And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.

EZEKIEL 11:5KJV
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Ezekiel 11:5 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 11:5 mean?

Ezekiel 11:5 shows the prophet Ezekiel being moved by the Spirit of the LORD to speak God’s message to the people of Israel, telling them that God knows every thought that enters their minds. The verse emphasizes that nothing is hidden from God, even the inner thoughts and intentions of the people.

In this scene, Ezekiel is among the exiles in Babylon, and God’s Spirit comes upon him powerfully, commanding him to deliver a message to the leaders of Israel. The verse highlights God’s direct knowledge of the people’s hearts and serves as a warning that their secret plans and attitudes are fully known to Him, not just their outward actions.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 11:5

  • Spirit (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means "spirit," "wind," or "breath." Here, it refers to God's Spirit coming upon Ezekiel, showing that Ezekiel’s message is not his own but comes directly from God’s presence and power.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, used twice in the verse, underlining that the message is from the one true God, not just a general spiritual experience.
  • Mind (רוּחַ, ruach): The same word for "spirit" is also used for "mind" here, suggesting that the thoughts or intentions of a person are closely tied to their inner spirit or attitude in Hebrew thinking.
  • Know (יָדַע, yada): This verb means "to know" in a deep, personal way, not just intellectual knowledge. It stresses that God’s awareness of the people’s thoughts is complete and intimate.

Why Ezekiel 11:5 matters

  • Ezekiel 11:5 clears up any idea that God is only concerned with outward behavior; it stresses that God sees and understands every thought and motive.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Ezekiel, where God repeatedly confronts the leaders and people of Israel about their hidden plans and attitudes, not just their public actions.
  • This verse highlights the seriousness of Ezekiel’s prophetic role, showing that his words are not his own opinions but are prompted and authorized by God’s Spirit.

Where else these words appear

“come” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
  • Psalms 132:1 A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: