New International Version He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. New Living Translation Then he said, “Son of man, go to the people of Israel and give them my messages. English Standard Version And he said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them. Berean Standard Bible Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. Berean Literal Bible And He said to me, “Son of man, go, come into the house of Israel, and speak with My words to them. King James Bible And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. New King James Version Then He said to me: “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. New American Standard Bible Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. NASB 1995 Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. NASB 1977 Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. Legacy Standard Bible Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now, come to the house of Israel, and you shall speak with My words to them. Amplified Bible Then He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. Berean Annotated Bible Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel (he wrestles with God) and speak My words to them. Christian Standard Bible Then he said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then He said to me: “Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. American Standard Version And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. Contemporary English Version The LORD said: Ezekiel, I am sending you to your own people. English Revised Version And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. GOD'S WORD® Translation He said to me, "Son of man, go to the people of Israel, and speak my words to them. Good News Translation Then God said, "Mortal man, go to the people of Israel and say to them whatever I tell you to say. International Standard Version Then he told me, "Son of Man, go to the house of Israel and tell them what I have to say to them, NET Bible He said to me, "Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. New Heart English Bible He said to me, "Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. Webster's Bible Translation And he said to me, Son of man, depart, go to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. World English Bible He said to me, “Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He says to me, “Son of man, go forth, go to the house of Israel, and you have spoken to them with My words. Berean Literal Bible And He said to me, “Son of man, go, come into the house of Israel, and speak with My words to them. Young's Literal Translation And He saith unto me, 'Son of man, go, enter in unto the house of Israel, and thou hast spoken with My words unto them. Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to me, Son of man, go; come to the house of Israel and speak my word to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to me: Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and thou shalt speak my words to them. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to me: “Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and you shall speak my words to them. New American Bible Then he said to me, Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. New Revised Standard Version He said to me: Mortal, go to the house of Israel and speak my very words to them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to me, Son of man, go to them of the captivity, to the children of Israel, and speak my words to them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to me: “Son of man, go enter the captivity of the children of Israel and tell them my words OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And He said unto me: 'Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with My words unto them. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to me, Son of man, go thy way, and go in to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Ezekiel Eats the Scroll…3“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. 4Then He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak My words to them. 5For you are not being sent to a people of unfamiliar speech or difficult language, but to the house of Israel—… Cross References Then He said to me, Ezekiel 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” “Son of man, Daniel 8:17 As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” Matthew 8:20 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Psalm 8:4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? go now to the house of Israel Matthew 10:6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. Matthew 15:24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Ezekiel 2:3 “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. and speak My words to them. Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. Jeremiah 1:9 Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. Isaiah 6:9-10 And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Matthew 10:5-6 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. / Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. Acts 22:21 Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Jeremiah 1:17 Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them. Treasury of Scripture And he said to me, Son of man, go, get you to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them. Ezekiel 3:11 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. Ezekiel 2:3,7 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day… Matthew 10:5,6 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: … Jump to Previous Children Depart Enter House Israel Speak WordsJump to Next Children Depart Enter House Israel Speak WordsEzekiel 3 1. Ezekiel eats the scroll4. God encourages him 15. God shows him the rule of prophecy 22. God shuts and opens the prophet's mouth Then He said to me, God continued to address Ezekiel personally, giving him a commission that carried divine authority. The prophet was not sent with his own insights or opinions, but with a message received from the Lord. Ezk 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet”… “Son of man, God repeatedly called Ezekiel “son of man,” reminding him of his humanity before the sovereign God who had revealed His glory. Ezekiel stood among the exiles as one of them, yet he was set apart to bear God’s word. Jesus later used the title Son of Man of Himself, identifying with humanity while also fulfilling the dominion promised to the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13–14. Dan 8:17 As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified… go now to the house of Israel Ezekiel’s ministry was directed to Israel, especially the Judean exiles in Babylon. Their removal from the land was God’s judgment for persistent idolatry and covenant rebellion, but exile had not ended God’s claim upon them. The Lord still addressed them as His people and sent them a watchman. Mat 10:6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. and speak My words to them. Ezekiel was responsible to proclaim everything God gave him, whether the hearers received it or resisted it. God’s words exposed Israel’s sin, explained the justice of their judgment, and preserved the promise that the Lord would ultimately restore and cleanse His people. Faithful ministry begins with speaking God’s word rather than substituting human wisdom for it. Ezk 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Israel during their Babylonian exile. His role is pivotal in conveying God's warnings and promises. 2. House of Israel Refers to the people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophetic messages. 3. God The sovereign Lord who commissions Ezekiel to speak His words. He is the ultimate authority and source of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. 4. Babylonian Exile The historical context in which Ezekiel's prophecies occur. The Israelites are in captivity in Babylon as a consequence of their rebellion against God. 5. Prophetic Commission The event where God appoints Ezekiel as His prophet, giving him the responsibility to speak to the Israelites, regardless of their receptiveness. Teaching Points Divine CommissioningGod calls and equips His servants for specific tasks. Like Ezekiel, believers are called to be faithful in delivering God's message, regardless of the audience's response. Faithfulness Over Results Ezekiel's mission emphasizes obedience to God's command over the immediate success of the message. Believers are encouraged to focus on faithfulness rather than visible results. The Power of God's Word The authority and power of the message lie in its divine origin. Christians are reminded that when they share God's Word, they are speaking with His authority. Courage in the Face of Opposition Ezekiel's task required courage, as he was sent to a rebellious people. Believers today are called to stand firm and speak truth, even when facing resistance. Understanding Our Audience Just as Ezekiel was sent specifically to the house of Israel, Christians should seek to understand and engage with their audience thoughtfully and contextually. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 3:4?2. How does Ezekiel 3:4 emphasize the importance of speaking God's words to others? 3. What challenges might arise when delivering God's message to "the house of Israel"? 4. How can Ezekiel 3:4 inspire us to share the Gospel today? 5. In what ways does Ezekiel's mission connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? 6. How can we prepare ourselves to speak God's words as Ezekiel was commanded? 7. What does Ezekiel 3:4 reveal about God's expectations for His prophets? 8. How does Ezekiel 3:4 challenge our understanding of divine communication? 9. Why did God send Ezekiel to the Israelites specifically in Ezekiel 3:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 3? What Does Ezekiel 3:4 Mean Then He said to me• The initiative starts with the LORD; Ezekiel does not volunteer—he is summoned. • Throughout Scripture the call of a servant springs from God’s voice, not personal ambition (see Exodus 3:10, Isaiah 6:8, Acts 9:15). • Because the command comes straight from God, it carries unquestionable authority and urgency. Son of man • By addressing Ezekiel this way (as in Ezekiel 2:1), God underscores his humanity and dependence, setting a sharp contrast between the frailty of the messenger and the majesty of the message. • The title reminds Ezekiel that power lies not in the prophet but in the One who sends him (cf. Psalm 8:4). • It also prepares the reader to see Christ later bearing the same title in a supreme, messianic sense (Matthew 8:20), linking all prophetic ministry to Him. Go now to the house of Israel • The assignment is specific: reach God’s covenant people, even though they are rebellious exiles (Ezekiel 2:3). • “Go now” highlights immediacy; delay would equal disobedience (compare Jeremiah 1:7). • God’s heart remains for His people despite their sin (Hosea 11:8). Judgement and mercy travel together in His call. And speak My words to them • Ezekiel is not to innovate, embellish, or dilute; his sole task is to relay divine revelation verbatim (Deuteronomy 18:18). • The phrase places the weight of the message on God’s authority, ensuring listeners know they contend with the LORD Himself, not mere opinion (John 12:49). • When God’s words are faithfully delivered, they work powerfully—either softening or hardening hearts (Isaiah 55:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). summary Ezekiel 3:4 records a fourfold commission: God initiates, a humble human messenger receives the call, the target is God’s own people, and the content is God’s unaltered word. The verse teaches that effective ministry flows from divine summons, rests on God’s authority, and aims to bring His covenant community back to faithfulness through the clear proclamation of Scripture. Hebrew Then He saidוַיֹּ֖אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to me, אֵלָ֑י (’ê·lāy) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “Son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of man, אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being go now לֶךְ־ (leḵ-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and speak וְדִבַּרְתָּ֥ (wə·ḏib·bar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue My words בִדְבָרַ֖י (ḇiḏ·ḇā·ray) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause to them. אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Additonal Resources Ezekiel 3:4 Blue Letter BibleEzekiel 3:4 Bible Gateway Ezekiel 3:4 Bible.com Ezekiel 3:4 NIV |
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