Old Testament
Ezekiel 12:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel, saying, 'The days are prolonged, and every vision fails'?
Compare translations
Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?
What Ezekiel 12:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God speaks to Ezekiel, asking him about a common saying among the people of Israel. The proverb suggests that time is dragging on and that the visions or prophecies they have been hearing are not coming true. This reflects a sense of skepticism and impatience among the people. They are questioning the validity of God's messages, feeling as if nothing is changing in their lives. God is addressing their doubts and encouraging them to reconsider their perspective. He wants them to understand that His plans are still in motion, even if they cannot see immediate results. This moment serves as a reminder that faith requires patience and trust in God's timing, even when circumstances seem stagnant. The proverb highlights a struggle between human perception and divine purpose, urging the people to hold on to hope and not lose sight of God's promises, despite their current feelings of despair and doubt. It’s a call to recognize that God’s vision for their future is still alive.
How to apply Ezekiel 12:22 to your life
When you feel like nothing is changing in your life, remember that God's timing is different from ours. Hold on to hope and trust that His plans are still unfolding. Reflect on the promises you've received and stay patient, even in uncertainty. Your faith can help you navigate through tough times with confidence and peace. Keep believing in the vision ahead of you, even when it seems distant or unclear.
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 12:22
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 12:22
Related Bible verses
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 12:22 mean?
Ezekiel 12:22 addresses a common proverb among the Israelites that reflects their skepticism about God's promises. It highlights their impatience and doubt regarding the fulfillment of prophecies, suggesting that they feel time is dragging on without any visible change.
What is the significance of the proverb in Ezekiel 12:22?
The proverb in Ezekiel 12:22 signifies the people's doubt about God's messages and their impatience for change. It serves as a reminder that even when things seem stagnant, God's plans are still in motion and require faith and patience.
What does 'the days are prolonged' mean in Ezekiel 12:22?
In Ezekiel 12:22, 'the days are prolonged' means that the people feel time is dragging on without any fulfillment of the prophecies they have been hearing. This reflects their frustration and doubt about God's timing and promises.
How does Ezekiel 12:22 relate to faith and patience?
Ezekiel 12:22 emphasizes the need for faith and patience in the face of doubt. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to hold on to hope, even when circumstances seem unchanged or bleak.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.