King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 2:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 2:5 in the King James Version says “And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 2:5 · KJV

Context

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

7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. most: Heb. rebellion

Read Ezekiel 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God assures Ezekiel that even if Israel refuses to hear, "they shall know that there hath been a prophet among them." This remarkable statement emphasizes two truths: (1) Prophetic ministry carries inherent authority regardless of reception, and (2) Rejected truth becomes testimony against those who refuse it. The phrase anticipates Romans 1:20—human accountability before God rests on revelation given, not necessarily accepted. When judgment falls, Israel will remember Ezekiel's warnings, confirming both his authenticity and their culpability. The Reformed doctrine of God's sovereignty in salvation appears here: the Word accomplishes God's purpose whether in salvation or judgment (Isaiah 55:11).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel ministered from 593-571 BC, spanning Jerusalem's destruction (586 BC). Initially, exiles dismissed his warnings as exaggerated, but when Jerusalem fell exactly as prophesied, they could not deny his prophetic office. The phrase "rebellious house" (repeated 15 times in Ezekiel) characterizes Israel's covenant unfaithfulness despite centuries of prophetic warnings. Post-exilic Jews recognized Ezekiel's canonical authority, preserving his prophecies alongside Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. The fulfillment of his predictions vindicated his ministry and demonstrated Yahweh's faithfulness to His word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse encourage faithful witness even when people reject the gospel message?
  2. What does it mean that rejected truth becomes testimony against those who refuse it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהֵ֙מָּה֙1 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אִם2 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִשְׁמְע֣וּ3 of 14

“And they whether they will hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְאִם4 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֶחְדָּ֔לוּ5 of 14

“or whether they will forbear”

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

כִּ֛י6 of 14
H3588

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

בֵּ֥ית7 of 14

“house”

H1004

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

מְרִ֖י8 of 14

“for they are a rebellious”

H4805

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

הֵ֑מָּה9 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְיָ֣דְע֔וּ10 of 14

“yet shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֥י11 of 14
H3588

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

נָבִ֖יא12 of 14

“that there hath been a prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הָיָ֥ה13 of 14
H1961

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

בְתוֹכָֽם׃14 of 14

“among”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 33:33Ezekiel 3:27Matthew 10:12-15John 15:22Luke 10:10-12Acts 13:46

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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