Ezekiel 11:4 kjv
Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man.
Ezekiel 11:4 nkjv
Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man!"
Ezekiel 11:4 niv
Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, son of man."
Ezekiel 11:4 esv
Therefore prophesy against them; prophesy, O son of man."
Ezekiel 11:4 nlt
Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly."
Ezekiel 11 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 11:4 | "Therefore prophesy against them, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD..." | Ezekiel 11:4 (direct quote) |
| Jeremiah 5:1 | "...seek in her open squares if you can find a man, one who does..." | Jeremiah 5:1 (judgment due to unrighteousness) |
| Isaiah 10:1-2 | "Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers..." | Isaiah 10:1-2 (woe to unjust rulers) |
| Micah 3:1-3 | "And I said, Hear, you heads of Jacob and you rulers of the house..." | Micah 3:1-3 (condemnation of oppressive leaders) |
| Psalm 11:5 | "The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates..." | Psalm 11:5 (God's judgment on wickedness) |
| Proverbs 1:28-29 | "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek..." | Proverbs 1:28-29 (God's response to unrepentant) |
| Amos 5:10-13 | "They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the..." | Amos 5:10-13 (rejection of counsel, injustice) |
| Luke 11:52 | "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge..." | Luke 11:52 (woe to those who obstruct truth/justice) |
| Romans 2:1-16 | "Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who..." | Romans 2:1-16 (God judges impartially) |
| 2 Timothy 4:3-4 | "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching..." | 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (prophecy of false teachers and judgment) |
| Revelation 18:5 | "for her sins are heaped high, reaching into heaven, and God has..." | Revelation 18:5 (judgment for corrupt city/system) |
| Ezekiel 13:10 | "Because they have misled my people, saying, 'Peace,' when there..." | Ezekiel 13:10 (condemnation of false prophecy) |
| Ezekiel 14:3 | "Son of man, these men have set their idols in their heart and..." | Ezekiel 14:3 (idolatry in the heart of leaders) |
| Ezekiel 34:2-10 | "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel... Thus says..." | Ezekiel 34:2-10 (judgment on false shepherds) |
| Matthew 23:15 | "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel..." | Matthew 23:15 (Jesus' pronouncements of woe on religious leaders) |
| Acts 5:3-4 | "But Peter said, 'Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie..." | Acts 5:3-4 (God's judgment on deceit) |
| James 5:1-6 | "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are..." | James 5:1-6 (condemnation of the rich oppressing the poor) |
| Ezekiel 11:11 | "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put..." | Ezekiel 11:11 (contrast of judgment with future restoration) |
| Psalm 94:1-7 | "O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!" | Psalm 94:1-7 (cry for God's vengeance on the wicked) |
| Isaiah 3:5 | "and the people will oppress each other, man against man, and boy..." | Isaiah 3:5 (social chaos from internal oppression) |
Ezekiel 11 verses
Ezekiel 11 4 Meaning
This verse directly addresses the "son of man" and commands him to prophesy against the leaders of Israel, specifically against their rulers in Jerusalem. The prophecy focuses on their greed and unjust actions, revealing God's knowledge of their deeds and His impending judgment upon them. It signifies a direct divine indictment delivered through the prophet, highlighting accountability for the sin of misgovernance.
Ezekiel 11 4 Context
Ezekiel chapter 11 is set during the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem is under siege by Nebuchadnezzar. Within Jerusalem, a remnant remains, including leaders whom Ezekiel addresses. There is a faction within Jerusalem that is misleading the people, falsely assuring them of security and God's favor. They are accused of corruption and practicing abominations. This chapter directly confronts these false assurances and the wicked leadership responsible. The immediate context is God's prophetic indictment against those who claim to lead but are instead exploiting and deceiving the people.
Ezekiel 11 4 Word Analysis
- "Son of man" (בֶּן־אָדָם - ben-adam): This is a recurring title for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity in contrast to God's divinity and the divine message he carries. It signifies the prophet's role as a representative of humanity tasked with a divine message. It's used 93 times in Ezekiel, underscoring his role as God's messenger to humanity.
- "Prophesy" (נִבָּא - nibba): To speak forth God's message, often involving pronouncements of judgment or future events, but also foretelling. It requires a direct commission from God.
- "Against them" (עֲלֵיהֶם - aleihem): Directly targets the leadership, indicating specific accusation and condemnation directed towards the rulers and princes of Israel.
- "Thus says the Lord GOD" (כֹּה־אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה - koh-amar Adonai YHWH): A formal prophetic declaration, establishing divine authority and the origin of the message. It signifies the utmost gravity and unquestionable source of the prophecy.
- "Hear" (שְׁמַע - shama): A call to attention, demanding that the subject actively listen to the divine word.
- "O princes of Israel" (שָׂרֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - sarei Yisrael): Specifically identifies the targets of the prophecy: the leaders, rulers, and authorities within Israel.
Ezekiel 11 4 Bonus Section
The condemnation of the "princes of Israel" is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, demonstrating God's consistent concern for justice and righteousness in leadership. The contrast between these corrupt leaders and the future hope of a righteous King (Christ) is a key theme woven throughout Scripture, finding fulfillment in the Messianic prophecies. This verse also foreshadows New Testament pronouncements of woe against hypocritical religious leaders who fail to uphold true righteousness.
Ezekiel 11 4 Commentary
Ezekiel is given a direct commission from God to pronounce judgment. The message is aimed squarely at the leadership in Jerusalem, highlighting their role in the nation's downfall. The "princes" are addressed by God directly, signifying their accountability before Him. The prophecy condemns their corrupt practices and false security they offer the people, as God sees their greed and unjust actions. This demonstrates God's awareness of even the hidden motivations of His people and His righteous judgment upon those who lead others astray. It serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is a sacred trust that, when violated, incurs divine wrath.