Ezekiel 30:2
Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 11
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 11
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הִנָּבֵא֙
prophesy
H5012
הִנָּבֵא֙
prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
3 of 11
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
Cross References
Isaiah 13:6Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.Isaiah 15:2He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off.Joel 1:11Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.Joel 1:5Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.Ezekiel 21:12Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.
Historical Context
Prophetic laments were common literary forms (Isaiah 13-23, Jeremiah 46-51, Amos 1-2). They served to move hearts toward repentance and prepare people emotionally for historical events.
Questions for Reflection
- How should awareness of coming judgment affect your emotions and priorities?
- What does appropriate grieving over sin and judgment look like in Christian experience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to 'Howl ye, Woe worth the day!' introduces lament language—appropriate response to coming judgment. The emotional intensity reveals that judgment is never something God delights in (Ezekiel 18:32, 33:11). The commanded wailing shows that recognition of judgment should produce grief, not cavalier indifference.