Ezekiel 12 10

Ezekiel 12:10 kjv

Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them.

Ezekiel 12:10 nkjv

Say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "This burden concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel who are among them." '

Ezekiel 12:10 niv

"Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: This prophecy concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the Israelites who are there.'

Ezekiel 12:10 esv

Say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: This oracle concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel who are in it.'

Ezekiel 12:10 nlt

Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: These actions contain a message for King Zedekiah in Jerusalem and for all the people of Israel.'

Ezekiel 12 verses

Ezekiel 12 10 Meaning

This verse declares that the leaders of Israel are acting as if they are prophets, yet they prophesy falsehoods, drawing conclusions from nothing substantial. Their pronouncements are like hollow pronouncements from a realm of deceit, leading the people astray. They are instruments of divine judgment upon a disobedient nation, using their position to spread lies and build false confidence.

Ezekiel 12 10 Context

Ezekiel is in exile in Babylon, witnessing the continuing downfall of Judah and Jerusalem. This chapter, Ezekiel 12, presents symbolic actions and pronouncements of judgment. Specifically, chapter 12:1-16 describes Ezekiel acting out the exiles’ departure, demonstrating their future banishment. Verse 10 is part of God’s direct communication to Ezekiel regarding the actions and motivations of the leaders of Jerusalem who are attempting to console the people with false hopes. They are presented as prophets, but their prophetic messages are not from God, and their pronouncements are hollow. This happens in a time when Jerusalem, besieged and facing inevitable destruction, is still clinging to false assurances of salvation, likely stemming from incompetent or corrupt leadership that was supposed to guide the nation in righteousness.

Ezekiel 12 10 Word Analysis

• “Say thou unto them”:

  • The imperative say (Hebrew: אָמַר, amar) indicates a direct command from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the divine authority behind the message.

• “Thus saith the Lord GOD”:

  • This is a standard prophetic formula in Hebrew (כֹּה אָמַר אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה, koh amar Adonai Yahweh).
  • Thus (כֹּה, koh) signifies "in this manner" or "so."
  • saith (אָמַר, amar) means "says."
  • the Lord GOD (אֲדֹנָי יְהוָה, Adonai Yahweh) is a compound divine name, highlighting God’s supreme authority and sovereign power as Lord and as the covenant God.

• “The princes of Israel”:

  • Princes (נְשִׂיאִים, nesiahim) refers to the rulers, leaders, chiefs, or nobility of Israel, not necessarily royalty, but those in positions of authority and influence. This group is often culpable for the nation's downfall.

• “What is this proverb that ye have in the house of Israel, saying”:

  • What is this proverb (מָה הַמָּשָׁל הַזֶּה, mah ha-mashal ha-zeh).
  • proverb (מָשָׁל, mashal) can refer to a saying, a parable, an allegory, or even a riddle. In this context, it signifies a current saying or belief that offers false comfort.
  • ye have (יֵשׁ לָכֶם, yesh lakhem) means "you have" or "there is to you."
  • in the house of Israel (בְּקֶרֶב בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, beqerev beyt Yisrael) specifies the context where this saying is prevalent – within the community or nation of Israel.
  • saying (לֵאמֹר, le'mor) introduces the actual statement being quoted.

• Words-Group Analysis:

  • The phrase "princes of Israel…saying" identifies the specific individuals responsible for propagating misleading messages within the nation. Their role as leaders implies they should be conveyors of truth, but here they are sources of deception.
  • The term "proverb" used for the sayings of these princes highlights that their pronouncements are not divine revelation but rather human rationalizations or current popular opinions that lack divine endorsement. It signifies a dangerous form of comforting deception, akin to modern-day "fake news" from influential figures.

Ezekiel 12 10 Bonus Section

The Greek Septuagint renders "proverb" (mashal) in this verse as parabole (παραβολή), which aligns with the concept of a parable or similitude, underscoring the metaphorical and illustrative nature of their deceptive pronouncements. This reflects how false teachings often use cunningly devised tales or pronouncements to appear wise or authoritative. The actions of these princes mirror those rebuked by Jesus and the Apostles, who warned against those who twist scripture or speak their own imaginations under the guise of divine authority, leading people away from genuine faith and understanding of God’s judgment and mercy.

Ezekiel 12 10 Commentary

The princes of Israel are actively promoting a message, a saying or proverb, that is circulating within the nation. This message offers false assurances and is contrary to the reality of God's judgment which Ezekiel is prophesying. They are acting like prophets themselves but their pronouncements are devoid of divine truth; they are effectively prophecies of vanity or emptiness because they are not inspired by God. Their words are built on lies and will lead to nothing but disaster for those who believe them. They are trying to placate the people with empty hopes, a characteristic of corrupt and self-serving leadership that fails to warn of impending doom. This demonstrates a deliberate misleading of the populace.