King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 2:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 2:4 in the King James Version says “For they are impudent children and stiffhearted . I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they are impudent children and stiffhearted . I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. impudent: Heb. hard of face”

Ezekiel 2:4 · KJV

Context

2

And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

3

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. nation: Heb. nations

4

For they are impudent children and stiffhearted . I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD. impudent: Heb. hard of face

5

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

6

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. briers: or, rebels

Read Ezekiel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commissions Ezekiel to minister to "impudent children and stiffhearted"—literally "hard-faced and hard-hearted." The Hebrew chazaq-lev (חֲזַק־לֵב) describes willful obstinacy, not ignorance. This forewarns that faithful preaching often meets resistance, yet the prophet must speak regardless of response. Success in ministry is measured by faithfulness, not results. The doctrine of total depravity explains such hardness: apart from regenerating grace, hearts remain obstinate toward God. Yet God sends prophets even to hard-hearted people, demonstrating His patience and desire that none perish (2 Peter 3:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exiles in Babylon (593 BC) were second-generation covenant breakers who inherited their fathers' idolatry. Despite witnessing Jerusalem's partial destruction and experiencing deportation, they remained unrepentant, expecting quick restoration without reformation. Archaeological evidence of syncretistic worship in pre-exilic Judah confirms their persistent idolatry. Ezekiel would minister for decades with little visible fruit, yet God commanded him to speak faithfully regardless of reception—a pattern repeated in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and ultimately in Jesus' ministry to hard-hearted Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should knowledge of human hard-heartedness shape your expectations in evangelism and ministry?
  2. What does God's commissioning of Ezekiel to stubborn people teach about divine patience and sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהַבָּנִ֗ים1 of 15

“children”

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

קְשֵׁ֤י2 of 15

“For they are impudent”

H7186

severe (in various applications)

פָנִים֙3 of 15
H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְחִזְקֵי4 of 15

“and stiffhearted”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

לֵ֔ב5 of 15
H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֲנִ֛י6 of 15
H589

i

שׁוֹלֵ֥חַ7 of 15

“I do send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אוֹתְךָ֖8 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָמַ֖ר10 of 15

“thee unto them and thou shalt say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֥ה12 of 15
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֖ר13 of 15

“thee unto them and thou shalt say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֥י14 of 15

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹֽה׃15 of 15

“GOD”

H3069

god

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 3:7Isaiah 48:4Psalms 95:8Jeremiah 5:3Jeremiah 6:15Deuteronomy 10:16

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