The Church Fathers on this verse

Ezekiel 22:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Shall thy heart endure, or shall thy hands prevail in the days which I will bring upon thee: I the Lord have spoken, and will do it.

Douay-Rheims

הֲיַעֲמֹ֤ד לִבֵּךְ֙ אִם־תֶּחֱזַ֣קְנָה יָדַ֔יִךְ לַיָּמִ֕ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י עֹשֶׂ֣ה אוֹתָ֑ךְ אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי וְעָשִֽׂיתִי׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

I will demand offerings from you as if they were to spill blood, meaning that there will be no pause in your transgressions, trading justice for profit and sacrificing the innocent. I will gather an abundance and overflow within you. Although this may seem like a lesser sin, it is still listed alongside previous ones, thus serving as a clear reminder to those who may indulge in such vices to steer clear of this type of greed, for it is tied to the most nefarious and sinful acts. The greedy are grouped with murderers, idol worshippers, adulterers, and those who commit heinous offenses. After detailing various forms of wrongdoing, the Prophet ultimately declares the impending punishment.

Read more (162 words)

You have completed the apex of your iniquity, which is marked by violence; yet you have forgotten me, declares the Lord Adonai. Behold, I will strike my hand against your hand for what you have done, and for the blood that has been shed within you. How will you stand firm, and how will you prevail in the days when I act against you? God speaks of Himself in terms of judgement, asserting that He will strike with His hands. He declares that since you have forgotten Me and failed to remember My grace and My commandments, I will bring calamities upon you that will leave your hands powerless and your heart, filled with confusion, will despair of deliverance. He emphasizes that His declaration is true and unchangeable. I am the Lord, and I will accomplish it; the authority of the One who has spoken assures its fulfillment. Knowing who has uttered these words should suffice for you to accept their truth.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.