Ezekiel 22 23

Ezekiel 22:23 kjv

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

Ezekiel 22:23 nkjv

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

Ezekiel 22:23 niv

Again the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 22:23 esv

And the word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 22:23 nlt

Again a message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 22 verses

Ezekiel 22 23 Meaning

Ezekiel 22:23 functions as a standard prophetic introductory formula, signaling a new, authoritative revelation directly from Yahweh to His prophet Ezekiel. It introduces a fresh segment of divine communication, framing the subsequent message of severe indictment and righteous judgment as God's own unequivocal and divinely authoritative word, not merely Ezekiel's personal observations or interpretations. This verse emphasizes the divine origin of the ensuing prophecy.

Ezekiel 22 23 Context

Ezekiel 22 is a powerful chapter within the prophet's ministry during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). It falls within the broader section detailing God's judgment against Jerusalem (chapters 8-24). The chapter intricately outlines the extensive moral and spiritual decay that permeated all levels of Jerusalemite society, from common people to leadership. Verses 1-16 establish the city's severe bloodguilt and other abominations. Verses 17-22 use the vivid metaphor of a refining furnace, depicting Jerusalem as worthless dross to be consumed by God's fiery judgment. Ezekiel 22:23 introduces a fresh, intensified phase of this divine indictment. What follows in verses 24-31 is a specific, detailed charge against the distinct societal classes—false prophets, corrupt priests, unjust princes/officials, and the oppressive people of the land—who have actively contributed to and benefited from the nation's profound unrighteousness, solidifying their shared responsibility for the impending wrath.

Ezekiel 22 23 Word analysis

• Moreover (וַיְהִי wayĕhî): A common conjunctive expression in Hebrew, often rendered as "And it came to pass" or "Now it happened." In this context, it signals a continuation or an addition, linking the upcoming oracle to the previous pronouncements within the chapter, indicating a building or accumulated divine message.

• the word (דְבַר ḏəḇar from דָּבָר dābār): Hebrew for "word," "speech," "matter," or "thing." In prophetic discourse, it specifically denotes a direct, authoritative, and substantive message originating from God. It carries ultimate weight and truth, contrasting with human conjecture.

• of the Lord (יְהוָה YHWH): The personal, covenant name of God, frequently translated as "the LORD." This sacred name emphasizes God's self-existence, His active involvement in human affairs, and His unwavering covenant relationship with Israel. Its inclusion underlines the message's divine authority and the sender's identity as the faithful covenant God.

• came to me (אֵלַי ʾēlay): A common prophetic idiom signifying the reception of divine revelation. "Came" (implied verb here is also from wayĕhî) conveys God's initiative in sending the message. "To me" (אֵלַי) specifically identifies Ezekiel as the direct recipient and messenger, highlighting his distinct call.

• saying (לֵאמֹר lēʼmōr): This infinitive construct typically introduces direct speech or a precise, verbatim quotation. It serves to inform the audience that the words that follow are the exact words spoken by God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the accuracy and divine origin of the ensuing message.

• Words-group analysis:

  • Moreover, the word of the Lord: This opening phrase is a classic and frequently recurring prophetic formula found throughout the Hebrew Bible. It unequivocally attributes the following message directly to Yahweh, establishing its divine source, unquestionable authority, and essential truthfulness, ensuring the audience grasps its profound weight.
  • came to me, saying: This segment of the formula further specifies that Ezekiel is the designated prophet who received this direct divine communication. The phrase explicitly sets up the subsequent words as God's verbatim utterance, communicated to Ezekiel and now through Ezekiel to the people, reinforcing both the messenger's role and the message's divine authenticity.

Ezekiel 22 23 Bonus section

This prophetic formula provides strong evidence for the verbal plenary inspiration of Scripture, as the text explicitly states the words came from the Lord and Ezekiel is merely saying them forth. It demonstrates God's consistent method of revealing His will and judgments through chosen human agents, a principle foundational to the Old Testament prophetic tradition. The repetitive nature of this phrase in Ezekiel especially served to validate his ministry in an environment saturated with false prophets, assuring the people that, despite the challenging nature of his prophecies, they were hearing God's authentic voice.

Ezekiel 22 23 Commentary

Ezekiel 22:23 is not a substantive oracle in itself but a crucial structural and theological marker. Its repeated use throughout Ezekiel's prophecy, and the prophetic literature in general, is intentional. It ensures that the profound and often harsh messages delivered are consistently understood as originating not from the prophet's personal views or political analyses, but directly from the sovereign, holy God of Israel. This verse introduces a section of intense divine scrutiny on Judah's collective leadership and populace. By anchoring this subsequent critique in the absolute authority of "the word of the Lord," God validates the justice and certainty of His coming judgments. It serves as a stark reminder to both the exiles and future generations that God speaks clearly, warning His people of the consequences of their deep-seated unrighteousness before executing His righteous judgments.