King James Version
Ezekiel 4:15 in the King James Version says “Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung for man's dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung for man's dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith.”
Ezekiel 4:15 · KJV
And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.
Then he said unto me, Lo, I have given thee cow's dung for man's dung, and thou shalt prepare thy bread therewith.
Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with care; and they shall drink water by measure, and with astonishment:
That they may want bread and water, and be astonied one with another, and consume away for their iniquity.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“unto me Lo”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
“I have given”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“thee cow's”
H1241a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
“for man's”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
“and thou shalt prepare”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“thy bread”
H3899food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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.
Ezekiel 4:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.