Ezekiel 24 3

Ezekiel 24:3 kjv

And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:

Ezekiel 24:3 nkjv

And utter a parable to the rebellious house, and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Put on a pot, set it on, And also pour water into it.

Ezekiel 24:3 niv

Tell this rebellious people a parable and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "?'Put on the cooking pot; put it on and pour water into it.

Ezekiel 24:3 esv

And utter a parable to the rebellious house and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: "Set on the pot, set it on; pour in water also;

Ezekiel 24:3 nlt

Then give these rebels an illustration with this message from the Sovereign LORD: "Put a pot on the fire,
and pour in some water.

Ezekiel 24 verses

Ezekiel 24 3 Meaning

This verse directly states the LORD's command to Ezekiel, initiating a prophetic symbol of judgment upon Jerusalem. The "pot" and its contents represent Jerusalem and its people, destined for destruction. The fire signifies God's wrath and cleansing judgment against their sin.

Ezekiel 24 3 Context

Chapter 24 begins a series of prophetic oracles concerning the final destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. This verse sets the stage for a powerful symbolic act. The message is directed at the "princes of the house of Israel," indicating the leadership, the architects of Jerusalem's impending doom. They are the ones primarily addressed with this pronouncement of judgment. The historical context is the final siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, a time of great despair and foreboding for the inhabitants. The symbolic action of boiling a pot serves as a vivid and terrifying illustration of what is to come.

Ezekiel 24 3 Word Analysis

• And (וְ - v' or u): A conjunctive particle, indicating a continuation of thought or a sequencing of events. Here it links the statement to what preceded, although chapter 24 is presented as the start of a new section of prophecy.

• say (אִמְר - imr): Command, speak, utter. This is a direct imperative to the prophet Ezekiel.

• Hear (שְׁמַע - sh'ma): A command to listen attentively and obey. It's a key word in Hebrew, signifying more than just auditory perception; it implies understanding and response.

• ye (קֹול - qol): Not "ye" in the typical English sense of "you all." Instead, the Hebrew is likely implied from the context of speaking to multiple princes. The direct address is to the plural "princes."

• word (דְּבַר - d'var): A matter, affair, word, thing, promise. In this context, it refers to God's declaration and command.

• of the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal covenantal name of God, emphasizing His authority and relationship with Israel.

• O (אוֹי - oy): While not explicitly written in English as "O", the interjection is conveyed by the structure of the address. However, common Hebrew grammar would link "ye" directly to the noun. The sense is a direct, strong address.

• princes (שָׂרֵי - sar'ei): Chiefs, captains, rulers, leaders. This refers to the nobles and rulers within Jerusalem. The possessive ending links them to the "house of Israel."

• of the house of Israel (בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל - beith Yisrael): The collective people of Israel, specifically those in leadership roles within the kingdom.

• Groups of words:

  • "Hear ye the word of the LORD": This is a standard prophetic formula, calling for immediate attention to God's message, often preceding a divine judgment or instruction.
  • "O ye princes of the house of Israel": This clearly defines the audience. It's not just general Israelites but the leadership, highlighting their accountability for the nation's condition.

Ezekiel 24 3 Bonus Section

The imagery of the pot boiling over is ancient and recognizable in Near Eastern cultures, often associated with cleansing or purification, but here it is inverted to signify violent destruction. Scholars note that the "fire" in this context is not purifying in a redemptive sense but rather consuming, indicative of God's righteous wrath unleashed upon sin. The context of chapter 24 points to the complete overthrow of Jerusalem, a foreshadowing of the destruction of the Temple itself and the scattering of the people, mirroring other judgments pronounced against Israel and Judah for their persistent disobedience. The "foaming forth" of the pot’s contents signifies the complete expulsion and scattering of the inhabitants in divine judgment.

Ezekiel 24 3 Commentary

This verse establishes the prophetic context for the devastating symbolism that follows. The direct command to Ezekiel underscores the urgency and divine origin of the message. Addressing the princes highlights that leadership failure contributes significantly to national ruin. The use of the LORD's personal name emphasizes His covenantal engagement and the justice of His pronouncement against His people. The subsequent actions Ezekiel performs are designed to be seen and understood, creating a visual sermon of impending judgment on Jerusalem. The princes, those expected to protect the city, are the very ones declared as the target of God’s fierce judgment represented by the boiling pot.