Ezekiel Chapter 2 · Verse 4

Authorized King James Version

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For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

Original Language Analysis

וְהַבָּנִ֗ים children H1121
וְהַבָּנִ֗ים children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 1 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
קְשֵׁ֤י For they are impudent H7186
קְשֵׁ֤י For they are impudent
Strong's: H7186
Word #: 2 of 15
severe (in various applications)
פָנִים֙ H6440
פָנִים֙
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 3 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְחִזְקֵי and stiffhearted H2389
וְחִזְקֵי and stiffhearted
Strong's: H2389
Word #: 4 of 15
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
לֵ֔ב H3820
לֵ֔ב
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 5 of 15
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אֲנִ֛י H589
אֲנִ֛י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 6 of 15
i
שׁוֹלֵ֥חַ I do send H7971
שׁוֹלֵ֥חַ I do send
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 7 of 15
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אוֹתְךָ֖ H853
אוֹתְךָ֖
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם H413
אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 9 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
אָמַ֖ר thee unto them and thou shalt say H559
אָמַ֖ר thee unto them and thou shalt say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 10 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם H413
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 11 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
כֹּ֥ה H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַ֖ר thee unto them and thou shalt say H559
אָמַ֖ר thee unto them and thou shalt say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 13 of 15
to say (used with great latitude)
אֲדֹנָ֥י the Lord H136
אֲדֹנָ֥י the Lord
Strong's: H136
Word #: 14 of 15
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
יְהוִֹֽה׃ GOD H3069
יְהוִֹֽה׃ GOD
Strong's: H3069
Word #: 15 of 15
god

Analysis & Commentary

God commissions Ezekiel to minister to "impudent children and stiffhearted"—literally "hard-faced and hard-hearted." The Hebrew chazaq-lev (חֲזַק־לֵב) describes willful obstinacy, not ignorance. This forewarns that faithful preaching often meets resistance, yet the prophet must speak regardless of response. Success in ministry is measured by faithfulness, not results. The doctrine of total depravity explains such hardness: apart from regenerating grace, hearts remain obstinate toward God. Yet God sends prophets even to hard-hearted people, demonstrating His patience and desire that none perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Historical Context

The exiles in Babylon (593 BC) were second-generation covenant breakers who inherited their fathers' idolatry. Despite witnessing Jerusalem's partial destruction and experiencing deportation, they remained unrepentant, expecting quick restoration without reformation. Archaeological evidence of syncretistic worship in pre-exilic Judah confirms their persistent idolatry. Ezekiel would minister for decades with little visible fruit, yet God commanded him to speak faithfully regardless of reception—a pattern repeated in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and ultimately in Jesus' ministry to hard-hearted Israel.

Questions for Reflection