King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 17:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 17:11 in the King James Version says “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 17:11 · KJV


Context

9

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

10

Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

11

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

12

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

13

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land: taken an: Heb. brought him to an oath


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'The word of the LORD came unto me' marks transition from parable to interpretation. This phrase appears over 50 times in Ezekiel, authenticating divine revelation. The shift demonstrates God's pastoral concern that His people understand judgment's reasons. Unlike cryptic pagan divination, biblical prophecy clarifies God's purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's ministry (593-571 BC) occurred in Babylonian exile, yet addressed Jerusalem's inhabitants. Interpretation would have been communicated through letters or travelers, providing divine commentary on current events. Exiles needed to understand their suffering resulted from covenant violation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How attentively do we listen when God explains His purposes in Scripture?
  2. Why is understanding the 'why' of God's actions crucial for faithful response?

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 unto 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 17:11 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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