Ezekiel 3:4
Ezekiel 3:4 in Multiple Translations
Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them.
¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
And he said to me, Son of man, go now to the children of Israel, and say my words to them.
Then he told me, “Son of man, now you are to go to the people of Israel and give my message to them.
And he said vnto me, Sonne of man, goe, and enter into the house of Israel, and declare them my wordes.
And He saith unto me, 'Son of man, go, enter in unto the house of Israel, and thou hast spoken with My words unto them.
He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.
And he said to me, Son of man, depart, go to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them.
And he said to me: Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and thou shalt speak my words to them.
Then he said to me, “You human, go to the Israeli people [MTY] and tell them my message.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 3:4
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 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אֵלָ֑/י
בֶּן
אָדָ֗ם
לֶךְ
בֹּא֙
אֶל
בֵּ֣ית
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֥
בִ/דְבָרַ֖/י
אֲלֵי/הֶֽם
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
אָדָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בֹּא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֥
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
בִ/דְבָרַ֖/י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp | Suff
אֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 3:4
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.
אָדָ֗ם
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.
לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
בֹּא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/דִבַּרְתָּ֥
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
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.
בִ/דְבָרַ֖/י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲלֵי/הֶֽם
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 3:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:4
- Sermons on Ezekiel 3:4
Context — Ezekiel Eats the Scroll
2So I opened my mouth, and He fed me the scroll.
3“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
4Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them.
5For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel— 6not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 10:5–6 | These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. |
| 2 | Acts 1:8 | But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 2:3 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 2:7 | But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. |
| 5 | Matthew 15:24 | He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 3:11 | Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.” |
Ezekiel 3:4 Summary
[Ezekiel 3:4 is a call to action, where God tells Ezekiel to go and speak His words to the house of Israel. This means that Ezekiel was to proclaim God's message to His people, just like we are called to share the Gospel with others, as seen in (Matthew 28:18-20). God is looking for messengers like Ezekiel, who will faithfully speak His words to those around them, and we can be those messengers by sharing our faith and living out God's commands, as stated in (1 Peter 3:15). Just like Ezekiel, we may face challenges and rejection when sharing God's word, but we can trust that God will be with us and give us the words to say, as promised in (Luke 12:12).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be called 'Son of man' in Ezekiel 3:4?
In Ezekiel 3:4, God calls Ezekiel 'Son of man', which is a term used to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a messenger of God, as seen in Ezekiel 2:1 and Psalm 8:4.
Why was Ezekiel sent specifically to the house of Israel?
Ezekiel was sent to the house of Israel because they were God's chosen people, and He wanted to speak to them through Ezekiel, as stated in Ezekiel 3:4-6, and also seen in Isaiah 6:8-10 and Jeremiah 1:7.
What is the significance of speaking God's words to the house of Israel?
Speaking God's words to the house of Israel meant that Ezekiel was to proclaim God's message of repentance, judgment, and salvation to them, as seen in Ezekiel 3:4, and also in Jeremiah 1:10 and Matthew 28:18-20.
How does this verse relate to our role as believers today?
As believers, we are also called to speak God's words to those around us, just like Ezekiel, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20 and 1 Peter 3:15, and to be faithful messengers of the Gospel, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:20.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'speak God's words' to others, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, be a faithful messenger of God's message to those around me?
- What are some ways that I can prepare myself to receive and proclaim God's word, just as Ezekiel was given the scroll to eat in Ezekiel 3:1-3?
- How can I balance the call to speak God's words with the reality of potential rejection or hardship, as seen in Ezekiel 3:7-9?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:4
And he said unto me, son of man, go,.... After he had eaten the roll; for then was he qualified to prophesy: get thee unto the house of Israel; to whom he was to prophesy: and speak with my words
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:4
And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:4
Son of man: see , and . Go; either the first word, go, intimates the awakening and rousing him, and the latter, get thee, directs him whither to go when on his legs, or else it is an idiom of the Hebrew language, or a hendyadis, an ingemination of the same command. The house of Israel: see . Speak with my words; see ; in my name and authority, so some, but then it would have been in the singular number, not plural. Better and fuller it is by others thus, What things I shall show thee, and in what words I shall declare them to thee, these declare to the captives in Babylon. They perhaps do expect to hear somewhat else, and their flattering false prophets suggest other matters; but look to it, thou goest on my errand, speak therefore in my words, as the Hebrew.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:4
Ezekiel 3:4 And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.Ver. 4. Go, get thee unto the house of Israel.] This was a hard task, all things considered; but hard or not hard, there was a necessity of going on God’ s errand. Ubi mel ibi fel. Necesse est ut eat, non ut vivat, Where there is honey, there is bitterness. It is necessary to go but not to live, as he once said. And speak with my words unto them.] But see they be mine, and then I will bear thee out; then also they will the sooner take impression. Speak as the oracles of God.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:4
4–9. The prophet shall be strengthened to perform his hard task Having taken in the “words” of the Lord (Ezekiel 3:4) there opens up before the prophet a general view of the mission he is sent upon. It is an arduous one. The difficulties are not of a superficial kind. He is not sent to foreign nations, who would not understand his words, but to Israel. They can well understand, but they will not listen. Their refusal to listen unto him is but an example of their life-long refusal to listen unto God. They are resolute and obstinate in their disobedience, but the prophet shall be made more resolute than they.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:4
4-7. The prophet having learned the character of the message he is expected to deliver, Jehovah urges him to immediate action.
Sermons on Ezekiel 3:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Meeting 1986 by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the role of priests and the importance of compassion and mercy. He references a passage from the book of Ezekiel where God instructs the proph |
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the basics of deliverance and how to identify the enemy. He emphasizes that the ministry of Jesus serves as the ultimate example and should n |
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(Revelation) Visions and Voices Part 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on chapter 14. The chapter is divided into two parts: vision and voices. The visions include the |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) in Cana of Galilee by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obedience and submission to God. He uses the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana as an example o |
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But Rather Reprove Them by Jerry Mawhorr | In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Peter Cartwright, a Backwoods Methodist preacher who found himself stuck in an inn during a storm. Despite being surrounded by a pa |
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Shake the Dust From Your Feet - Part 1 by Derek Melton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of spreading the gospel to the nations. He criticizes the comfort and self-centeredness of American Christians, who are obliviou |
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Message on John 4 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares about the devastating situation in southern India where millions of people have been displaced and villages have been wiped out. He reflects on h |