Bible Strands
Ezekiel 2:5
And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — God speaks to Ezekiel, commissioning him to deliver a message to the exiled Israelites. This declaration occurs during a prophetic vision where God prepares the prophet to confront an obstinate audience.
The words — The Hebrew יֶחְדָּלוּ (yech.Da.lu) literally means "they will refrain" or "cease," paired with אִם (im) for "whether," framing the conditional response of the audience. בֵּית מְרִי (beit me.Ri) translates directly to "house of rebellion," characterizing the collective nature of their defiance.
The thread — The theme of eventual recognition after prophetic delivery appears in Ezekiel 33:33, while Ezekiel 3:27 extends the commission to speak God's words regardless of the audience's response. Matthew 10:12 instructs greeting a household upon entry, functioning as a separate directive rather than a thematic parallel.
Why it lands — The text demands preparation for rejection while maintaining fidelity to the message. It requires the reader to deliver the word without anxiety over immediate acceptance, trusting the outcome to divine timing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 33:33 So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
- Ezekiel 3:27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
- Matthew 10:12 As you enter the home, greet its occupants.
- John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
- Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
- Luke 10:10 But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare,
- Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
- Romans 3:3 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
- 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
- Ezekiel 3:10 “Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart.