Ezekiel 33:30
Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
Also thou son
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Also thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 27
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֔ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֔ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 27
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בְּנֵ֣י
Also thou son
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
Also thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 27
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמְּךָ֗
of thy people
H5971
עַמְּךָ֗
of thy people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 27
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְדִבֶּר
and speak
H1696
וְדִבֶּר
and speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 27
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וּבְפִתְחֵ֖י
and in the doors
H6607
וּבְפִתְחֵ֖י
and in the doors
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
10 of 27
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הַבָּתִּ֑ים
of the houses
H1004
הַבָּתִּ֑ים
of the houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 27
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְדִבֶּר
and speak
H1696
וְדִבֶּר
and speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
12 of 27
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַחַ֗ד
to another
H259
אַחַ֗ד
to another
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
15 of 27
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
אִ֤ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
16 of 27
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)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
17 of 27
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אָחִיו֙
to his brother
H251
אָחִיו֙
to his brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
18 of 27
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
21 of 27
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וְשִׁמְע֔וּ
I pray you and hear
H8085
וְשִׁמְע֔וּ
I pray you and hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
22 of 27
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מָ֣ה
H4100
מָ֣ה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
23 of 27
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
הַדָּבָ֔ר
what is the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֔ר
what is the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
24 of 27
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַיּוֹצֵ֖א
that cometh forth
H3318
הַיּוֹצֵ֖א
that cometh forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
25 of 27
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Isaiah 58:2Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.Jeremiah 23:35Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?Matthew 15:8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Historical Context
This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
- What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
- How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse articulates God's righteous judgment against persistent sin and rebellion. From a Reformed perspective, this demonstrates God's holiness and justice—He cannot overlook sin but must judge it. The passage shows both the necessity of judgment (God's character demands it) and its purpose (to vindicate His holiness, demonstrate sin's seriousness, and turn people from destruction). Understanding divine judgment helps us grasp gospel grace: Christ bore the judgment we deserved, satisfying God's justice while extending mercy to all who trust in Him (Romans 3:25-26). God's judgment isn't arbitrary or cruel but righteous response to covenant violation and moral rebellion.