Ezekiel 12:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 12:21 mean?

Ezekiel 12:21 shows that God is about to speak directly to Ezekiel, introducing a new message for him to deliver. The verse is a transition, marking the moment when God communicates with the prophet.

In this setting, Ezekiel is a prophet living among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The phrase “the word of the LORD came unto me, saying” signals that what follows is not Ezekiel’s own thoughts, but a message from God. This formula is common in prophetic books and helps the listener know that a new prophecy or teaching is about to begin.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 12:21

• word (דָּבָר, davar): This word means “message,” “matter,” or “thing.” In prophetic books, it often refers to a direct communication from God, not just ordinary speech.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that the message comes from the God of Israel, not a generic deity.
• saying (אָמַר, amar): This verb means “to say” or “to speak.” It highlights that what follows is a spoken message, underlining the authority and immediacy of God’s communication.

Why Ezekiel 12:21 matters

• Ezekiel 12:21 marks a clear break in the narrative, letting readers know that a new prophecy is about to be delivered, which helps organize the book’s structure.
• The verse emphasizes that Ezekiel’s authority comes from God’s direct communication, not from his own ideas or opinions.
• Recognizing this formula helps readers distinguish between Ezekiel’s personal actions and the moments when he is relaying God’s words, which is important for understanding the flow and weight of the prophetic message.