Ezekiel 14 2

Ezekiel 14:2 kjv

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 14:2 nkjv

And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Ezekiel 14:2 niv

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 14:2 esv

And the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 14:2 nlt

this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 14 verses

Ezekiel 14 2 Meaning

Ezekiel 14:2 introduces a direct, divine communication from God to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse is a standard prophetic formula, signifying that the words to follow are not Ezekiel's own thoughts or interpretations, but the authoritative and unmistakable utterance of YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. It emphasizes the divine origin of the message, establishing its truthfulness and importance as a direct revelation for the people, especially in the context of the preceding verse where Israel's elders had sought an oracle while secretly harboring idolatry.

Ezekiel 14 2 Context

This verse immediately follows Ezekiel 14:1, where "certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me." These elders were exiles, facing national crisis, and ostensibly seeking a word from YHWH through His prophet. However, the chapter's overarching theme reveals their spiritual hypocrisy: they harbored "idols in their hearts" while simultaneously approaching God's prophet. Therefore, Ezekiel 14:2, declaring "Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying," serves as God's immediate response. It highlights that even in their state of unfaithfulness and exile, God would indeed speak, but His word would confront their sin and reveal their true spiritual condition, rather than simply offering a comforting or favorable oracle they might have hoped for. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, a time of national distress and spiritual confusion for the Jewish people, where they were tempted to combine the worship of YHWH with other gods.

Ezekiel 14 2 Word analysis

• Then (וַיְהִ֥י - Va'y'hi): A conjunctive prefix vav ("and," "then") combined with the verb hayah ("to be," "to become," "to come to pass"). This signifies a sequence of events, emphasizing that following the elders' inquiry, God's word came. It functions as a narrative connector, introducing a significant and definite event – the divine revelation itself. It indicates an active happening.
• the word (דְבַר - d'var): The noun davar means "word," "speech," "thing," "matter," or "decree." In a biblical context, especially when referring to God, davar encompasses more than just spoken sound; it carries inherent power and authority to bring about what it proclaims. It is active, not merely communicative.
• of the Lord (יְהוָ֖ה - YHWH): This is the sacred, covenant name of God, often transliterated as "Yahweh" and rendered "LORD" in English Bibles (following the practice of replacing the name with Adonai out of reverence). It identifies the source of the word as the personal, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God of Israel, not any lesser deity or human speculation. This distinguishes the message as unique and supreme.
• came (אֵלַ֥י - elai): This is the preposition el ("to" or "unto") combined with the first-person singular suffix "me." This specific phrasing highlights the direct and personal nature of the revelation to Ezekiel. It signifies that the message was unmistakably directed and received by the prophet himself, making him the appointed vessel.
• to me (אֵלַ֥י - elai): See "came." It clarifies the specific recipient, validating Ezekiel's prophetic role.
• saying (לֵאמֹֽר - le'mor): The infinitive construct of the verb amar ("to say"). This is a common Hebrew idiom used to introduce direct speech. It formally sets up the forthcoming divine utterance, indicating that the text that follows are the precise words or message communicated by YHWH.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Then the word of the Lord": This phrase immediately establishes the divine source and absolute authority of the impending message. It underscores that what follows is not Ezekiel's opinion or the elders' expectation, but God's unmediated truth. The power inherent in God's davar guarantees its efficacy and impact.
• "came to me": This highlights the direct, personal, and intentional nature of God's communication to Ezekiel. It emphasizes the prophet's unique role as God's chosen recipient and messenger. The divine message "intruded" upon Ezekiel, signifying that he was compelled by a higher power to convey it.
• "saying": This word prepares the listener for a direct quote. It acts as a formal preface, signaling that the exact words of YHWH are about to be revealed, adding gravity and solemnity to the ensuing prophecy.

Ezekiel 14 2 Bonus section

• Repetitive Formula: This exact or a very similar introductory phrase ("The word of the Lord came to me, saying") appears dozens of times in the Book of Ezekiel. This repetition serves to relentlessly authenticate Ezekiel's ministry as a genuine spokesman for YHWH, reinforcing that every message, however difficult, originates directly from God and not from the prophet's own initiative or human wisdom. It helps differentiate true prophecy from the self-generated messages of false prophets.
• Prophetic Role: The use of "to me" confirms Ezekiel's status as the divinely appointed conduit of revelation. In a time when the people were confused and disillusioned in exile, this explicit confirmation was crucial for establishing the credibility and binding nature of his messages. He was a mediator of God's direct address, not merely a religious advisor.
• Context of Inquiry: The phrasing in 14:1 ("certain of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me") shows the elders seeking Ezekiel to get a word from the Lord. Verse 2 shows God bypassing the indirect query and directly communicating, not necessarily answering their stated question but addressing their deeper heart issue of idolatry, setting up a confrontation of their internal spiritual state.

Ezekiel 14 2 Commentary

Ezekiel 14:2 is more than a simple narrative transition; it is a foundational statement affirming the divine origin and authority of the prophecy about to be delivered. Positioned immediately after the elders, who come to inquire of the Lord while still harboring idols, it highlights God's unyielding commitment to speak truth, even when confronting hypocrisy. This divine word is potent, living, and directly targeted. It demonstrates that God remains sovereign and active among His exiled people, and His response to their superficial inquiry is not a bland reassurance but a sharp discernment of their true spiritual condition. It sets the stage for a message of judgment against idolatry but also, implicitly, an invitation to sincere repentance. This underscores that seeking God must involve a sincere heart and a genuine turning from all rival devotions.