Ezekiel 12:3
Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house.
Original Language Analysis
בֶן
Therefore thou son
H1121
בֶן
Therefore thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 22
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֗ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֗ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 22
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
עֲשֵׂ֤ה
prepare
H6213
עֲשֵׂ֤ה
prepare
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כְּלֵ֣י
thee stuff
H3627
כְּלֵ֣י
thee stuff
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
6 of 22
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וְגָלִ֨יתָ
and remove
H1540
וְגָלִ֨יתָ
and remove
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
8 of 22
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם
in their sight
H5869
לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם
in their sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
10 of 22
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְגָלִ֨יתָ
and remove
H1540
וְגָלִ֨יתָ
and remove
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
11 of 22
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
מָק֤וֹם
from thy place
H4725
מָק֤וֹם
from thy place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
מָק֤וֹם
from thy place
H4725
מָק֤וֹם
from thy place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם
in their sight
H5869
לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם
in their sight
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
16 of 22
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יִרְא֔וּ
it may be they will consider
H7200
יִרְא֔וּ
it may be they will consider
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
18 of 22
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בֵּ֥ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
20 of 22
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 36:3It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.Jeremiah 26:3If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.2 Timothy 2:25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;Jeremiah 36:7It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people.Luke 20:13Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
Historical Context
Public prophetic performances were common (Isaiah 20; Jeremiah 27-28). Ezekiel's enacted exile would shock the community—a priest becoming refugee contradicted expectations. The hope that they might 'consider' (Hebrew ra'ah, 'see' or 'perceive') shows God's patient desire for repentance despite calling them rebellious. When actual exile came (586 BC), those who witnessed Ezekiel's performance would recognize its prophetic accuracy, validating his message and preparing hearts for restoration prophecies (Ezekiel 34-37).
Questions for Reflection
- How do dramatic prophetic actions communicate truth that words alone cannot?
- What does God's hope that they 'might consider' teach about His desire for repentance even amid rebellion?
- In what creative ways should we communicate biblical truth to capture attention in our culture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house." God commands Ezekiel to publicly enact exile—packing belongings and departing visibly. The "stuff for removing" (keli golah, כְּלֵי גוֹלָה) means exile baggage—minimal possessions a refugee carries. Performing this "in their sight" creates unmissable spectacle forcing attention. The hopeful phrase "it may be they will consider" reveals God's redemptive purpose even in judgment warnings—dramatic prophecy aims to provoke repentance.