Ezekiel 11:3

KJV

Which say, [It is] not near; let us build houses: this [city is] the caldron, and we [be] the flesh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which say {H559}, It is not near {H7138}; let us build {H1129} houses {H1004}: this city is the caldron {H5518}, and we be the flesh {H1320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They say, 'The time hasn't come to build houses. This city is the cooking pot, and we're the meat!'

Berean Standard Bible

They are saying, ‘Is not the time near to build houses? The city is the cooking pot, and we are the meat.’

American Standard Version

that say, The time is not near to build houses: this city is the caldron, and we are the flesh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:3 captures the defiant and self-deceptive mindset of Jerusalem's leaders and inhabitants on the eve of its destruction. Despite clear prophetic warnings of impending judgment, they dismiss the threat as distant, choosing instead to focus on earthly security and stability, boastfully proclaiming their city an impenetrable "caldron" protecting them, the "flesh," within its walls. This verse starkly illustrates their spiritual blindness and false sense of immunity to divine consequences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 11:3 is situated within a series of visions granted to the prophet Ezekiel while he is in Babylonian exile. Chapters 8-11 detail Ezekiel's spiritual transport to Jerusalem, where he witnesses the pervasive idolatry and spiritual abominations occurring within the Temple and throughout the city. This particular verse immediately follows the identification of the twenty-five men, including prominent leaders, who are devising wicked schemes and giving evil counsel (Ezekiel 11:1-2). Their defiant words in verse 3 directly challenge God's impending judgment, setting the stage for Ezekiel's subsequent prophetic pronouncements against them and God's reinterpretation of their "caldron" metaphor as a vessel for divine wrath rather than protection, as seen in [Ezekiel 11:6-12](/ezekiel/11-6 "Ezekiel 11:6-12 - Judgment on Jerusalem's Leaders"). This section is crucial in demonstrating the depth of Jerusalem's rebellion and the necessity of God's severe judgment before the promise of restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 11:3 is the period leading up to the final Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel, had already been taken to Babylon in 597 BC. Those remaining in Jerusalem, particularly the leaders, harbored a dangerous complacency, fueled by false prophets who assured them of peace and security, contradicting the warnings of true prophets like Jeremiah. Culturally, Jerusalem held immense significance as the capital of Judah and the site of the Temple, believed by many to be inviolable due to God's presence. This belief fostered a false sense of security, leading the inhabitants to dismiss the very real and imminent threat posed by the Babylonian Empire. Their decision to "build houses" reflected a desire for long-term stability and a rejection of the idea that their lives were about to be uprooted by invasion and exile, a reality that God had clearly communicated through His prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")).

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 11:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Denial and False Security**, where the people's declaration "It is not near; let us build houses" perfectly encapsulates their refusal to acknowledge the gravity of their spiritual state and the immediacy of God's judgment. This denial is rooted in their **Rejection of Prophetic Warning**, as they actively dismiss the messages delivered by God's messengers. The verse also introduces the powerful **"Caldron and Flesh" Metaphor**, which initially serves as a cynical boast of invincibility by the leaders. However, God dramatically reinterprets this metaphor later in the chapter, transforming it into a symbol of judgment where Jerusalem becomes a pot for their destruction and the inhabitants are the "flesh" to be consumed or scattered, highlighting the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. This reinterpretation underscores God's ultimate control and His justice in holding His people accountable for their persistent rebellion and idolatry (cf. [Ezekiel 11:7](/ezekiel/11-7 "Ezekiel 11:7 - The Lord's Reinterpretation of the Caldron")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559. This primitive root signifies not merely speaking but often carries the weight of declaring, commanding, or determining. In Ezekiel 11:3, it highlights the authoritative and defiant pronouncement of the leaders. Their "saying" is an act of deliberate contradiction to God's revealed will, a public declaration of their chosen path of denial and self-reliance, rather than a mere casual utterance.
* **caldron (Hebrew, _çîyr'_):** H5518. This word refers to a pot or cooking vessel, often used for boiling. The leaders use it to metaphorically describe Jerusalem as an impenetrable container, protecting its inhabitants (the "flesh") within its walls from external threats. It conveys a sense of security and containment, implying that just as meat is safe within a pot, they are safe within the city. The irony, as revealed by Ezekiel, is that this "caldron" will become a pot for their judgment, not their protection.
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** H1320. Derived from a root suggesting freshness, this term refers to the physical body, person, or kin. In this proverb, "we be the flesh" identifies the inhabitants of Jerusalem as the precious contents within the protective "caldron." It emphasizes their self-perception as valuable and secure, preserved by the city's defenses. However, in the context of divine judgment, "flesh" also carries connotations of mortality and vulnerability, highlighting the stark contrast between their human boast and their ultimate fragility before God's wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which say, [It is] not near;":** This clause reveals the leaders' audacious dismissal of the impending Babylonian threat and, more profoundly, of God's judgment. The phrase "not near" (Hebrew: _lo-qarov_) indicates their belief that the promised destruction and exile are distant, if they will ever occur. This reflects a profound spiritual complacency and a dangerous disregard for the urgency of God's prophetic warnings, choosing to believe in a false sense of security rather than divine truth.
* **"let us build houses:":** This imperative statement signifies their intention to settle in for the long term, investing in material security and earthly comforts. It is a direct act of defiance against the prophetic calls to repentance and preparation for exile. By focusing on building and establishing themselves, they demonstrate their rejection of God's decree and their commitment to a life of sin and rebellion within Jerusalem.
* **"this [city is] the caldron,":** This is the first part of the defiant proverb. The leaders view Jerusalem as an impenetrable, protective vessel, much like a cooking pot contains its contents. They believe the city's formidable walls and, perhaps, the presence of the Temple, render them immune to external attack, specifically from the Babylonian army. It is a boast of self-sufficiency and an arrogant trust in human defenses.
* **"and we [be] the flesh.":** The second part of the proverb, identifying themselves, the inhabitants and leaders, as the precious "flesh" safely contained within the "caldron" of Jerusalem. This highlights their self-importance and their belief that they are secure and preserved within the city's protective embrace. They see themselves as the valuable contents, perfectly safe from any harm, reinforcing their illusion of invincibility.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:3 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Irony**. The central metaphor is the comparison of Jerusalem to a "caldron" and its inhabitants to "flesh." The leaders intend this metaphor to convey security and invincibility, suggesting the city's walls will protect them like a pot protects its contents. However, this boast is steeped in **Irony**, as God will later reinterpret this very metaphor to signify judgment: the "caldron" will become a pot for their destruction, and the "flesh" will be consumed or scattered by His wrath. This reversal of meaning underscores the futility of human defiance against divine will. The phrase "let us build houses" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing their commitment to a settled, unrepentant lifestyle despite impending doom, symbolizing their rejection of God's call to spiritual readiness and repentance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:3 powerfully illustrates the human tendency towards self-deception and defiance in the face of divine warning. It underscores the theological principle that God's judgment is certain when His people persist in rebellion and idolatry, even when they boast of their own security. The leaders' arrogant dismissal of the impending threat highlights the danger of spiritual blindness, where a false sense of invincibility, often rooted in misplaced trust in physical structures or human wisdom, supplants genuine faith and obedience. God's reinterpretation of their proud proverb serves as a stark reminder of His sovereignty and His ability to turn human boasts into instruments of His justice, demonstrating that true security is found only in Him, not in earthly defenses.

* [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Do Not Trust in Deceptive Words")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Warning Against False Peace and Safety")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:3 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of ignoring God's warnings in favor of a false sense of security. Just as the people of Jerusalem were deluded into believing their city was an impenetrable fortress, we too can fall into the trap of trusting in worldly systems, material possessions, or human ingenuity for our ultimate safety, rather than in God alone. This verse challenges us to critically examine where we place our trust and whether we are truly heeding the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the truths of Scripture. It calls us to live in a state of spiritual vigilance, recognizing that God's justice and faithfulness are unwavering, and He will hold all accountable. True security is not found in building bigger "houses" or boastfully claiming invincibility, but in humble obedience and reliance on the Lord, who alone is our refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "not near" attitude towards God's truth or warnings?**
* **What "houses" (material comforts, worldly securities, self-reliance) am I building that might be distracting me from spiritual realities?**
* **How does the "caldron and flesh" metaphor challenge my own assumptions about safety and protection in a fallen world?**
* **Am I truly listening to God's voice, or am I prone to dismissing inconvenient truths that challenge my comfort or plans?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "caldron and flesh" metaphor in Ezekiel 11:3?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 11:3, the leaders of Jerusalem use the "caldron and flesh" metaphor as a cynical boast, asserting their city's impregnability. They portray Jerusalem ("the caldron") as an impenetrable cooking pot, protecting them ("the flesh") from the Babylonian army outside. This implies a false sense of security and a defiant rejection of God's warnings of impending judgment. However, God immediately reinterprets this proverb through Ezekiel. In [Ezekiel 11:7](/ezekiel/11-7 "Ezekiel 11:7 - The True Meaning of the Caldron"), the Lord declares that the city is indeed a "caldron," but the "flesh" within it are the people who have died by the sword, and the survivors will be dragged out of it for judgment. Thus, what they intended as a symbol of protection, God transforms into a symbol of judgment and destruction, highlighting the futility of their defiance and the certainty of His wrath against their sin.

**Why did the people of Jerusalem believe "It is not near" despite prophetic warnings?**

Answer: The belief that "It is not near" (Hebrew: _lo-qarov_) stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, there was a widespread spiritual complacency and a deep-seated denial of their sin and its consequences. They had been repeatedly warned by prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, but chose to listen to false prophets who promised peace and security. Secondly, they harbored a strong, yet misplaced, confidence in Jerusalem's status as the holy city, believing that God would never allow His Temple or His chosen city to be destroyed (cf. [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in the Temple")). This theological presumption led them to dismiss any threats as distant or non-existent, even as the Babylonian threat loomed large and parts of the population had already been exiled. Their desire to "build houses" further underscored their commitment to a long-term, unrepentant lifestyle, ignoring the immediate divine judgment at hand.

**How does Ezekiel 11:3 relate to the broader theme of divine judgment in the book of Ezekiel?**

Answer: Ezekiel 11:3 is a pivotal verse in the book of Ezekiel, directly illustrating the justification for God's impending judgment on Jerusalem. The defiant words of the leaders ("It is not near; let us build houses: this city is the caldron, and we be the flesh") encapsulate the spiritual rebellion and false security that pervaded Jerusalem. This attitude directly contrasts with God's justice and holiness, which demand accountability for sin. The verse sets the stage for the dramatic departure of God's glory from the Temple and the city (described in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory") and completed in [Ezekiel 11:22-23](/ezekiel/11-22 "Ezekiel 11:22-23 - The Glory of the Lord Departs")), signifying the removal of divine protection and the inevitability of judgment. It highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating that He will not be mocked and that His word, whether of warning or promise, will always come to pass. The judgment described here is a necessary prelude to the later promises of restoration and a new covenant, emphasizing God's righteousness even in His acts of severe discipline.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 11:3, with its depiction of a people clinging to false security and facing inevitable judgment, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The self-deception of Jerusalem's leaders, who believed their city was an impenetrable "caldron" protecting them, foreshadows humanity's inherent tendency to seek refuge in anything but God Himself. This verse highlights the dire need for a true and ultimate refuge, which is found only in Jesus Christ. While the people of Ezekiel's day trusted in physical walls and human wisdom, Christ offers Himself as the [true spiritual city](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"), the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") whose sacrifice takes away the sin that necessitated judgment. The "flesh" that was to be consumed in judgment finds its ultimate reinterpretation in Christ's own flesh, offered on the cross as a propitiation for our sins (cf. [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). He became the "flesh" consumed by divine wrath, so that those who trust in Him might be spared. Moreover, the "not near" mentality of Jerusalem's inhabitants is inverted in the New Covenant; through Christ, God's kingdom is now [at hand](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand"), and His presence is not confined to a physical temple but dwells within His people by the Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, Ezekiel 11:3 serves as a stark backdrop, illuminating the glorious truth that Christ is our ultimate security, the one who bore the judgment we deserved, and in whom we find true and lasting peace, not through defiant self-reliance, but through humble faith.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 12:27

Son of man, behold, [they of] the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth [is] for many days [to come], and he prophesieth of the times [that are] far off.

Ezekiel 12:22

Son of man, what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

Isaiah 5:19

That say, Let him make speed, [and] hasten his work, that we may see [it]: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know [it]!

Amos 6:5

That chant to the sound of the viol, [and] invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;

Ezekiel 24:3

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:

Ezekiel 24:14

I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 1:11

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.