Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD.

EZEKIEL 33:30KJV
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Ezekiel 33:30 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 33:30 mean?

Ezekiel 33:30 describes how the people of Israel are gossiping about Ezekiel, talking about him behind closed doors and encouraging each other to come and listen to what he says from the LORD. The verse shows that while they seem interested in Ezekiel’s message, their discussions are happening privately and may not be sincere.

In this verse, God is speaking to Ezekiel, calling him “son of man” and telling him what the people are doing. The people are not openly opposing Ezekiel, but instead are talking “by the walls and in the doors of the houses,” suggesting secretive or hushed conversations. They invite each other to hear Ezekiel’s words, but the context hints that their interest might be more curiosity or entertainment than genuine desire to follow God.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 33:30

  • The word for “talking” is דָּבַר (dābar), which means to speak or converse. Here, it suggests ongoing conversation, not just a single comment, highlighting that the people are repeatedly discussing Ezekiel.
  • The phrase “against thee” uses אֵצֶל (ʿētzel), which can mean “about” or “against.” The sense here is not necessarily open hostility, but rather talking about Ezekiel in a way that is not supportive.
  • The word for “hear” is שָׁמַע (shāmaʿ), which means to listen or pay attention. The people are inviting each other to listen, but the following verses show their listening is superficial.

Why Ezekiel 33:30 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the people’s interest in Ezekiel’s message is sincere; it shows they are more interested in talking about him than truly listening to God’s word.
  • Ezekiel 33:30 sets up the contrast in the following verses, where God explains that the people treat Ezekiel’s words like entertainment rather than guidance.
  • The verse highlights the social setting: people discussing spiritual matters in private, which can reveal the difference between public appearance and private attitudes toward God’s message.

Where else these words appear

“against” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • Proverbs 7:12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.)

“walls” Hebrew H7023 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 8:8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.