Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.

EZEKIEL 3:6KJV
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Ezekiel 3:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 3:6 mean?

Ezekiel 3:6 means that God is not sending Ezekiel to a foreign nation with a difficult or unfamiliar language, but to his own people, who speak the same language as him. God points out that if Ezekiel were sent to a people with a "strange speech," they would actually listen to him, unlike Israel.

In this verse, God is speaking directly to Ezekiel, explaining his mission as a prophet. The context is that Ezekiel is being called to warn the people of Israel, but God warns him that they are stubborn and unlikely to listen. The verse highlights the irony that foreigners might be more receptive to God's message than Israel itself.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 3:6

  • "strange" (אֵל — ʾel): This word refers to something foreign or not native. Here, it emphasizes that Ezekiel is not being sent to people who are outsiders or whose ways and language are unfamiliar.
  • "speech" (שָׂפָה — saphah): This word literally means "lip," but is used for "language" or "speech." The phrase "strange speech" paints a vivid picture of a language barrier that does not exist in Ezekiel's mission.
  • "hard" (כָּבֵד — kaved): This word means "heavy" or "difficult." When paired with "language," it suggests a tongue that is hard to understand or communicate in.
  • "hearkened" (שָׁמַע — shamaʿ): This word means "to hear" or "to listen." God says that if Ezekiel went to foreigners, they would have "hearkened"—meaning they would have listened and responded positively.

Why Ezekiel 3:6 matters

  • Ezekiel 3:6 clarifies that the challenge Ezekiel faces is not about language or cultural barriers, but about the stubbornness of his own people.
  • The verse highlights a recurring theme in the prophets: sometimes outsiders are more open to God's message than those who are supposed to know Him best.
  • This verse sets up the tension for the rest of Ezekiel's ministry, showing that the real obstacle is the people's unwillingness to listen, not any difficulty in communication.

Where else these words appear

“strange” Hebrew H6012 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
  • Isaiah 33:19 Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand.
  • Ezekiel 3:5 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;

“hard” Hebrew H3515 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 12:10 And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.
  • Exodus 9:18 Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now.
  • 1 Kings 12:11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

“language” Hebrew H3956 · used in 115 verses

  • Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.
  • Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
  • Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.