Ezekiel 18:1 kjv
The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,
Ezekiel 18:1 nkjv
The word of the LORD came to me again, saying,
Ezekiel 18:1 niv
The word of the LORD came to me:
Ezekiel 18:1 esv
The word of the LORD came to me:
Ezekiel 18:1 nlt
Then another message came to me from the LORD:
Ezekiel 18 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 3:4 | "Then he said to me, “Go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them." | Direct Commission |
| Jeremiah 1:4 | "The word of the LORD came to me, saying…" | Echoes the divine call |
| Isaiah 6:8 | "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?'" | God initiating communication |
| Amos 7:15 | "The LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'" | Similar prophetic call structure |
| Luke 1:11 | "And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense." | Divine appearance and message |
| Acts 9:15 | "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'" | Lord speaking directly to a prophet |
| Revelation 1:10 | "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet" | Revelation from the Lord |
Ezekiel 18 verses
Ezekiel 18 1 Meaning
The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel, establishing divine authority and communication. It signifies the commencement of a new prophetic message or revelation directed specifically to Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 18 1 Context
This verse marks the beginning of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. The preceding verses (1:1-28) described a complex and awe-inspiring vision of God's glory, throne-chariot, and four living creatures. This vision served as the divine endorsement and commissioning for Ezekiel. Now, the LORD directly addresses him, initiating the specific messages to be delivered to the people of Israel. The audience, primarily exiles in Babylon, were experiencing profound distress and questioning God's faithfulness. This new directive from the LORD is intended to address their spiritual state and provide a divine perspective on their circumstances and responsibilities.
Ezekiel 18 1 Word Analysis
- וַיְהִי (vayehi): "And it was" or "And there was." This common Hebrew conjunction often introduces a new event or narrative section. Here, it signifies the continuation of God's direct involvement and the commencement of a new phase of prophecy.
- דְבַר (dĕvar): "Word." This noun signifies a message, command, or revelation from God. It emphasizes that what follows is a divine utterance.
- יְהוָה (YHWH): "The LORD." The personal covenantal name of God, emphasizing His active relationship with Israel and His faithfulness, even in judgment and exile.
- אֶל־ (el): "To" or "unto." A preposition indicating the recipient of the message.
- יְחֶזְקֵאֵל (Yĕḥezqe'ēl): "Ezekiel." His name means "God strengthens" or "May God strengthen," a fitting name for a prophet called to deliver challenging messages during a time of hardship.
- לְמֹר (lemōr): "Saying." This infinitive absolute indicates the manner or purpose of the action – that God's word was communicated through speaking.
Word-Group Analysis
- "The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel": This entire phrase is a standard formula in prophetic literature, establishing the divine origin and authority of the message that follows. It assures the prophet and his audience that these are not human pronouncements but direct communications from the Creator of the universe.
Ezekiel 18 1 Bonus Section
The recurring phrase "The word of the LORD came" serves as a bookend and internal marker throughout Ezekiel's prophecy, underscoring the consistent divine source of his messages. This opening verse immediately after the transcendent vision of God’s glory serves to ground that divine revelation in specific, actionable instruction for the prophet and, through him, for Israel. It emphasizes that even in overwhelming divine encounters, the core of prophetic ministry is the faithful conveyance of God's spoken word.
Ezekiel 18 1 Commentary
This foundational verse clearly states the source and conduit of Ezekiel's prophecy. It highlights that God is the initiator and sustainer of His communication, reaching out to His chosen prophet. The phrase "The word of the LORD came" signifies a direct, personal encounter where God's message is imparted. This isn't a human initiative but a divine one. Ezekiel, like other prophets, serves as God's mouthpiece. The coming of God's word to Ezekiel underscores the urgency and divine mandate of the messages he will deliver, particularly relevant for the exilic community grappling with sin and judgment.