And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
EZEKIEL 2:6KJVWhat does Ezekiel 2:6 mean?
Ezekiel 2:6 tells Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people or their words, even though he will face hostility and live among those who are as dangerous as briers, thorns, and scorpions. The verse repeats the command not to fear or be discouraged, even though the people are rebellious and unfriendly.
God is speaking directly to Ezekiel, calling him "son of man," and preparing him for the difficult task of delivering God’s message to the Israelites, who have become stubborn and resistant. The verse uses vivid images—briers, thorns, and scorpions—to show how tough and painful Ezekiel’s mission will be, warning him that both words and attitudes will be harsh.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 2:6
- "Afraid" (יָרֵא, yare): This word appears several times in the verse, stressing that Ezekiel should not let fear control him, no matter how threatening the situation or people seem.
- "Briers" (סָרָבִים, saravim) and "thorns" (סַלּוֹנִים, sallonim): These words refer to plants that are hard to handle and cause pain, painting a picture of the people as not just difficult but actively harmful.
- "Scorpions" (עַקְרָבִים, akrabim): The mention of scorpions adds a sense of real danger, not just discomfort, suggesting that Ezekiel’s environment will be hostile in more than one way.
- "Dismayed" (חָתַת, chatat): This word means to be shattered or discouraged, showing that Ezekiel is warned not just against fear but also against losing heart or confidence when faced with rejection.
Why Ezekiel 2:6 matters
- Ezekiel 2:6 clears up the idea that a prophet’s job is easy or always welcomed; it shows that speaking for God can mean facing real opposition and emotional pain.
- The verse emphasizes that God is aware of the difficulties Ezekiel will face and prepares him honestly, rather than promising an easy path.
- This verse connects to the wider passage by setting the tone for Ezekiel’s entire ministry, highlighting both the seriousness of the people’s rebellion and the courage needed to deliver God’s message faithfully.