Ezekiel 32:17 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 32:17 mean?

Ezekiel 32:17 marks a specific date when God’s message came to the prophet Ezekiel. The verse sets the scene for what follows, showing that Ezekiel is about to receive and share another word from the LORD.

Ezekiel is the speaker, and he records that in the twelfth year and fifteenth day of the month, God spoke to him. This verse is a time marker, anchoring the next prophecy in a real historical moment. The verse signals that what follows is not Ezekiel’s own idea, but a message he received directly from God.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 32:17

• "twelfth" (שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂר, shenayim-‘asar): This word combines the Hebrew for "two" and "ten," meaning "twelve." It shows the careful record-keeping of dates in Ezekiel’s prophecies.
• "year" (שָׁנָה, shanah): This is the standard Hebrew word for "year," emphasizing the historical setting.
• "fifteenth" (חֲמֵשׁ־עָשָׂר, chamesh-‘asar): This combines "five" and "ten" to mean "fifteen," again showing the exactness of the date.
• "month" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): The Hebrew word for "month," used here to pinpoint the time.
• "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This means "word" or "message," and in prophetic books, it signals a direct communication from God.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name in Hebrew, showing that the message comes from the God of Israel.
• "saying" (אָמַר, amar): This is the common Hebrew word for "saying" or "speaking," marking the start of God’s message.

Why Ezekiel 32:17 matters

• This verse shows that Ezekiel’s prophecies are grounded in real history, not vague or symbolic timeframes.
• The careful dating and mention of the LORD’s word highlight that what follows is meant to be taken seriously as a divine message.
• By marking a new prophecy, this verse helps readers follow the structure of Ezekiel’s book and see how each message fits into the larger story.