Ezekiel 20:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 20:2 mean?

Ezekiel 20:2 records that God spoke directly to Ezekiel, giving him a message to deliver. This verse introduces a new message from God, setting the stage for what follows in the chapter.

In this verse, Ezekiel, a prophet living among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, receives a word from the LORD. The phrase signals that what comes next is not Ezekiel’s own thoughts but a direct communication from God, preparing the reader for an important announcement or instruction.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 20:2

• word (דָּבָר, davar): This Hebrew word means "word," "message," or "matter." In prophetic books, it often signals a formal declaration from God, emphasizing the authority and seriousness of what follows.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD" in English. Its use here highlights that the message comes from Israel’s covenant God, not a generic deity.
• saying (אָמַר, amar): This verb means "to say" or "to speak." It introduces the content of God’s communication, marking the transition from the announcement to the actual words God will speak.

Why Ezekiel 20:2 matters

• Ezekiel 20:2 marks the beginning of a new prophetic message, signaling to the reader that what follows is a direct revelation from God, not Ezekiel’s own opinion.
• The verse connects to a pattern throughout Ezekiel where God initiates conversations, showing that the prophet’s authority comes from God’s initiative.
• By introducing the chapter this way, the verse prepares readers to pay close attention to the message that follows, which will address Israel’s history and relationship with God.