King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:15 in the King James Version says “Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remain... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 3:15 · KJV


Context

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,

17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." Ezekiel identifies with the exiles' condition—sitting where they sat, sharing their circumstances. The seven days of astonished silence demonstrates empathy: feeling the weight of their suffering before speaking. This models incarnational ministry: identifying with people's struggles before addressing them. The silence shows wisdom: understanding context precedes proclamation. Effective ministry requires compassionate identification, not distant criticism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tel-abib by Chebar canal (593 BC) housed Jewish exiles displaced from Jerusalem. Ezekiel's seven-day silence demonstrated solidarity with their trauma. This parallels Job's friends initially sitting silently (Job 2:13)—shared suffering precedes helpful speech. The prophet's identification shaped his credibility: he wasn't a distant critic but fellow sufferer. This principle guides pastoral ministry: shepherds share sheep's struggles, identifying with weakness while pointing toward strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sitting where others sit shape ministry that addresses real struggles rather than abstract theories?
  2. What does seven days of silence teach about listening and understanding before speaking?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וָאָב֨וֹא1 of 19

Then I came

H935

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

אֶל2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַגּוֹלָ֜ה3 of 19

to them of the captivity

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

תֵּ֣ל4 of 19
H0
אָ֠בִיב5 of 19

at Telabib

H8512

tel-abib, a place in chaldaea

וָאֵשֵׁ֥ב6 of 19

and I sat

H3427

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

אֶֽל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נְהַר8 of 19

by the river

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

כְּבָר֙9 of 19

of Chebar

H3529

kebar, a river of mesopotamia

וָֽאֵשֵׁ֔ר10 of 19
H834

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

הֵ֖מָּה11 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וָאֵשֵׁ֥ב12 of 19

and I sat

H3427

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

שָׁ֑ם13 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וָאֵשֵׁ֥ב14 of 19

and I sat

H3427

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

שָׁ֛ם15 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שִׁבְעַ֥ת16 of 19

them seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֖ים17 of 19

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מַשְׁמִ֥ים18 of 19

there astonished

H8074

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

בְּתוֹכָֽם׃19 of 19

among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center


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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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