King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 3:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 3:6 in the King James Version says “Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sen... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. of a: Heb. deep of lip, and heavy of language Surely: or, If I had sent thee, etc. would they not have hearkened unto thee?

Ezekiel 3:6 · KJV


Context

4

And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.

5

For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; of a: Heb. deep of lip, and heavy of tongue

6

Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. of a: Heb. deep of lip, and heavy of language Surely: or, If I had sent thee, etc. would they not have hearkened unto thee?

7

But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted . impudent: Heb. stiff of forehead, and hard of heart

8

Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee." God asserts that foreigners would prove more receptive than covenant Israel. This shocking statement indicts Israel's hard-heartedness despite extraordinary privileges. Greater revelation brings greater responsibility and, when rejected, greater judgment. This principle appears in Jesus' ministry: Gentiles often demonstrated greater faith than Jews (Matthew 8:10). Grace doesn't depend on heritage but sovereign election.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The comparison (593 BC) between Israel and foreigners echoed earlier prophetic themes. Jonah's Ninevites repented at preaching; Israel resisted centuries of prophets. Jesus repeated this: the Queen of Sheba and Ninevites will condemn Israel's generation (Matthew 12:41-42). The early church's Gentile responsiveness versus Jewish resistance fulfilled this pattern. The principle warns against presuming on covenant privilege while neglecting genuine faith. External advantages mean nothing without Spirit-wrought conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does comparing Israel unfavorably with pagans challenge assumptions about religious privilege?
  2. What does Gentile receptivity versus Jewish resistance teach about sovereign grace transcending heritage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לֹ֣א׀1 of 19
H3808

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

אֶל2 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַמִּ֣ים3 of 19

people

H5971

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

רַבִּ֗ים4 of 19

Not to many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עִמְקֵ֤י5 of 19

of a strange

H6012

deep (literally or figuratively)

שָׂפָה֙6 of 19

speech

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

וְכִבְדֵ֣י7 of 19

and of an hard

H3515

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

לָשׁ֔וֹן8 of 19

language

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 19
H834

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

לֹֽא10 of 19
H3808

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

יִשְׁמְע֥וּ11 of 19

thee to them they would have hearkened

H8085

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

דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם12 of 19

whose words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אִם13 of 19
H518

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

לֹ֤א14 of 19
H3808

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

אֲלֵיהֶם֙15 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁלַחְתִּ֔יךָ16 of 19

Surely had I sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

הֵ֖מָּה17 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִשְׁמְע֥וּ18 of 19

thee to them they would have hearkened

H8085

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

אֵלֶֽיךָ׃19 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study