Ezekiel 35:1 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 35:1 mean?

Ezekiel 35:1 describes how the prophet Ezekiel receives a new message from God, introduced by the familiar phrase, "the word of the LORD came unto me, saying." This signals the beginning of a specific communication or prophecy that God wants Ezekiel to deliver.

In this verse, Ezekiel is the one receiving the message, and the "LORD" refers to the God of Israel. The setting is during the Babylonian exile, a time when Ezekiel often received direct instructions from God. This verse serves as the opening for a new section, preparing the reader for what God is about to say through Ezekiel in the following verses.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 35:1

• דָּבָר (davar, H1697): This word is often translated as "word" or "message." Here, it emphasizes that what follows is not Ezekiel's own thoughts but a direct communication from God.
• יְהוָה (YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. Its use highlights the authority and source of the message.
• אָמַר (amar, H559): Translated as "saying," this word introduces the content of God's speech, marking a transition from the announcement of a message to the message itself.

Why Ezekiel 35:1 matters

• Ezekiel 35:1 makes it clear that the message comes directly from God, not from Ezekiel's own ideas or opinions, which adds weight and authority to what follows.
• The verse marks the start of a new prophetic section, signaling to the reader that a new topic or judgment is about to be addressed.
• Recognizing the formulaic introduction helps readers track the structure of Ezekiel's prophecies and understand when a new vision or message begins.