King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 24:16 Mean?

Ezekiel 24:16 in the King James Version says “Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep,...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. run down: Heb. go”

Ezekiel 24:16 · KJV

Context

14

I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

15

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

16

Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. run down: Heb. go

17

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. Forbear: Heb. Be silent lips: Heb. upper lip

18

So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

Read Ezekiel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down." God announces Ezekiel's wife's death as a sign to Israel. The prohibition on mourning symbolizes shock so great that normal grief responses fail. This foreshadows Jerusalem's destruction producing numbness rather than catharsis. The prophet's personal tragedy serves didactic purposes—demonstrating God's sovereignty even over human affections. This difficult passage reveals that God's purposes sometimes require severe personal sacrifice from His servants.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's wife died suddenly (588 BC) as a sign to exiles. Ancient Near Eastern mourning rituals were elaborate and extended. God prohibiting normal grief rituals demonstrated that Jerusalem's fall would produce shock transcending normal mourning. The prophet embodied the message physically, demonstrating total commitment to prophetic calling. This parallels Hosea's marriage to Gomer—personal life becoming parable. The principle teaches that God's servants sometimes bear extraordinary sacrifices for ministry, trusting divine purposes transcend personal comfort.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ezekiel's sacrifice of normal grief rituals demonstrate total consecration to prophetic calling?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty extending even over our deepest affections?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
בֶּן1 of 16

“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

אָדָ֕ם2 of 16

“of man”

H120

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

הִנְנִ֨י3 of 16
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

לֹקֵ֧חַ4 of 16

“behold I take away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִמְּךָ֛5 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

מַחְמַ֥ד7 of 16

“from thee the desire”

H4261

delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire

עֵינֶ֖יךָ8 of 16

“of thine eyes”

H5869

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

בְּמַגֵּפָ֑ה9 of 16

“with a stroke”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

וְלֹ֤א10 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִסְפֹּד֙11 of 16

“yet neither shalt thou mourn”

H5594

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

וְלֹ֣א12 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִבְכֶּ֔ה13 of 16

“nor weep”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

וְל֥וֹא14 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָב֖וֹא15 of 16

“run down”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דִּמְעָתֶֽךָ׃16 of 16

“neither shall thy tears”

H1832

weeping

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 24:16 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 24:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 22:10Jeremiah 13:17Song of Solomon 7:10Ezekiel 24:181 Thessalonians 4:13Jeremiah 9:18

Test Your Knowledge

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