Ezekiel 12:10
Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הַנָּשִׂ֞יא
concerneth the prince
H5387
הַנָּשִׂ֞יא
concerneth the prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
הַמַּשָּׂ֤א
This burden
H4853
הַמַּשָּׂ֤א
This burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
8 of 16
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
הַזֶּה֙
H2088
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
in Jerusalem
H3389
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
in Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
10 of 16
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בֵּ֥ית
and all the house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
and all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Isaiah 13:1The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.2 Kings 9:25Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take up, and cast him in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, when I and thou rode together after Ahab his father, the LORD laid this burden upon him;
Historical Context
Zedekiah was Babylon's appointee after deposing Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:17). His rebellion against Babylon (2 Kings 24:20; 25:1) triggered the final siege. The prophecy specifically targets him while including all residents—comprehensive judgment affecting leadership and populace. Within years, Zedekiah's capture and the population's exile fulfilled the prophecy exactly as predicted, vindicating Ezekiel's word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the prophecy's specificity (naming the prince and location) demonstrate divine foreknowledge?
- What does including both leadership and people teach about corporate responsibility?
- In what ways should leaders recognize their actions affect entire communities under their care?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
"Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them." God explains the sign-act's meaning—it concerns "the prince" (King Zedekiah) and all Israel. The Hebrew nasi (נָשִׂיא, "prince") may deliberately avoid "king" (melek) to emphasize Zedekiah's reduced status as Babylonian puppet. The prophecy targets both leadership and people—all share coming exile. This clarification prevents misinterpretation and establishes prophetic specificity.