King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:14 in the King James Version says “So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LO... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. in bitterness: Heb. bitter heat: Heb. hot anger

Ezekiel 3:14 · KJV


Context

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

14

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. in bitterness: Heb. bitter heat: Heb. hot anger

15

Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

16

And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me." Ezekiel experiences conflicting emotions—bitterness and anger alongside divine compulsion. The phrase "heat of my spirit" suggests frustration or distress. Yet "the hand of the LORD was strong" indicates sovereign enabling transcending natural emotions. This demonstrates that effective ministry doesn't require constant emotional enthusiasm—divine calling and empowerment suffice. God uses imperfect, struggling servants who persevere despite discouragement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After receiving his difficult commission (593 BC), Ezekiel responded with bitterness—understandable given the message of judgment and expected rejection. The vision's overwhelming nature and ministry's difficulty produced emotional turmoil. Yet God's hand remained strong, enabling ministry despite personal struggle. This shaped understanding of prophetic calling: not easy triumphalism but costly obedience. Ministers serve faithfully not from constant joy but from divine constraint.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ezekiel's bitterness challenge expectations of constant emotional enthusiasm in ministry?
  2. What does God's strong hand despite human distress teach about divine enabling transcending feelings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
רוּחִ֔י1 of 11

So the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

נְשָׂאַ֖תְנִי2 of 11

lifted me up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וַתִּקָּחֵ֑נִי3 of 11

and took me away

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

וָאֵלֵ֥ךְ4 of 11
H1980

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

מַר֙5 of 11

in bitterness

H4751

bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly

בַּחֲמַ֣ת6 of 11

in the heat

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

רוּחִ֔י7 of 11

So the spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

וְיַד8 of 11

but the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 11

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עָלַ֖י10 of 11
H5921

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

חָזָֽקָה׃11 of 11

was strong

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra


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 3:14 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 3:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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