Ezekiel 24:3
And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:
Original Language Analysis
וּמְשֹׁ֤ל
And utter
H4911
וּמְשֹׁ֤ל
And utter
Strong's:
H4911
Word #:
1 of 18
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
בֵּית
house
H1004
בֵּית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הַמֶּ֙רִי֙
unto the rebellious
H4805
הַמֶּ֙רִי֙
unto the rebellious
Strong's:
H4805
Word #:
4 of 18
bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious
מָשָׁ֔ל
a parable
H4912
מָשָׁ֔ל
a parable
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
שְׁפֹ֔ת
Set on
H8239
שְׁפֹ֔ת
Set on
Strong's:
H8239
Word #:
12 of 18
to locate, i.e., (generally) hang on or (figuratively) establish, reduce
הַסִּיר֙
a pot
H5518
הַסִּיר֙
a pot
Strong's:
H5518
Word #:
13 of 18
a thorn (as springing up rapidly); by implication, a hook
שְׁפֹ֔ת
Set on
H8239
שְׁפֹ֔ת
Set on
Strong's:
H8239
Word #:
14 of 18
to locate, i.e., (generally) hang on or (figuratively) establish, reduce
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Ezekiel 20:49Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?Ezekiel 11:3Which say, It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh.Ezekiel 17:2Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;Isaiah 1:2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.Ezekiel 2:3And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.Ezekiel 2:6And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.Isaiah 30:9That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD:Isaiah 30:1Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:Psalms 78:2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Ezekiel 2:8But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
Historical Context
The pot parable graphically depicted Jerusalem's siege—the city as pot, inhabitants as contents, Babylonian fire heating from outside, resulting in suffering and destruction. This vivid imagery would be remembered and recognized when actual siege occurred. The parable's fulfillment would teach that Ezekiel spoke divine truth, not human speculation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do parables communicate truth more effectively than direct statements to hardened hearts?
- What does the pot imagery teach about siege suffering and divine judgment?
- In what ways should we use creative communication methods to convey biblical truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:" God commands a parable (allegory) of a cooking pot representing Jerusalem. The "rebellious house" designation emphasizes persistent covenant violation. The pot will be filled, heated, and corroded—depicting siege's suffering. Parables communicate truth memorably through concrete imagery, penetrating hardened hearts that resist direct confrontation.