King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:11 in the King James Version says “And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus sai... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

Ezekiel 3:11 · KJV


Context

9

As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

10

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.

11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

12

Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.

13

I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing. touched: Heb. kissed


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands: "get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them." The phrase "them of the captivity" identifies Ezekiel's specific audience—Jewish exiles in Babylon. This demonstrates God's pastoral concern for His displaced people; He sends a prophet to minister in their affliction. The repetition "whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear" (from 2:5) emphasizes faithful proclamation regardless of reception. God's Word must be spoken even when rejection is certain. This reflects divine sovereignty in salvation: God determines who will hear, while the prophet's responsibility is obedient proclamation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The exiles at Tel-abib by the Chebar canal (593 BC) represented the cream of Judean society—nobles, craftsmen, warriors, and royalty (2 Kings 24:14-16). Their physical captivity mirrored deeper spiritual bondage to idolatry and unbelief. Archaeological discoveries of the Murashu archives document Jewish life in Babylon, confirming substantial exile communities. These exiles initially expected quick return to Jerusalem, resisting Ezekiel's message of prolonged judgment. God sent a prophet to fellow captives to minister in their own language and context—a pattern of incarnational ministry where messengers identify with their audience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sending of a prophet to exiles demonstrate His covenant faithfulness even in judgment?
  2. What does Ezekiel's identification with "the children of thy people" teach about effective cross-cultural ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְלֵ֨ךְ1 of 19
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בֹּ֤א2 of 19

get

H935

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

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגּוֹלָה֙4 of 19

thee to them of the captivity

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

אֶל5 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 19

unto the 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

עַמֶּ֔ךָ7 of 19

of thy people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְדִבַּרְתָּ֤8 of 19

and speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֲלֵיהֶם֙9 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָמַ֖ר10 of 19

them Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם11 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּ֥ה12 of 19
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 19

them Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י14 of 19

the Lord

H136

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

יְהוִֹ֑ה15 of 19

GOD

H3069

god

אִֽם16 of 19
H518

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

יִשְׁמְע֖וּ17 of 19

whether they will hear

H8085

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

וְאִם18 of 19
H518

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

יֶחְדָּֽלוּ׃19 of 19

or whether they will forbear

H2308

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


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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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