Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them.

EZEKIEL 12:10KJV
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Ezekiel 12:10 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 12:10 mean?

Ezekiel 12:10 is God’s message, delivered by Ezekiel, declaring that the warning or “burden” Ezekiel has been acting out is about the ruler (“prince”) in Jerusalem and all the Israelites living there. The verse makes clear that the symbolic actions Ezekiel has performed are meant to communicate a coming judgment on Jerusalem’s leadership and its people.

Ezekiel is speaking to the exiles in Babylon, explaining that his recent dramatic signs are not just random acts but are direct messages from God (using the title אֲדֹנָי YHWH, “the Lord GOD”). The “prince in Jerusalem” refers to King Zedekiah, and “all the house of Israel that are among them” means the rest of the people still in the city. Ezekiel is making sure the exiles understand that God’s warning is for those still back in Jerusalem, not just for those already in exile.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 12:10

  • “Burden” (מַשָּׂא, massa): This word often means a heavy message or prophecy of judgment. Here, it signals that what Ezekiel is showing is a serious warning, not just a prediction.
  • “Prince” (נָשִׂיא, nasi): This term points specifically to the leader of Jerusalem, not just any ruler. In this context, it means King Zedekiah, highlighting that the message is aimed at the top authority.
  • “Lord” (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai) and “GOD” (יְהוִה, YHWH): The use of both titles together emphasizes God’s supreme authority and the seriousness of the message.

Why Ezekiel 12:10 matters

  • Ezekiel 12:10 clarifies that Ezekiel’s symbolic actions are not about the exiles’ own situation in Babylon, but about the fate of Jerusalem and its leaders who have not yet been taken captive.
  • The verse highlights that God’s warnings are directed at those who still think they are safe in Jerusalem, countering any false sense of security among the people left in the city.
  • This verse connects Ezekiel’s dramatic signs to specific people and events, helping the exiles understand that God is still involved in what happens back in their homeland.

Where else these words appear

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

“prince” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 1:2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.