King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:4 in the King James Version says “Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 11:4 · KJV

Context

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.

5

And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.

6

Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.

Read Ezekiel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to Ezekiel—'Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man'—emphasizes the prophet's duty despite opposition. The repetition 'prophesy... prophesy' intensifies the command, indicating both urgency and the difficulty of the task. The title 'son of man' (ben-adam, בֶּן־אָדָם) occurs over ninety times in Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity in contrast to God's divinity and highlighting the condescension involved in God communicating through frail human vessels.

Prophesying 'against them' indicates the message's uncomfortable nature. True prophets often brought unwelcome words to powerful audiences (1 Kings 22:8, Amos 7:10-13). Ezekiel's commission required courage to confront Jerusalem's leadership with divine judgment. This verse reminds us that faithfulness to God sometimes requires speaking unpopular truth to those who don't want to hear it.

From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the sufficiency and authority of Scripture. God's Word, spoken through human prophets, carries divine authority regardless of audience reception. The command to prophesy doesn't depend on probable success or favorable response but on divine commission. Ministers are called to faithful proclamation, leaving results to God's sovereign purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets in ancient Israel occupied precarious positions, especially when prophesying against political and religious establishments. Jeremiah faced imprisonment, death threats, and attempted assassination for his prophecies (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 26:7-11, 38:4-6). Ezekiel, though in exile and thus physically separated from Jerusalem's leaders, faced opposition from exiles who resented his message (Ezekiel 33:30-33).

The title 'son of man' distinguished Ezekiel from the divine message he carried. Ancient Near Eastern courts used formal titles to reinforce social hierarchies. God's consistent use of 'son of man' for Ezekiel kept the prophet aware of his creatureliness and the message's divine origin. This prevented prophetic pride and ensured proper humility before both God and audience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's command to prophesy regardless of audience reception challenge modern emphasis on relevance and popularity?
  2. What does the title 'son of man' teach about proper balance between confidence in one's message and humility about one's person?
  3. In what situations has God called you to speak truth to power, and how have you responded?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לָכֵ֖ן1 of 6
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הִנָּבֵ֖א2 of 6

“Therefore prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם3 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הִנָּבֵ֖א4 of 6

“Therefore prophesy”

H5012

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

בֶּן5 of 6

“O 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

אָדָֽם׃6 of 6

“of man”

H120

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

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 3:17-21Ezekiel 25:2Ezekiel 21:2Hosea 6:5Hosea 8:1Ezekiel 20:46-47

Test Your Knowledge

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