Old Testament
Ezekiel 12:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Son of man, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, because they are a rebellious house.
Compare translations
Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.
What Ezekiel 12:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to Ezekiel, highlighting the stubbornness of the people around him. They are described as a rebellious house, meaning they resist guidance and truth. Although they have the ability to see and hear, they choose to ignore what is right in front of them. This refusal to acknowledge reality leads to a disconnect between their actions and the truth. God emphasizes their blindness and deafness, which symbolizes a deeper spiritual condition. The people are not just physically unable to perceive; they are willfully ignoring the messages meant to help them. This situation serves as a warning about the consequences of rebellion against God and the importance of being open to understanding and change. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are truly listening and seeing the truth around us. Are we, too, living in a way that ignores the guidance we need to thrive and grow in our lives? This message is timeless and relevant for anyone seeking clarity and direction.
How to apply Ezekiel 12:2 to your life
Consider areas in your life where you might be ignoring important truths. Reflect on whether you are truly listening to advice or guidance from others. Make a conscious effort to open your eyes and ears to the realities around you. Embrace change and seek understanding in your daily experiences. This can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others and yourself.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 12:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 12:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 12:2 mean?
Ezekiel 12:2 conveys God's message to Ezekiel about the stubbornness of the people around him. They are described as a rebellious house, meaning they refuse to accept guidance and truth, despite having the ability to see and hear.
What is the significance of 'eyes to see but do not see' in Ezekiel 12:2?
The phrase 'eyes to see but do not see' signifies the people's spiritual blindness. It indicates that they have the capacity to understand the truth but choose to ignore it, reflecting their willful disobedience.
How does Ezekiel 12:2 relate to personal growth?
Ezekiel 12:2 encourages self-reflection on whether we are acknowledging important truths in our lives. By being open to guidance and change, we can foster personal growth and improve our connections with others.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 12:2?
Key themes in Ezekiel 12:2 include rebellion, spiritual blindness, the importance of truth, the need for guidance, and the call for awareness in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.