Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

EZEKIEL 12:22KJV
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Ezekiel 12:22 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 12:22 mean?

Ezekiel 12:22 describes God asking Ezekiel about a common saying among the people of Israel: that the days drag on and every vision or prophecy fails to come true. The verse highlights the people's skepticism and disbelief that God's warnings, spoken through prophets, will actually happen.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, calling him "son of man," and addressing a proverb circulating in Israel. The people are doubting that any of the prophecies about judgment or change will really take place, because time keeps passing without visible results. This sets the stage for God to challenge their attitude and to affirm that His words will indeed come to pass.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 12:22

  • "Proverb" (מָשָׁל, mashal): This word refers to a saying, riddle, or common expression. Here, it shows that the people's doubt had become a widely accepted attitude, almost like a catchphrase.
  • "Prolonged" (מָאַר, ma'ar): This word means to stretch out or delay. The people are accusing God of dragging things out, suggesting that His promises or warnings are always postponed.
  • "Vision" (חָזוֹן, chazon): This refers to a prophetic revelation or message. The people are claiming that these visions are failing or not coming true, questioning the reliability of God's messages.
  • "Faileth" (אָבַד, avad): This word means to perish or be lost. The people are saying that every vision "fails," implying that none of the prophecies amount to anything.

Why Ezekiel 12:22 matters

  • This verse reveals the deep cynicism and disbelief among the people of Israel, showing that they had grown numb to prophetic warnings because they had not seen immediate fulfillment.
  • Ezekiel 12:22 sets up the following verses, where God responds directly to this attitude, promising that His words will no longer be delayed and that judgment will come.
  • Understanding this proverb helps readers see the challenge prophets faced: not just delivering God's message, but also confronting the people's hardened attitudes and lack of faith.

Where else these words appear

“prolonged” Hebrew H748 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 26:8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife.
  • Deuteronomy 22:7 But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days.
  • Proverbs 19:11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

“vision” Hebrew H2377 · used in 34 verses

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Ezekiel 7:26 Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.
  • Daniel 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.

“proverb” Hebrew H4912 · used in 39 verses

  • Numbers 23:7 And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:20 Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.
  • Proverbs 26:9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.