King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:17 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:17 in the King James Version says “Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 12:17 · KJV


Context

15

And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries.

16

But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. a few: Heb. men of number

17

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

18

Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;

19

And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GOD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. all that: Heb. the fulness thereof


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Another prophetic word comes: 'Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying.' This formula introduces a new oracle, distinct from the previous message. Ezekiel receives multiple revelations, each addressing specific aspects of coming judgment. The accumulation of oracles reinforces the message's certainty—God repeatedly warns through various angles and images.

The phrase 'word of the LORD' (devar-Yahweh, דְּבַר־יְהוָה) emphasizes divine origin. Ezekiel isn't expressing personal opinions but conveying revelation. This claim to divine authority distinguishes true prophets from false ones. True prophets stake their credibility on 'Thus saith the LORD,' accepting that failed predictions mean death (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

From a Reformed perspective, multiple oracles on similar themes illustrate the sufficiency and persistence of divine revelation. God doesn't give one warning and move on; He repeatedly warns through various means, demonstrating patience and desire that people repent (2 Peter 3:9). The accumulation of prophetic witnesses removes excuse—judgment comes only after extensive warning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's prophetic ministry spanned approximately 593-571 BC, with oracles clustered around key periods—before Jerusalem's fall (chapters 1-24), during the siege (24), and after (25-48). Multiple oracles on judgment themes demonstrate God's thorough warning. This pattern parallels Jesus' repeated warnings to first-century Jerusalem before its 70 AD destruction (Matthew 23-24, Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24).

The formula 'word of the LORD came to me' appears throughout prophetic literature, authenticating the message. In an age without written scripture widely available, prophets mediated God's word orally. Their consistent claim to divine authority, combined with fulfilled predictions and conformity to existing revelation, authenticated their ministries. Ezekiel's repeated use of this formula emphasized he spoke God's words, not his own.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's pattern of multiple warnings before judgment demonstrate His patience and justice?
  2. What responsibility do people bear when they receive repeated warnings but refuse to respond?
  3. In what ways should the prophetic claim 'Thus saith the LORD' shape how we read and respond to Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְהִ֥י1 of 5
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְבַר2 of 5

Moreover the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 5

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלַ֥י4 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

came to me saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 12:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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