King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:27 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:27 in the King James Version says “Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesie...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.”

Ezekiel 12:27 · KJV

Context

25

For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

26

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

27

Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.

28

Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God identifies another skeptical saying: 'Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off.' Unlike the previous proverb mocking prophecy as failed (v. 22), this one dismisses it as irrelevant—fulfilled only in distant future, not affecting the current generation. This represents sophisticated skepticism: acknowledging prophetic truth but denying its immediate relevance.

The phrase 'many days to come' and 'times that are far off' reveals the people's assumption that judgment, if it comes at all, won't affect them personally. This comfortable distancing allowed continued sin without urgency for repentance. They could mentally assent to prophetic truth while living as if it were practically false—a dangerous self-deception enabling continued rebellion.

From a Reformed perspective, this warns against the practical atheism of acknowledging God theoretically while living as if He doesn't matter. Affirming biblical truth about judgment while assuming it won't personally affect us constitutes functional unbelief. True faith involves personal application, urgency about repentance, and lifestyle shaped by eschatological realities, not mere intellectual assent to distant truths.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This skeptical attitude reflects human tendency to minimize uncomfortable truths by temporal distancing. The exiles could grant that Jerusalem might eventually fall while assuming they'd return home first. This comfortable dismissal proved catastrophic when Jerusalem fell within five years and they remained in exile. Their sophisticated skepticism was as destructive as blatant mockery.

Similar patterns appear throughout church history—affirming Christ's return while living as if it's irrelevant, acknowledging judgment while pursuing sin comfortably, assenting to biblical truth while making decisions as if it's practically false. The disconnect between professed belief and lived reality reveals heart condition more than verbal confession does.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does temporal distancing of prophetic truth ('far off') enable continued sin despite professed belief?
  2. What is the danger of affirming biblical truth intellectually while living as if it's practically irrelevant?
  3. In what ways might you be guilty of this sophisticated skepticism regarding biblical warnings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

“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

אָדָ֗ם2 of 16

“of man”

H120

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

הִנֵּ֤ה3 of 16
H2009

lo!

בֵֽית4 of 16

“behold they of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 16

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֹֽמְרִ֔ים6 of 16

“say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֶחָז֛וֹן7 of 16

“The vision”

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

אֲשֶׁר8 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

ה֥וּא9 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

חֹזֶ֖ה10 of 16

“that he seeth”

H2372

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

לְיָמִ֣ים11 of 16

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

רַבִּ֑ים12 of 16

“is for many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וּלְעִתִּ֥ים13 of 16

“of the times”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

רְחוֹק֖וֹת14 of 16

“that are far”

H7350

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

ה֥וּא15 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נִבָּֽא׃16 of 16

“to come and he prophesieth”

H5012

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

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 12:27 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 12:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 10:142 Peter 3:4Ezekiel 12:22Isaiah 28:14-15

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 12 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes