Old Testament
Ezekiel 17:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel, referred to as the "son of man," to share a riddle and a parable with the people of Israel.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
"Son of man, tell a riddle and speak a parable to the people of Israel.
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel, referred to as the "son of man," to share a riddle and a parable with the people of Israel. This method of communication is significant because it engages the listeners' minds and encourages them to think deeply about the message. Riddles and parables often contain hidden meanings, prompting reflection and discussion. By using these forms, God aims to reveal truths about their situation and relationship with Him. The people of Israel are facing challenges and need to understand their circumstances better. This approach invites them to explore their identity and the consequences of their actions. It’s a way to connect with them on a personal level, making the message more relatable and memorable. Through storytelling, God seeks to guide them toward wisdom and understanding, emphasizing the importance of listening and contemplating His words. This verse sets the stage for deeper insights into their lives and the choices they must make moving forward.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 17:2 to your life
When faced with difficult situations, consider using stories or analogies to express your thoughts. This can help others understand complex ideas more clearly. Engage in conversations that encourage reflection and deeper thinking, allowing for personal growth and insight. Remember, communication is not just about words but also about connection and understanding others' perspectives.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 17:2 mean?
Ezekiel 17:2 means that God is instructing Ezekiel to use a riddle and a parable to communicate important truths to the people of Israel. This method encourages deeper thinking and reflection on their circumstances and relationship with God.
What is the significance of riddles in Ezekiel 17:2?
Riddles in Ezekiel 17:2 serve to engage the audience's minds, prompting them to think critically about the message. They often contain hidden meanings that encourage reflection on personal and communal issues.
What is the purpose of parables in Ezekiel 17:2?
The purpose of parables in Ezekiel 17:2 is to convey complex truths in a relatable way, making it easier for the people of Israel to understand their situation and the consequences of their actions.
How does Ezekiel 17:2 relate to communication?
Ezekiel 17:2 highlights the importance of using creative communication methods, like riddles and parables, to connect with others and facilitate understanding of complex ideas.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.