Ezekiel Chapter 24 · Verse 16
Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 16
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
לֹקֵ֧חַ
behold I take away
H3947
לֹקֵ֧חַ
behold I take away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 16
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
מִמְּךָ֛
H4480
מִמְּךָ֛
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַחְמַ֥ד
from thee the desire
H4261
מַחְמַ֥ד
from thee the desire
Strong's:
H4261
Word #:
7 of 16
delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire
עֵינֶ֖יךָ
of thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֖יךָ
of thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
8 of 16
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִסְפֹּד֙
yet neither shalt thou mourn
H5594
תִסְפֹּד֙
yet neither shalt thou mourn
Strong's:
H5594
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְל֥וֹא
H3808
וְל֥וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Jeremiah 22:10Weep ye not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.Jeremiah 13:17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.Ezekiel 24:18So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.Song of Solomon 7:10I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me.
Historical Context
Ezekiel's wife died suddenly (588 BC) as a sign to exiles. Ancient Near Eastern mourning rituals were elaborate and extended. God prohibiting normal grief rituals demonstrated that Jerusalem's fall would produce shock transcending normal mourning. The prophet embodied the message physically, demonstrating total commitment to prophetic calling. This parallels Hosea's marriage to Gomer—personal life becoming parable. The principle teaches that God's servants sometimes bear extraordinary sacrifices for ministry, trusting divine purposes transcend personal comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ezekiel's sacrifice of normal grief rituals demonstrate total consecration to prophetic calling?
- What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty extending even over our deepest affections?
Analysis & Commentary
"Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down." God announces Ezekiel's wife's death as a sign to Israel. The prohibition on mourning symbolizes shock so great that normal grief responses fail. This foreshadows Jerusalem's destruction producing numbness rather than catharsis. The prophet's personal tragedy serves didactic purposes—demonstrating God's sovereignty even over human affections. This difficult passage reveals that God's purposes sometimes require severe personal sacrifice from His servants.