Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
EZEKIEL 12:26KJVWhat does Ezekiel 12:26 mean?
Ezekiel 12:26 records that God spoke again to the prophet Ezekiel, giving him another message to deliver. This verse marks the beginning of a new word or instruction from God, signaling a shift or continuation in the prophetic conversation.
In this setting, Ezekiel is in exile among the Israelites in Babylon, and he often receives direct messages from God to share with the people. The phrase “the word of the LORD came to me, saying” is a common way the book introduces a new prophecy or revelation, highlighting that what follows comes with divine authority and purpose.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 12:26
- word (דָּבָר, davar): This word means “message,” “matter,” or “thing.” In prophetic books, it often signals an important communication from God, not just a casual statement.
- LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that the message comes from Israel’s covenant God, not a generic deity.
- saying (אָמַר, amar): This verb means “to say” or “to speak,” underscoring that what follows is a direct quote or instruction from God, not Ezekiel’s own thoughts.
Why Ezekiel 12:26 matters
- This verse signals to the reader that a new prophecy or message is about to be delivered, preparing for a shift in topic or emphasis in the narrative.
- The repeated formula “the word of the LORD came to me, saying” reminds the audience that Ezekiel’s authority comes from God, not from himself.
- Recognizing this pattern helps readers track the structure of Ezekiel’s prophecies and understand when a new section or theme is being introduced.