King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 2:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 2:6 in the King James Version says “And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, an... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 2:6 · KJV


Context

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

8

But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Ezekiel four times: "be not afraid" of briars, thorns, scorpions, or their words. The metaphors describe hostile opposition—physical danger and verbal persecution. This divine commission requires courage grounded in God's presence, not human bravery. The repetition emphasizes the natural fearfulness of prophetic ministry and the supernatural courage required. Jesus echoes this in Matthew 10:28: "Fear not them which kill the body." The fear of God expels the fear of man; when we stand before the Holy One, human threats lose their power. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's calling includes His sustaining grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets in ancient Israel faced severe persecution. Jeremiah was imprisoned, beaten, and thrown into cisterns. Zechariah was stoned. Tradition holds that Isaiah was sawn in two. Elijah fled Jezebel's murderous rage. Ezekiel would experience mockery, threats, and social ostracism from his own people. The imagery of briars, thorns, and scorpions reflects the painful reality of ministry among rebellious Israel. Despite dangers, God's command to speak His words without fear demonstrates that divine authority trumps human opposition. The exiled community's hardness made Ezekiel's ministry particularly hazardous.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "briars, thorns, and scorpions" do you face in faithfully proclaiming God's truth?
  2. How does the fear of God practically overcome the fear of human opposition in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְאַתָּ֣ה1 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן2 of 27

And 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

אָ֠דָם3 of 27

of man

H120

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

אַל4 of 27
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָא֙5 of 27

be not afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵהֶ֜ם6 of 27
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִדִּבְרֵיהֶ֤ם7 of 27

of their words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אַל8 of 27
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָא֙9 of 27

be not afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כִּ֣י10 of 27
H3588

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

סָרָבִ֤ים11 of 27

though briers

H5621

a thistle

וְסַלּוֹנִים֙12 of 27

and thorns

H5544

a prickle (as if pendulous)

אוֹתָ֔ךְ13 of 27
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְאֶל14 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַקְרַבִּ֖ים15 of 27

among scorpions

H6137

a scorpion; figuratively, a scourge or knotted whip

אַתָּ֣ה16 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יוֹשֵׁ֑ב17 of 27

be with thee and thou dost dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

מִדִּבְרֵיהֶ֤ם18 of 27

of their words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אַל19 of 27
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּירָא֙20 of 27

be not afraid

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

וּמִפְּנֵיהֶ֣ם21 of 27

at their looks

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

אַל22 of 27
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּחָ֔ת23 of 27

nor be dismayed

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

כִּ֛י24 of 27
H3588

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

בֵּ֥ית25 of 27

house

H1004

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

מְרִ֖י26 of 27

though they be a rebellious

H4805

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

הֵֽמָּה׃27 of 27
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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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