Old Testament
Ezekiel 17:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The word of the LORD came to me:
Compare translations
And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
What Ezekiel 17:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment where God speaks directly to Ezekiel, a prophet. This signifies the importance of communication between God and His messengers. The phrase 'the word of the LORD' indicates that what follows is not just any message, but one that carries divine authority. It shows that God is actively involved in guiding His people through His chosen individuals. This moment emphasizes the relationship between God and humanity, highlighting that God desires to share His thoughts and plans. For Ezekiel, this is a call to listen and respond to God's direction. It reminds us that we, too, can seek guidance from God in our lives. When we open ourselves to hear from God, we can find clarity and purpose in our own journeys. This verse sets the stage for the messages that will follow, revealing God's intentions and the lessons He wants to impart to His people through Ezekiel's voice. It invites us to consider how we can be attentive to God's words in our own lives.
How to apply Ezekiel 17:1 to your life
Take a moment to reflect on how you can be more open to hearing from God. Consider setting aside time for prayer and meditation, allowing space for His voice in your life. Remember that God wants to guide you and share His plans with you. Stay attentive to the messages that come your way, whether through scripture, nature, or others around you. Trust that God is speaking to you personally, just as He did with
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 Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. 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.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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 17:1
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 17:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 17:1 teach about God's communication?
Ezekiel 17:1 highlights the direct communication between God and His prophet, Ezekiel. This verse signifies that God actively speaks to His chosen messengers, emphasizing the importance of divine guidance. It reminds us that God desires to share His thoughts and plans with humanity, encouraging us to be receptive to His voice in our own lives.
How can I apply the message of Ezekiel 17:1 in my life?
To apply the message of Ezekiel 17:1, take time for prayer and meditation, creating space to listen for God's guidance. Reflect on how you can be more attentive to His voice, whether through scripture, nature, or the insights of others. Trust that God wants to communicate with you personally, just as He did with Ezekiel.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the word of the LORD'?
The phrase 'the word of the LORD' signifies a message that carries divine authority and importance. It indicates that what follows is not merely human wisdom but a direct communication from God. This phrase sets the tone for the messages that Ezekiel will deliver, highlighting the seriousness and weight of God's intentions for His people.
Why is Ezekiel considered a prophet in the context of this verse?
Ezekiel is considered a prophet because he serves as a messenger for God, conveying divine messages to the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 17:1, God speaks directly to him, underscoring his role as a prophet. This relationship illustrates the prophetic calling, where Ezekiel is tasked with delivering God's guidance and warnings to His people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.