Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 2:1
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.
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.
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.
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.
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Daniel 10:11 |
He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man who is highly precious. Consider carefully the words that I am about to say to you. Stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had said this to me, I stood up trembling. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 3:17 |
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. |
| 3 |
Ezekiel 4:1 |
“Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. |
| 4 |
Ezekiel 5:1 |
“As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword, use it as a barber’s razor, and shave your head and beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair. |
| 5 |
Ezekiel 3:4 |
Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. |
| 6 |
Ezekiel 3:1 |
“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” |
| 7 |
Matthew 16:13–16 |
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” |
| 8 |
Acts 9:6 |
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” |
| 9 |
Matthew 17:7 |
Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.” |
| 10 |
John 3:13 |
No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. |
Ezekiel 2:1 Summary
In Ezekiel 2:1, God tells Ezekiel to stand up because He wants to speak to him. This means Ezekiel has to be ready and willing to listen to God. It's like when we need to quiet ourselves and pay attention to what God is saying to us through the Bible (like in Romans 10:17) or through prayer. By standing up, Ezekiel shows he is ready to obey God, and we can do the same by being attentive to God's voice and willing to follow His instructions (as seen in James 1:22).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God address Ezekiel as 'Son of man' in Ezekiel 2:1?
God addresses Ezekiel as 'Son of man' to emphasize his humanity and to distinguish him from God, as seen in other references such as Psalm 8:4 and Daniel 8:17, where the term is used to remind us of our mortal nature.
What is the significance of Ezekiel being told to 'stand up on your feet' in this verse?
Ezekiel being told to 'stand up on your feet' signifies a call to readiness and obedience, similar to how God instructed Moses in Exodus 3:5 to remove his sandals and stand before the burning bush, indicating a willingness to serve and listen to God.
How does this verse relate to our own walk with God?
This verse reminds us that, like Ezekiel, we are called to stand before God, listen to His voice, and be obedient to His will, as seen in Isaiah 6:8 where the prophet responds to God's call with 'Here I am, send me!'
What role does the Spirit play in this interaction between God and Ezekiel?
The Spirit's role, as seen in the following verse, Ezekiel 2:2, is to empower and enable Ezekiel to fulfill his calling, much like the empowering of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8 to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'stand up' in my own walk with God, and how can I be more attentive to His voice?
- How does recognizing my own humanity, like Ezekiel being called 'Son of man', help me relate to God and understand my role in His plan?
- In what ways am I being called to be obedient to God's will, and how can I respond with faith and trust, like Ezekiel?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, prepare myself to hear and obey God's voice, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 2:1
And he said unto me,.... The glorious Person who sat upon the throne, whose appearance is described in the latter part of the preceding chapter: son of man; as he was to be that spake unto him; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 2:1
And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee. Son of man - often applied to Ezekiel; once only to Daniel (Daniel 7:17), and not to any other prophet.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1
EZEKIEL CHAPTER 2 Ezekiel’ s commission, ; his instructions, . The roll of heavy judgments spread before him, ,10. And he that sat upon the throne, Jesus Christ, whose messenger Ezekiel must be to the Jewish captives, now gone into captivity to Babylon. Son of man; a phrase very familiar with Ezekiel in this prophecy, and he useth it for distinction, being now among angels, perhaps to keep him humble, who had such great revelations, which might occasion him to think of himself above what was meet, as prophecy. . Stand upon thy feet; arise, resume thy wonted strength of soul and body, which seem lost by thy fall to the ground. Fear not my coming to punish thee, I come to send thee forth a prophet; arise, therefore, and be as other prophets, ready to receive the Divine oracles, which usually came to prophets standing: and with this command God sent forth a power enabling him to arise and stand. And I will speak unto thee; get thyself into a fit posture and readiness, and I will speak: what that was appears in what followeth, .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1
Ezekiel 2:1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.Ver. 1. And he said unto me.] Christus solio sic insit ab alto. Christ from his lofty throne thus bespake me, who had now my mouth in the dust, and had no more to say but this, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." Son of man.] So this prophet is called almost a hundred times in this book; four times in this short chapter. The reason hereof I take to be this, saith a judicious divine, he had visions both more in number and more rare in kind revealed unto him than any other prophet had. Now lest he should be exalted out of measure, through the abundance of revelations, the Lord often putteth him in mind of his estate by nature, that he was but a "son of man," a mortal man, even a worm. Stand upon thy feet.] God, for good ends, casteth down sometimes those that are dearest to himself; but then he comforteth the abject. “ Deiecit ut relevet, premit ut solaria praestet. ” And I will speak unto thee.] So Daniel 10:11. Oracles are for standers, not prostrate ones. They require utmost attention of body, intention of mind, and retention of memory. See Numbers 23:18 Judges 3:20. Dr Gouge.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1
(1) Son of man.—The voice that now came to Ezekiel was articulate, and spoke to him in words which he could understand. It is not said who it was that spoke, but the “He” in connection with the vision before him could be none other than the Most High, whose glory that vision was given to reveal. The phrase “son of man” is common enough throughout the Scriptures, as meaning simply man, but is never used in an address to a prophet, except to Ezekiel and Daniel. To Daniel it is used only once (Daniel 8:17), while to Ezekiel it is used above ninety times. The reason is, doubtless, that since he was the prophet of the captivity he was addressed in the common terms of the language where he lived. “Son of man” for “man” is so common in the Aramaic languages that it is even used of Adam himself in the Syriac version of 1 Corinthians 15:45-47. The address to Ezekiel here as “man,” just as under similar circumstances to Daniel when he had fallen upon his face through awe of the supernatural presence (Daniel 8:17), is doubtless in compassion to his weakness. And then comes the strengthening command, “Stand upon thy feet,” that he may be able to receive the communication God is about to make to him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1
CHAPTER II The prophet, having been overwhelmed with the glorious vision in the preceding chapter, is here strengthened and comforted, 1, 2; and then commissioned to declare to the rebellious house of Israel the terrible judgments that would very shortly come upon the whole land, if they repented not; with a gracious assurance to Ezekiel that God would be constantly with him while executing the duties of his office, 3-5. The prophet is also commanded to be fearless, resolute, and faithful in the discharge of it. 6-8, as he must be the messenger of very unpleasing tidings, which well expose him to great persecution, 9, 10. NOTES ON CHAP. II Verse 1. And he said unto me] In the last verse of the preceding chapter we find that the prophet was so penetrated with awe at the sight of the glory of God in the mystical chariot, that "he fell upon his face;" and, while he was in this posture of adoration, he heard the voice mentioned here. It is evident, therefore, that the present division of these chapters is wrong. Either the first should end with the words, "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord," Ezekiel 1:28; or the first verse of this chapter should be added to the preceding, and this begin with the second verse.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 2:1
1–7. The rebellious people to whom the prophet is sent 1. Son of man] Better, child of man. The phrase is used over ninety times, and expresses the contrast between the prophet, as one of mankind, and the majesty of God, whose glory he had just seen. stand upon thy feet] At the sight of the great glory of God the prophet had fallen to the ground (ch. Ezekiel 1:28). He is bidden stand on his feet. Not paralysis before him is desired by God, but reasonable service. The prophet’s falling down was natural, yet a condition unfit for God’s purposes, and not desired by him to continue. Those whom he calls to his service are his fellow-workers, who may look upon his face. It is man erect, man in his manhood, with whom God will have fellowship and with whom he will speak—stand upon thy feet “that I may speak with thee.”
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 2:1
Son of man - This phrase (which occurs elsewhere in Scripture) is applied especially to Ezekiel and Daniel, the prophets of the captivity.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1
1. Son of man — This was a form of address which was very common in Chaldea, especially when the gods were supposed to speak.
Sermons on Ezekiel 2:1
| Sermon | Description |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 7
by T. Austin-Sparks
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a watchman's role in understanding and proclaiming God's message. He explains that there are three key elements to this rol |
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The Terrible Price of Sin
by Erlo Stegen
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong relationship with the Lord Jesus. He highlights the harmony and peace that comes from being filled with th |
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The Messenger Must Be the Embodiment of His Message
by T. Austin-Sparks
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T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the messenger must embody the message, using Ezekiel's three titles: 'Son of Man,' 'a watchman,' and 'I am your sign.' He explains that 'Son of Man |
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All That Matters
by Erlo Stegen
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In this sermon, Ralph begins by describing a situation where they were unable to make blocks due to the water covering the sand. He then mentions seeing two donkeys on an island, e |
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Character of Daniel.
by Edward Payson
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Edward Payson preaches about the exemplary life of Daniel, a man greatly beloved by God, emphasizing the importance of early piety, caution against worldly influences, fervent pray |
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He Who Loves Us
by Erlo Stegen
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Erlo Stegen emphasizes the profound love of God for humanity, illustrated through the life of Daniel, who remained faithful to God despite the challenges of exile. He highlights th |
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(Sweden) God's Controversy With the Evangelical Church of Sweden
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young man who was inspired by his missionary grandmother's faith but became disillusioned when she returned from the mission fie |