King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:2 in the King James Version says “Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:”

Ezekiel 11:2 · KJV

Context

1

Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.

2

Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:

3

Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh. It is: or, It is not for us to build houses near

4

Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man.

Read Ezekiel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's words to Ezekiel—'these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city'—indict Jerusalem's leadership for active evil. The Hebrew chashav (חָשַׁב, 'devise') indicates intentional planning and scheming. The aven (אָוֶן, 'mischief' or 'iniquity') they devise is not accidental sin but calculated wickedness. Their 'wicked counsel' (etsah ra'ah, עֵצָה רָעָה) led the nation astray.

The verse reveals leadership's moral failure. Rather than guiding the people toward covenant faithfulness, these princes promoted policies and attitudes contrary to God's will. Subsequent verses (11:3) show they encouraged false security, telling people 'it is not near; let us build houses'—denying imminent judgment and promoting complacency despite prophetic warnings. Bad leadership multiplies evil by influencing many toward sin.

From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates total depravity's manifestation in leadership—sin affects not just individuals but corrupts institutions and systems of authority. The princes' wicked counsel demonstrates how sin permeates social structures. Yet it also shows God's righteous judgment targets not just individual sin but systemic evil. God holds corrupt leaders accountable for leading others astray, a sobering warning for all in authority (Matthew 18:6-7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem's final years before 586 BC featured political confusion and poor leadership. After Jehoiachin's deportation in 597 BC, King Zedekiah ruled as a Babylonian puppet, surrounded by advisors who oscillated between submission to Babylon and foolish rebellion. Despite Jeremiah's counsel to submit (Jeremiah 27-28), these leaders pursued independence, leading to disastrous rebellion, siege, and destruction.

The 'wicked counsel' likely included both political advice (rebel against Babylon) and spiritual leadership (syncretism, idolatry, oppression of the vulnerable). Jeremiah 24:1-10 distinguishes between the 'good figs' (those exiled in 597) and 'bad figs' (those remaining in Jerusalem under poor leadership). Ezekiel's condemnation of the twenty-five men confirms they represented the corrupt remnant leadership that would drag Jerusalem to its final destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does leadership's influence for good or evil multiply individual sin's effects throughout a community?
  2. What responsibility do you bear for the counsel and influence you give to others in your sphere of authority?
  3. In what ways does this passage warn against following popular leaders whose advice contradicts God's Word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 13

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֑י2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֶּן3 of 13

“he unto me Son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם4 of 13

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֵ֣לֶּה5 of 13
H428

these or those

הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים6 of 13
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַחֹשְׁבִ֥ים7 of 13

“that devise”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

אָ֛וֶן8 of 13

“mischief”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

וְהַיֹּעֲצִ֥ים9 of 13

“and give”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

עֲצַת10 of 13

“counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

רָ֖ע11 of 13

“wicked”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בָּעִ֥יר12 of 13

“in this city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּֽאת׃13 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 11:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:1Psalms 52:2Psalms 2:1-2Jeremiah 5:5Isaiah 59:4Psalms 36:4

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