Ezekiel 17 11

Ezekiel 17:11 kjv

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

Ezekiel 17:11 nkjv

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

Ezekiel 17:11 niv

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 17:11 esv

Then the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 17:11 nlt

Then this message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 17 verses

Ezekiel 17 11 Meaning

Ezekiel 17:11 marks the pivotal transition point in the chapter where God provides the divine interpretation of the preceding riddle concerning the two great eagles and the vine (Ezek 17:1-10). This introductory formula underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the explanation to follow, directly addressing Ezekiel as God's chosen messenger. It signals that the symbolic prophecy is about to be revealed as a clear message of judgment against Zedekiah and Judah for their covenant betrayal and rebellious alliance with Egypt.

Ezekiel 17 11 Context

Ezekiel 17 opens with a complex riddle about a great eagle, a cedar, another great eagle, and a vine, symbolic of international relations and the destiny of Judah. The first great eagle represents Babylon's Nebuchadnezzar, who removed King Jehoiachin (the top of the cedar) and established Zedekiah (the vine from the native soil) as a vassal king in Jerusalem, exacting an oath of loyalty. Zedekiah, however, violated his covenant oath to Babylon by secretly seeking an alliance with Egypt (the second great eagle). This specific verse, Ezekiel 17:11, transitions from the symbolic riddle to God's explicit interpretation. It directly follows the ominous conclusion of the riddle (Ezek 17:10), where the vine withers without divine intervention. Historically, this prophecy directly addresses the political situation of Judah around 593-592 BC, when Zedekiah was actively considering rebellion against Babylon, a decision ultimately leading to Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC. The core of the chapter is God's unwavering judgment against covenant-breaking and trusting in human alliances rather than divine will.

Ezekiel 17 11 Word analysis

• Moreover (וַיְהִי, vayhi): Connects this new divine revelation to the preceding discourse. It functions as a narrative conjunction that often marks a fresh start or new point of emphasis, especially when introducing an explanation or interpretation. It indicates a consequential transition to a direct message from the Lord.
• the word (דְּבַר, devar): Refers to a specific, divine utterance. It is not human thought but God's authoritative, purposeful communication. This term often carries the weight of direct revelation, indicating God's active and powerful self-disclosure to His prophet.
• of the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): The covenant name of God, Yahweh. It underscores that the message originates from the supreme, sovereign, and covenant-keeping God of Israel, affirming its absolute authority and truth. This name emphasizes God's redemptive presence and His ultimate power over all nations and events.
• came (וַיְהִי, vayhi): The same verb root as "Moreover," emphasizing the arrival or materialization of the divine word. It conveys a tangible and real encounter between the prophet and God's communication, highlighting the immediacy of revelation.
• unto me (אֵלַי, elay): Specifically identifies Ezekiel as the recipient. This reinforces his designated role as God's chosen messenger, emphasizing that the word is personally entrusted to him, though intended for public proclamation to the exiles and those in Judah.
• saying (לֵאמֹר, lemor): A common Hebrew infinitival construct that universally introduces direct speech. It signifies that the following content is the precise, spoken message of the LORD, not merely an idea or concept, assuring the audience of the exactitude and reliability of the communicated divine decree.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me": This complete introductory phrase is a characteristic formula throughout prophetic literature, especially in Ezekiel. It serves as an unshakeable seal of authenticity for the message that follows. It communicates that the ensuing words are not from human invention, speculation, or dream, but a direct, authoritative, and irrefutable pronouncement from the sovereign God, making Ezekiel His reliable conduit.
• "the word of the LORD came... saying": This construction emphasizes the direct and personal nature of God's revelation to Ezekiel, who is a faithful mouthpiece. The divine communication is presented as articulate and specific, implying that clear instructions or definite judgments will be unveiled, removing ambiguity about God's intentions or His plan regarding Judah's rebellion.

Ezekiel 17 11 Bonus section

• This verse perfectly illustrates a common literary and theological pattern in Ezekiel's prophecy: a symbolic vision, act, or riddle (like the eagles and the vine) followed by an explicit divine explanation beginning with this exact formula. This clear structure ensures maximum clarity, leaving no room for misunderstanding regarding God's message despite its initial symbolic complexity.
• The profound emphasis on "the word of the LORD" (דְּבַר יְהוָה) serves a powerful polemical purpose in Ezekiel's ministry. In a period when the people of Israel might be tempted to seek guidance from false prophets, omens, or rely solely on human wisdom and political strategy, this phrase consistently asserts that ultimate truth and divine will come only from YHWH, conveyed through His chosen prophet, Ezekiel. It confronts any reliance on non-divine sources for truth regarding the future or moral actions.
• The frequency of this introductory formula throughout Ezekiel (appearing numerous times, marking new revelations or clarifications) underscores the highly structured and intentionally delivered nature of his prophetic book, presenting a series of distinct divine oracles rather than a single, continuous discourse. This consistent delineation helps the audience process each specific revelation, judgment, or promise with full recognition of its divine origin and significance.

Ezekiel 17 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 17:11 serves as a crucial interpretative hinge in Ezekiel's prophetic book. Following a veiled and complex parable (Ezek 17:1-10) meant to expose Judah's treachery and misguided alliances, this verse declares that the true meaning will now be unveiled directly by God Himself. The repetition of the prophetic formula, "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," does more than merely mark a transition; it underscores the absolute divine authority and reliability of the interpretation about to be given. It tells both Ezekiel and his audience that the coming explanation is not human guesswork or political analysis but an exact divine decree regarding Judah's fate and the dire consequences of Zedekiah's broken covenant and misplaced trust in foreign powers like Egypt. It frames the subsequent verses as God's definitive judgment, highlighting His sovereignty over nations and His fidelity to His covenant, even amidst His judgment. It exemplifies God's intent that His people not remain in ignorance of His plans and reasons for action.