King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 24:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 24:22 in the King James Version says “And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.”

Ezekiel 24:22 · KJV

Context

20

Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. that: Heb. the pity of your soul

22

And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.

23

And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

24

Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Read Ezekiel 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men—Ezekiel's strange behavior (not mourning his wife's death, vv. 15-18) becomes a prophetic sign for the exiles. לֹא תַעְטוּ (lōʾ taʿṭû, 'you shall not cover') refers to the customary mourning practice of covering the lower face. לֶחֶם אֲנָשִׁים (leḥem ănāshîm, 'bread of men') was food brought by mourners to comfort the bereaved.

When Jerusalem falls, the exiles' grief will be so overwhelming, so unnatural (losing the temple, God's dwelling), that normal mourning rituals will seem inadequate. Their shock will paralyze traditional expressions of grief. This prophecy came true: when news reached Babylon in 585 BC (33:21), the people were stunned into silence, realizing God's Word through Ezekiel was devastatingly accurate.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's wife died suddenly on the very day God announced Jerusalem's siege would begin (24:1-2, 15-18). This was 588 BC. God commanded Ezekiel not to mourn publicly, making him a living object lesson. Ancient Near Eastern mourning was elaborate: wailing, tearing clothes, covering the head, removing shoes, sitting in ashes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did God use Ezekiel's personal tragedy to communicate His message?
  2. When have you experienced grief so profound that normal expressions seemed inadequate?
  3. What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty even over our deepest losses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
עָשִׂ֑יתִי1 of 11

“And ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 11
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֑יתִי3 of 11

“And ye shall do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עַל4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שָׂפָם֙5 of 11

“your lips”

H8222

the beard (as a lippiece)

לֹ֣א6 of 11
H3808

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

תַעְט֔וּ7 of 11

“ye shall not cover”

H5844

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

וְלֶ֥חֶם8 of 11

“the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים9 of 11
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לֹ֥א10 of 11
H3808

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

תֹאכֵֽלוּ׃11 of 11

“nor eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

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 24:22 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 24:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 27:15Ezekiel 24:16-17Amos 6:9-10Jeremiah 16:4-7Psalms 78:64Jeremiah 47:3

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 24 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes