Ezekiel 3:5
For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֡י
H3588
כִּ֡י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא֩
H3808
לֹא֩
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַ֨ם
to a people
H5971
עַ֨ם
to a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
שָׂפָ֛ה
speech
H8193
שָׂפָ֛ה
speech
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 13
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
וְכִבְדֵ֥י
and of an hard
H3515
וְכִבְדֵ֥י
and of an hard
Strong's:
H3515
Word #:
7 of 13
heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)
לָשׁ֖וֹן
language
H3956
לָשׁ֖וֹן
language
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
8 of 13
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,
שָׁל֑וּחַ
For thou art not sent
H7971
שָׁל֑וּחַ
For thou art not sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
10 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
Historical Context
Ezekiel ministered to Jewish exiles (593 BC) who shared language, culture, and religious heritage. Despite these advantages, they proved remarkably resistant to prophetic warnings. The principle appears throughout Scripture: Israel often proved harder-hearted than Gentiles (Matthew 11:20-24). Religious familiarity can inoculate against genuine conversion. The exiles' resistance demonstrated that external covenant membership doesn't guarantee internal transformation. Only Spirit-wrought regeneration creates responsive hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does religious familiarity sometimes harden hearts rather than soften them?
- What dangers exist in assuming covenant privilege guarantees spiritual responsiveness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel." God emphasizes that Ezekiel speaks to fellow Israelites who share language and culture, yet will prove harder-hearted than foreigners (verses 6-7). Covenant privilege brings greater accountability. Familiarity with truth can breed contempt rather than gratitude. Those raised in covenant community often prove more resistant than pagans encountering truth fresh. This pattern continues: nominal Christians often resist gospel more than unbelievers.