Ezekiel 28:1 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 28:1 mean?

Ezekiel 28:1 introduces a new message that God is giving to the prophet Ezekiel. The verse simply states that the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel again, signaling the start of a fresh communication from God.

In this verse, Ezekiel is the prophet receiving a message directly from God, referred to as "the LORD." The context is that God often spoke to Ezekiel in a series of visions and messages, and this verse marks the beginning of a new section where God will address the ruler of Tyre. The verse sets the stage for what follows, highlighting Ezekiel’s role as a messenger.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 28:1

• word (דָּבָר, davar): This word means "message," "matter," or "thing." Here, it emphasizes that what follows is not Ezekiel’s own thoughts but a specific communication from God.
• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that the message comes with divine authority.
• saying (אָמַר, amar): This verb means "to say" or "to speak," marking the direct speech that is about to begin. It signals that the following words are a quotation from God, not just a summary.

Why Ezekiel 28:1 matters

• Ezekiel 28:1 makes it clear that the message is not Ezekiel’s opinion but a direct revelation from God, which gives weight and authority to what follows.
• The verse acts as a transition, alerting the reader that a new prophecy is beginning, specifically one aimed at the leader of Tyre, which is important for understanding the flow of the chapter.
• Recognizing the formula "the word of the LORD came" helps readers track the structure of Ezekiel and see how each section is introduced as a distinct message from God.