King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:3 in the King James Version says “Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove fro...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house. stuff: or, instruments”

Ezekiel 12:3 · KJV

Context

1

The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

3

Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house. stuff: or, instruments

4

Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity. as they: Heb. as the goings forth of captivity

5

Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby. Dig: Heb. Dig for thee

Read Ezekiel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house." God commands Ezekiel to publicly enact exile—packing belongings and departing visibly. The "stuff for removing" (keli golah, כְּלֵי גוֹלָה) means exile baggage—minimal possessions a refugee carries. Performing this "in their sight" creates unmissable spectacle forcing attention. The hopeful phrase "it may be they will consider" reveals God's redemptive purpose even in judgment warnings—dramatic prophecy aims to provoke repentance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Public prophetic performances were common (Isaiah 20; Jeremiah 27-28). Ezekiel's enacted exile would shock the community—a priest becoming refugee contradicted expectations. The hope that they might 'consider' (Hebrew ra'ah, 'see' or 'perceive') shows God's patient desire for repentance despite calling them rebellious. When actual exile came (586 BC), those who witnessed Ezekiel's performance would recognize its prophetic accuracy, validating his message and preparing hearts for restoration prophecies (Ezekiel 34-37).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do dramatic prophetic actions communicate truth that words alone cannot?
  2. What does God's hope that they 'might consider' teach about His desire for repentance even amid rebellion?
  3. In what creative ways should we communicate biblical truth to capture attention in our culture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן2 of 22

“Therefore thou 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

אָדָ֗ם3 of 22

“of man”

H120

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

עֲשֵׂ֤ה4 of 22

“prepare”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְךָ֙5 of 22
H0
כְּלֵ֣י6 of 22

“thee stuff”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

גוֹלָ֔ה7 of 22

“for removing”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

וְגָלִ֨יתָ8 of 22

“and remove”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

יוֹמָ֖ם9 of 22

“by day”

H3119

daily

לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם10 of 22

“in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְגָלִ֨יתָ11 of 22

“and remove”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

מָק֤וֹם12 of 22

“from thy place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֶל13 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָק֤וֹם14 of 22

“from thy place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אַחֵר֙15 of 22

“to another”

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם16 of 22

“in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

אוּלַ֣י17 of 22
H194

if not; hence perhaps

יִרְא֔וּ18 of 22

“it may be they will consider”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּ֛י19 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֵּ֥ית20 of 22

“house”

H1004

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

מְרִ֖י21 of 22

“though they be a rebellious”

H4805

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

הֵֽמָּה׃22 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 12:3 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 12:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 36:32 Timothy 2:25Jeremiah 26:3Luke 20:13Jeremiah 36:7Jeremiah 18:2-12

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