Ezekiel 27:1 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 27:1 mean?

Ezekiel 27:1 describes how the prophet Ezekiel receives another direct message from God, introducing a new section where God will speak through him. This verse signals a fresh word from the LORD, preparing the reader for what follows.

In this setting, Ezekiel is in exile among the Israelites in Babylon, and God is communicating with him to deliver messages to the people. The verse acts as a transition, marking the start of a new prophecy. It emphasizes that what Ezekiel is about to say comes from God, not from his own thoughts.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 27:1

• word (דָּבָר, davar): This Hebrew word means "word," "message," or "matter." Here, it highlights that what follows is not just a general idea but a specific communication from God.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that the message comes from Israel’s covenant God, not a generic deity.
• saying (אָמַר, amar): This verb means "to say" or "to speak." Its use here stresses that God is actively speaking to Ezekiel, not just inspiring him silently.

Why Ezekiel 27:1 matters

• Ezekiel 27:1 makes it clear that the prophecy to follow is not Ezekiel’s own opinion but a message from God, which gives authority and weight to the words.
• The verse sets the stage for a new oracle, helping the reader track the structure of Ezekiel’s prophecies and understand when a new topic or message begins.
• By repeating the phrase “the word of the LORD came again unto me,” the book emphasizes the ongoing, personal relationship between God and Ezekiel, and the seriousness of the messages being delivered.