more than God—lies at the root of their estrangement (Exodus 20:3-4; 1 John 5:21). • In Ezekiel idols are both physical objects and heart-level attachments (14:3). • Idols promise control, security, or satisfaction, yet they enslave (Psalm 115:4-8). • God confronts idols to liberate His people; judgment becomes a severe mercy aimed at destroying false gods (Ezekiel 6:4-7; Colossians 3:5). They are all estranged from Me • Estrangement pictures a broken relationship, distance where intimacy once existed (Isaiah 59:2). • Sin always isolates—first from God, then from one another (Genesis 3:8-10; Ephesians 4:18). • The Lord refuses to accept divided allegiance; He calls for repentance so fellowship can be restored (Hosea 5:4; 1 Peter 3:12). • Through Christ, God ultimately bridges that estrangement, reconciling us by His blood (2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Ephesians 2:13). summary Ezekiel 14:5 reveals the loving determination of God to reclaim wayward hearts. Israel’s idols have produced distance, yet the Lord intervenes—not to reject, but to expose what enslaves and bring His people back to wholehearted devotion. The verse challenges us to let God seize our own hearts, abandon every rival, and enjoy restored intimacy with Him. Verse 5. - That I may take the house of Israel, etc. The words me a threat rather than a promise. The "double-hearted" shall be taken in the snare which they have made for themselves.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew so thatלְמַ֛עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent I may take hold תְּפֹ֥שׂ (tə·p̄ōś) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably of the hearts בְּלִבָּ֑ם (bə·lib·bām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre of the [people] בֵּֽית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Israel. יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc For אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that because of their idols, בְּגִלּֽוּלֵיהֶ֖ם (bə·ḡil·lū·lê·hem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1544: A log, an idol they are all כֻּלָּֽם׃ (kul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every estranged נָזֹ֙רוּ֙ (nā·zō·rū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2114: To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery from Me.’ מֵֽעָלַ֔י (mê·‘ā·lay) Preposition-m | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Ezekiel 14:5 NIVEzekiel 14:5 NLT Ezekiel 14:5 ESV Ezekiel 14:5 NASB Ezekiel 14:5 KJV Ezekiel 14:5 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 14:5 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 14:5 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 14:5 French Bible Ezekiel 14:5 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 14:5 That I may take the house (Ezek. 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