Old Testament
Ezekiel 3:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said to me, "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them.
Compare translations
And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
What Ezekiel 3:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks directly to Ezekiel, calling him 'Son of man,' which emphasizes his humanity and role as a messenger. God instructs Ezekiel to go to the people of Israel and deliver His words. This task is significant because it highlights the importance of communication between God and His people. Ezekiel is not just a passive observer; he is an active participant in conveying God's message. The phrase 'speak my words' indicates that Ezekiel is to share God's thoughts and intentions, not his own. This underscores the responsibility of sharing truth and guidance with others. The call to action is clear: Ezekiel must step out of his comfort zone and engage with the community. This moment marks the beginning of Ezekiel's prophetic mission, where he will face challenges but also have the opportunity to impact lives. It serves as a reminder that we, too, are called to share meaningful messages with those around us, fostering connection and understanding in our communities.
How to apply Ezekiel 3:4 to your life
Consider how you can share meaningful messages with those around you. Reflect on the importance of speaking truthfully and compassionately. Engage with your community and be open to sharing your insights and experiences, just as Ezekiel was called to do. Your words can make a difference in someone's life today.
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 3:4
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 3:4
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 3:4 mean?
Ezekiel 3:4 means that God is commissioning Ezekiel to go to the Israelites and deliver His messages. This emphasizes Ezekiel's role as a prophet and the importance of sharing God's words with the people.
What is the significance of 'Son of man' in Ezekiel 3:4?
The term 'Son of man' highlights Ezekiel's humanity and his role as a messenger of God. It signifies his connection to the people he is sent to and underscores the gravity of his mission.
What does 'speak my words' mean in Ezekiel 3:4?
'Speak my words' means that Ezekiel is to convey God's thoughts and intentions, not his own. It emphasizes the responsibility of delivering God's truth to the people.
How can I apply Ezekiel 3:4 in my life?
You can apply Ezekiel 3:4 by being open to sharing meaningful messages with those around you. Reflect on the importance of speaking truthfully and engaging with your community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.