Old Testament
Ezekiel 24:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, God instructs Ezekiel to share a story that reflects the stubbornness of the people.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then tell a parable to this rebellious people. Say to them, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: Put a cooking pot on the fire. Set it on and pour water into it.
And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs Ezekiel to share a story that reflects the stubbornness of the people. The cooking pot symbolizes the nation, and the water represents the challenges they face. By using this imagery, God is highlighting their rebellious nature and the consequences of their actions. The pot on the fire signifies the intense situations they find themselves in, and the water being poured in illustrates the troubles that are accumulating. This parable serves as a warning, urging the people to recognize their need for change. It’s a call to reflect on their choices and the direction of their lives. God desires for them to understand the seriousness of their situation and to turn back to Him. The imagery is vivid and relatable, making the message personal and impactful. It’s a reminder that ignoring the signs can lead to dire consequences, and that transformation is possible if they choose to listen and act wisely. God’s message is clear: change is necessary for a better future. Explore related rebellion.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 24:3 to your life
Consider the areas in your life where you might be resisting change. Reflect on the consequences of your choices and how they affect your future. Embrace the opportunity to make positive changes and seek guidance. Remember, it’s never too late to turn things around and choose a better path forward. Your decisions matter greatly in shaping your life’s direction.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 24:3 mean?
Ezekiel 24:3 conveys God's message to a rebellious people through a parable involving a cooking pot. The pot symbolizes the nation, while the water represents the troubles they face, highlighting their stubbornness and the need for change.
What is the significance of the cooking pot in Ezekiel 24:3?
The cooking pot in Ezekiel 24:3 symbolizes the nation of Israel, representing their collective struggles and challenges. It illustrates how their rebellious nature leads to accumulating troubles, urging them to recognize their situation.
What does the water represent in Ezekiel 24:3?
In Ezekiel 24:3, the water poured into the cooking pot represents the challenges and difficulties that the people are facing. It signifies the growing troubles that result from their rebellious actions.
What is the main message of Ezekiel 24:3?
The main message of Ezekiel 24:3 is a warning to the people about their rebellious nature and the consequences of their actions. It calls for reflection and encourages them to recognize the need for transformation in their lives.

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.
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