Ezekiel 11:2

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Ezekiel 11:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked counsel in this city.

King James Version KJV

Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:

American Standard Version ASV

And he said unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise iniquity, and that give wicked counsel in this city;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to me, Son of man, these are the men who are designing evil, who are teaching evil ways in this town:

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told me, “Son of man, it's these men who are making evil plans and giving bad advice to the people in this city.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then said he vnto me, Sonne of man, these are the men that imagine mischiefe, and deuise wicked counsell in this citie.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And He saith unto me, 'Son of man, these [are] the men who are devising iniquity, and who are giving evil counsel in this city;

World English Bible WEB

He said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity, and who give wicked counsel in this city;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said he to me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he said to me: Son of man, these are the men that study iniquity, and frame a wicked counsel in this city,

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh said to me, “You human, these are the new leaders in Jerusalem who are planning to do evil things and who are giving wicked advice to people in this city.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 11:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezekiel 11:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑/י בֶּן אָדָ֕ם אֵ֣לֶּה הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֞ים הַ/חֹשְׁבִ֥ים אָ֛וֶן וְ/הַ/יֹּעֲצִ֥ים עֲצַת רָ֖ע בָּ/עִ֥יר הַ/זֹּֽאת

וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֵלָ֑/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָדָ֕ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms

אֵ֣לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Pron

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֞ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

הַ/חֹשְׁבִ֥ים châshab H2803 to devise Art | V-Qal

אָ֛וֶן ʼâven H205 evil N-ms

וְ/הַ/יֹּעֲצִ֥ים yâʻats H3289 to advise Conj | Art | V-Qal

עֲצַת ʻêtsâh H6098 counsel N-fs

רָ֖ע raʻ H7451 bad Adj

בָּ/עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs

הַ/זֹּֽאת zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 11:2

וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵלָ֑/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

אָדָ֕ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

אֵ֣לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֞ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/חֹשְׁבִ֥ים châshab H2803 "to devise" Art | V-Qal

To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.

Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered

Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.

אָ֛וֶן ʼâven H205 "evil" N-ms

This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.

Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.

וְ/הַ/יֹּעֲצִ֥ים yâʻats H3289 "to advise" Conj | Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.

Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire

Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.

עֲצַת ʻêtsâh H6098 "counsel" N-fs

This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.

Definition: counsel, advice, purpose

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.

רָ֖ע raʻ H7451 "bad" Adj

Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.

Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions

Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.

בָּ/עִ֥יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

הַ/זֹּֽאת zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 11:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 11:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 11:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 11:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:2
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:2
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 11:2
Sermons on Ezekiel 11:2

Context — Evil in High Places

1Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. And there at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders of the people.

2And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked counsel in this city.

3They are saying, ‘Is not the time near to build houses? The city is the cooking pot, and we are the meat.’ 4Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, O son of man!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 30:1	“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.
2	Jeremiah 5:5	I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains.
3	Psalms 2:1–2	Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:
4	Psalms 52:2	Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.
5	Isaiah 59:4	No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.
6	Esther 8:3	And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.
7	Micah 2:1–2	Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance.
8	Jeremiah 18:18	Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
9	Psalms 36:4	Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.

Ezekiel 11:2 Summary

This verse is saying that there are people in the city who are making plans to do bad things and are giving bad advice to others. The Lord is pointing out these people to Ezekiel, and telling him that they are doing evil. This is a reminder that God sees everything we do, and that we will be held accountable for our actions, as seen in Romans 14:12. We should strive to be people who give good advice and make good choices, and to seek God's will in all that we do, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of evil are the men in Ezekiel 11:2 plotting?

The evil they are plotting is likely related to their refusal to repent and turn to God, as seen in Ezekiel 11:3, where they are saying it is time to build houses, showing their focus on worldly things rather than spiritual ones, similar to what is warned against in 1 John 2:15-17.

Who are the men being referred to in Ezekiel 11:2?

The men being referred to are twenty-five leaders of the people, including Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, as mentioned in Ezekiel 11:1, who are giving wicked counsel in the city.

What is the significance of the Lord calling Ezekiel 'Son of man' in Ezekiel 11:2?

The Lord calling Ezekiel 'Son of man' is a term of endearment and a reminder of Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a messenger of God, similar to how Jesus is referred to as the 'Son of Man' in Matthew 16:13, emphasizing His divine and human nature.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Ezekiel's prophecy?

This verse is part of Ezekiel's prophecy against Jerusalem, warning of God's judgment on the city due to the people's sin and rebellion, as seen in Ezekiel 11:1-4, and is reminiscent of other prophecies of judgment, such as Isaiah 1:1-31.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I might be plotting evil or giving wicked counsel in my own life, and how can I repent and turn to God?
How can I be more mindful of the counsel I give to others, and make sure it is in line with God's will, as seen in Proverbs 11:14?
What are some ways that I can be a positive influence in my community, and help to build up the body of Christ, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32?
How can I balance my focus on worldly things, such as building houses, with my focus on spiritual things, such as seeking God's will, as seen in Matthew 6:33?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 11:2

Then said he unto me, son of man,.... That is, the Lord, or, the Spirit of the Lord, that lifted him up: these [are] the men that devise mischief; or "vanity" (d); this is to be understood not of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 11:2

Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city: Then said he - the Lord sitting on the cherubim (Ezekiel 10:2).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:2

So soon as the prophet had seen and observed how many and who they were, the Lord, sitting on the cherub, spoke unto him, . The men; not the only men, but indeed the most notorious. Devise; frame and contrive with craft and false reasonings. Mischief; vanity; so the thing was, and mischief the fruit of it. They persuade the people that the city shall not be burnt, but that they may safely build, and long dwell in their houses; this vain hope exhausts that money with which they might have provided for themselves, and this proves a mischief. Give wicked counsel: this may be an explication of that he last spake. Or possibly it may note their activity and diligence, going about the city and counselling their acquaintance to put off the evil day. Or perhaps they teach a compliance and coalition with the Chaldean superstitions to save themselves; it is not impossible they might give counsel to unhappy Zedekiah. The Chaldee paraphrast here useth a word whose first notation is to reign or be a king, the second sense to give counsel: whose counsellors soever they were, their counsel tended to shame and loss.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 11:2

Ezekiel 11:2 Then said he unto me, Son of man, these [are] the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:Ver. 2. These are the men that devise mischief.] That whet their wits and beat their brains about it; the politicians of the time, who, like children, are ever standing on their heads, and shaking their heels against heaven. And give wicked counsel.] As Balaam and Ahithophel did of old, as Machiavel did at Florence, and Gondamor here did of later times. The prophet here nameth a couple, and taketh the same liberty to reprove them that they took to do amiss.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 11:2

2. give wicked counsel] lit. who counsel evil counsel. The evil counsel probably refers to the revolutionary enterprizes of these men against the authority of Babylon, which the prophet severely condemns (ch. 17). The city was divided into factions, one part holding with Babylon and another with Egypt, while some were for peace on any terms. The consequence of these divisions was much bloodshed within the city (Ezekiel 11:6). It is probable that the schemes of these plotters were only being hatched (Ezekiel 11:5); it was not till some time later that the steps now meditated were actually taken.

Sermons on Ezekiel 11:2

	Sermon	Description
	The Secret of Spiritual Strength by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and counsel in times of crisis. He highlights the story of King David, who sought God's direction b
	(Poland) the Capacity to Be Stirred by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing the hardships of communism in Poland. He recalls the scarcity of goods in the grocery stores and the long que
	Audio Sermon: The Great Apostasy 1986 by David Wilkerson	This sermon addresses the great apostasy, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning back to God. The speaker highlights the dangers of falling away from the faith, the lure o
	Words of Expostulation by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision of a great feast where armies have met and there has been a terrible slaughter. He relates this vision to the spiritual b
	Righteousness Imputed and Imparted by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a woman who felt restless and missed her husband when he was gone. She couldn't sleep and in her desperation, she knelt by
	Keys to Understanding Isaiah a Look at the Book by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Isaiah and its themes of God's judgments and blessings. The speaker highlights how God's judgments are poured out on the people o
	Obtaining Pardon From God by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman who had a dream of seeing people in hell, which led to her brother's conversion and becoming a pastor. The brother's church