And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:

EZEKIEL 24:3KJV
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Ezekiel 24:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 24:3 mean?

Ezekiel 24:3 records God telling Ezekiel to speak a parable to the rebellious people of Israel, instructing them to set a pot on the fire and pour water into it. This begins a symbolic story meant to illustrate something about the people’s situation and coming judgment.

In this verse, God speaks through Ezekiel to the "rebellious house" of Israel, using a picture-story (parable) about a cooking pot. The setting is during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, and the parable will use the pot and its contents as a symbol for Jerusalem and its people, warning them of what is about to happen.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 24:3

  • "utter" (מָשַׁל, mashal): This word means to speak in a proverb or parable, often using a story or image to teach a deeper truth. Here, it signals that what follows is not literal but a symbolic lesson.
  • "parable" (מָשָׁל, mashal): This is the same root as "utter" above, emphasizing that Ezekiel is to deliver a teaching story, not just a direct message.
  • "rebellious" (מֶרִי, meri): This word means stubborn or defiant, highlighting the people's persistent resistance to God’s instructions.
  • "pot" (סִיר, sir): The pot is a common household item, but here it represents Jerusalem itself, making the coming lesson vivid and relatable.

Why Ezekiel 24:3 matters

  • Ezekiel 24:3 sets up a dramatic object lesson that will unfold in the following verses, preparing the reader to look for symbolic meaning rather than just a literal cooking scene.
  • The use of the word "parable" shows that God is reaching out to the people in a way that might get past their resistance, using everyday imagery to make a hard truth clear.
  • Understanding the "rebellious house" as the audience helps clarify that this message is a warning to people who have repeatedly ignored God, not just a general teaching.

Where else these words appear

“on” Hebrew H8239 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Kings 4:38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.
  • Psalms 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
  • Isaiah 26:12 LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

“utter” Hebrew H4911 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 21:27 Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:
  • Psalms 49:20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
  • Ezekiel 16:44 Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.

“rebellious” Hebrew H4805 · used in 21 verses

  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Isaiah 30:9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:
  • Ezekiel 3:27 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

“pot” Hebrew H5518 · used in 32 verses

  • Exodus 16:3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
  • 2 Chronicles 4:16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.
  • Jeremiah 52:19 And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away.