Ezekiel 3:26
And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.
Original Language Analysis
וּלְשֽׁוֹנְךָ֙
And I will make thy tongue
H3956
וּלְשֽׁוֹנְךָ֙
And I will make thy tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
1 of 14
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
אַדְבִּ֣יק
cleave
H1692
אַדְבִּ֣יק
cleave
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
חִכֶּ֔ךָ
to the roof of thy mouth
H2441
חִכֶּ֔ךָ
to the roof of thy mouth
Strong's:
H2441
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
וְנֶֽאֱלַ֔מְתָּ
that thou shalt be dumb
H481
וְנֶֽאֱלַ֔מְתָּ
that thou shalt be dumb
Strong's:
H481
Word #:
5 of 14
to tie fast; hence (of the mouth) to be tongue-tied
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִֽהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
תִֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאִ֣ישׁ
and shalt not be to them a reprover
H376
לְאִ֣ישׁ
and shalt not be to them a reprover
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מוֹכִ֑יחַ
H3198
מוֹכִ֑יחַ
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
10 of 14
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 14
(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 #:
12 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 24:27In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.Psalms 51:15O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.Psalms 137:6If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Historical Context
Prophets typically interceded for their people (cf. Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah). Ezekiel's imposed muteness removed this intercessory function, demonstrating God's patience ending. The exile community's rebellion had reached the point where reproof would be withdrawn. This selective muteness lasted until Jerusalem's fall (24:27; 33:22), several years during which Ezekiel only spoke God's specific oracles.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's withdrawal of prophetic intercession teach us about the seriousness of persisting in rebellion?
- How should the possibility of God removing means of grace motivate us to heed His word while it is freely offered?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God making Ezekiel's 'tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth' represents divinely-imposed silence—the prophet becomes 'dumb' (mute) except when God specifically commands speech. This judgment on Israel removes the blessing of prophetic intercession. The phrase 'thou shalt not be to them a reprover' indicates cessation of covenant mediator role. When people persist in rebellion, God sometimes withdraws means of grace. Prophetic silence itself becomes judgment.