Ezekiel 23 1

Ezekiel 23:1 kjv

The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 23:1 nkjv

The word of the LORD came again to me, saying:

Ezekiel 23:1 niv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 23:1 esv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Ezekiel 23:1 nlt

This message came to me from the LORD:

Ezekiel 23 1 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Ezekiel 1:3Then the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest…Direct commission to Ezekiel
Jeremiah 1:2To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah…God's call to prophets
Isaiah 38:4Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Thus says the LORD…”God speaking through Isaiah
1 Samuel 15:10Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying…Word of the Lord to Samuel
Hosea 1:1The word of the LORD that came to Hosea the son of Beeri…Another prophet receiving word
Joel 1:1The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel.Joel receiving the word
Amos 3:7Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.God reveals His plans to prophets
Zechariah 1:1In the eighth month of the second year of Darius the word of the LORD came to Zechariah…Zechariah receives prophecy
Matthew 3:17And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son…”Divine word from heaven
Acts 11:12And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction.Spirit guiding actions
Revelation 1:10I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice…John's reception of revelation
2 Peter 1:21For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.Inspiration of scripture
Hebrews 1:1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke in times past to our fathers by the prophets…God's communication history
John 1:14And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…The Word as personified
Romans 10:17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.Importance of the Word
Acts 13:2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…”Spirit's direct instruction
Acts 28:25And when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet…Spirit confirming prophetic word
Jeremiah 32:1The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar.God's word during turmoil
1 Kings 17:2Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying,Elijah receives instruction
Habakkuk 2:1I will stand at my watch, and set myself on the rampart…Prophet's posture to receive word

Ezekiel 23 verses

Ezekiel 23 1 Meaning

The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. This signifies a divine impartation of a message, directly from God to His prophet. It establishes the source and authority of the prophecy that follows, marking a direct communication from the heavens to the earth through a chosen human vessel.

Ezekiel 23 1 Context

This verse serves as the formal introduction to a new section within the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 23, which contains a profound and graphic allegory. The preceding chapters have detailed various visions and prophecies concerning judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah, often employing symbolic actions and language. Chapter 23, preceding this verse, is known for its allegorical depiction of the unfaithfulness of Samaria and Jerusalem, represented by two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, through whom God exposes the deep-seated corruption and idolatry that led to their downfall. This verse thus sets the stage for a further elaboration or a new directive related to the divine pronouncements already being delivered.

Ezekiel 23 1 Word Analysis

  • וַיְהִי (Vayehi) - "And it came to pass," or "And there was." This is a common narrative connector in Hebrew, signifying the continuation of events or the introduction of a new phase. It denotes a progression of time or events within the divine narrative.

  • דְּבַר (Dəvar) - "word," "thing," "matter." In this context, it signifies a communication, a divine utterance, or a message. It points to a specific pronouncement from the Lord.

  • יְהוָה (YHWH) - "The LORD." This is the personal covenantal name of God, emphasizing His active relationship and authority over His people. It signifies that the source of the message is the self-existent God.

  • אֶל (’El) - "to," "unto." This is a preposition indicating the recipient of the divine word.

  • יְחֶזְקֵאל (Yəḥezqê’l) - "Ezekiel." The name means "God strengthens." This highlights the prophet's commission and the source of his fortitude to deliver God's challenging messages.

  • לֵאמֹר (Le’mor) - "saying." This infinitive of purpose introduces the content of the divine message that follows. It functions as a direct marker of speech or pronouncement.

  • The phrase "The word of the LORD came": This is a recurring formula in the Old Testament prophets, indicating a direct, authoritative communication from God. It underscores the divine origin of the prophetic message, distinguishing it from human opinion or speculation. It is not merely a suggestion or a passive observation but a divine imperative.

Ezekiel 23 1 Bonus Section

This specific opening formula, "The word of the LORD came unto...", is foundational to the prophetic literature in the Old Testament. It functions as a thematic thread that binds the prophetic books together, assuring the audience that these messages are not mere human speculation but divine revelations. It underscores the reliability and immutable nature of God's word, even when conveying pronouncements of judgment. This direct impartation highlights the intimacy of God's relationship with His chosen prophets, entrusting them with His divine will for their generations.

Ezekiel 23 1 Commentary

The opening phrase of Ezekiel 23:1 ("The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel...") firmly establishes the divine authority behind the subsequent prophecy. God, using His covenant name YHWH, directly imparts His message to the prophet Ezekiel, whose name signifies "God strengthens." This strengthens the prophet for his difficult task of delivering judgment against a rebellious people. This is not a gentle invitation but a divine mandate, delivered to equip Ezekiel with the very words God intends to be heard by Israel, reinforcing the gravity and authenticity of the message. The phrase "saying" introduces the content of this divine communication, which will unfold in the rest of the chapter.