Ezekiel 11:5

KJV

And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me, Speak; Thus saith the LORD; Thus have ye said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, [every one of] them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} fell {H5307} upon me, and said {H559} unto me, Speak {H559}; Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Thus have ye said {H559}, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}: for I know {H3045} the things that come {H4609} into your mind {H7307}, every one of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Spirit of ADONAI fell on me, and he said to me, "Say, 'Here is what ADONAI says: "What you are saying is correct, house of Isra'el; because I know how your minds work.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me and told me to declare that this is what the LORD says: “That is what you are thinking, O house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your minds.

American Standard Version

And the Spirit of Jehovah fell upon me, and he said unto me, Speak, Thus saith Jehovah: Thus have ye said, O house of Israel; for I know the things that come into your mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:5 marks a powerful moment in the prophet's ministry where the Spirit of the LORD descends upon him, empowering him to deliver a direct divine message to the rebellious inhabitants of Jerusalem. This pronouncement reveals God's absolute omniscience, laying bare the hidden thoughts, intentions, and schemes of the "house of Israel," demonstrating that no inward rebellion or self-deception can escape the all-seeing eye of the sovereign God who is about to bring judgment upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 11:5 is situated within a series of visions and oracles that underscore God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and its inhabitants, particularly its corrupt leaders. Chapters 8-11 describe Ezekiel's visionary journey to Jerusalem, where he witnesses the idolatry and abominations occurring within the temple precincts. This vision culminates in the departure of the glory of the LORD from the temple (as seen in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory")). Immediately preceding this verse, Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy against the princes of the people, specifically Pelatiah and Jaazaniah, who are leading the people astray with false security and wicked counsel (see [Ezekiel 11:1-4](/ezekiel/11-1 "Ezekiel 11:1-4 - Prophecy Against the Princes")). Verse 5 is a direct divine intervention, shifting from general condemnation to a piercing revelation of God's intimate knowledge of their innermost thoughts, setting the stage for the severe judgment that follows in the chapter, including the death of Pelatiah (see [Ezekiel 11:13](/ezekiel/11-13 "Ezekiel 11:13 - Death of Pelatiah")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezekiel 11 unfold during the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation in 597 BC, but before the final destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The "house of Israel" in this context primarily refers to those remaining in Jerusalem, who, despite repeated warnings and the initial exile of their countrymen, maintained a defiant and complacent attitude. They believed Jerusalem, with its temple, was inviolable, a "caldron" protecting them from judgment (as alluded to in [Ezekiel 11:3](/ezekiel/11-3 "Ezekiel 11:3 - The Caldron Metaphor")). Culturally, the people often equated their physical presence in the holy city with divine favor, failing to grasp that God's presence and protection were conditional upon their obedience and faithfulness. Their leaders, instead of guiding them to repentance, reinforced this false sense of security, leading to a profound spiritual and moral decay that God now exposes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Inspiration and Authority**, as the Spirit of the LORD empowers Ezekiel, validating his prophetic message as a direct word from God, not human opinion. This is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, emphasizing the divine origin of his often-unpopular pronouncements (e.g., [Ezekiel 2:2](/ezekiel/2-2 "Ezekiel 2:2 - The Spirit Enters Ezekiel"), [Ezekiel 3:24](/ezekiel/3-24 "Ezekiel 3:24 - The Spirit Lifts Ezekiel")). Secondly, and most centrally, it underscores **God's Omniscience**. The declaration "I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them" is a profound statement of God's absolute knowledge, piercing through outward appearances and exposing the hidden rebellion of the heart. This theme directly challenges the people's self-deception and false security, revealing that their internal defiance is as culpable as their external acts of sin. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is based on a full and intimate understanding of the people's deep-seated spiritual corruption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** From H7307, this word signifies "wind" or "breath," but by extension, it refers to the "spirit" of a rational being, including its expression and functions. In this context, "the Spirit of the LORD" (H7307 with H3068) denotes the divine, active presence and power of God, empowering Ezekiel with prophetic revelation and authority. It is the very breath and life of God, indicating a direct, supernatural impartation of divine communication.
* **fell (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, this primitive root means "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, including to be accepted, cast down, or to light upon. When used with "Spirit," it vividly describes the sudden, overwhelming, and undeniable descent of God's power and presence upon Ezekiel, indicating a forceful and immediate divine anointing that compels him to speak. It's not a gentle leading but a powerful, undeniable takeover for the purpose of prophecy.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know" in a comprehensive sense—not merely intellectual acquaintance but a deep, intimate, and experiential understanding. It implies ascertainment by seeing, observation, care, and recognition. Here, God's declaration "I know" signifies His perfect and exhaustive knowledge of every thought, intention, and scheme of the human heart, leaving no room for concealment or pretense. It's a knowing that includes judgment and accountability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the ensuing prophecy. The "Spirit of the LORD" (Ruach Yahweh) is the active, empowering presence of God, and its "falling upon" Ezekiel signifies a sudden, powerful, and undeniable divine anointing. It indicates that Ezekiel is not speaking his own words but is a conduit for God's direct revelation, compelled by supernatural power.
* **"and said unto me, Speak;":** This immediately follows the Spirit's descent, emphasizing the direct communication from God to Ezekiel. The command "Speak" is an imperative, highlighting the urgency and necessity of delivering the divine message. It underscores Ezekiel's role as a prophet—one who speaks on behalf of God.
* **"Thus saith the LORD;":** This is a classic prophetic formula, reinforcing the divine authority and infallibility of the message. It serves as a solemn declaration that the words that follow are not Ezekiel's personal opinions or observations, but the direct, unadulterated word of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel.
* **"Thus have ye said, O house of Israel:":** This clause reveals the content of God's direct address to the people. "O house of Israel" specifically refers to the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem, particularly their leaders, who were filled with a false sense of security and defiance. The phrase "Thus have ye said" indicates that God is responding to their internal dialogue, their unspoken thoughts, or perhaps their private, defiant declarations.
* **"for I know the things that come into your mind, [every one of] them.":** This is the core revelation of the verse. God declares His absolute omniscience, stating that He is intimately aware of their deepest thoughts, plans, and intentions ("the things that come into your mind"). The emphatic addition "[every one of] them" leaves no room for any hidden motive or secret scheme to escape God's notice. It exposes the futility of their self-deception and underscores the basis for God's impending judgment—their internal rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in "the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and said unto me." While God is Spirit, the depiction of the Spirit "falling" and "speaking" uses human-like actions to describe a divine, supernatural event, making it comprehensible to the prophet and his audience. This also functions as a form of **Divine Revelation**, where God directly communicates His will and knowledge. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" is a classic example of a **Prophetic Oracle Formula**, a conventional opening that immediately establishes the divine authority and infallibility of the message, ensuring the audience understands that these are not Ezekiel's words but God's. Furthermore, the verse employs **Direct Address** ("O house of Israel"), which personalizes the message, making it a direct confrontation with the specific audience. Finally, the culminating statement, "for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them," is a powerful declaration of **Divine Omniscience**, a theological truth presented as a direct, undeniable fact, serving as both a warning and an indictment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:5 profoundly articulates God's absolute omniscience, revealing that His knowledge extends beyond outward actions and spoken words to the innermost thoughts and intentions of the human heart. This truth is foundational to biblical theology, establishing God as the ultimate judge who sees all things, leaving no secret hidden. It challenges any notion of human autonomy in thought or any attempt to conceal rebellion from the divine gaze. The Spirit's empowerment of Ezekiel also connects to the broader theme of divine inspiration, where God actively intervenes in human history through His chosen messengers, equipping them with the authority and insight necessary to convey His truth, even when it is a message of judgment. This intimate knowledge of the heart is the very basis for God's righteous judgment, as He judges not merely by deeds but by the root of those deeds—the thoughts and intentions from which they spring.

* [Psalm 139:2-4](/psalms/139-2 "Psalm 139:2-4 - God's Omniscience of Thoughts")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart and God's Knowledge")
* [Hebrews 4:12-13](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12-13 - The Discerning Power of God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:5 serves as a profound and timeless reminder that our inner world—our thoughts, intentions, and secret motives—is fully transparent before God. This truth calls for a radical reorientation of our spiritual lives, moving beyond mere outward conformity to a deep, heartfelt pursuit of purity and integrity. It compels us to engage in honest self-examination, recognizing that true godliness begins in the mind and heart. For the believer, this omniscience is both a comforting assurance that God understands our unspoken struggles, fears, and sincere desires, and a solemn warning against harboring unconfessed sin, bitterness, or rebellion. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that is genuinely devoted to God, knowing that pretense is futile before Him. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to live lives of authentic faith, where our inner thoughts align with our outward confession, striving to make every thought obedient to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does God's intimate knowledge of "the things that come into your mind" reveal about His character?**
* **How does the awareness of God's omniscience impact your daily thought life and decision-making?**
* **In what ways might we, like the "house of Israel," harbor hidden thoughts or intentions that are contrary to God's will?**
* **How can we intentionally cultivate a thought life that is pleasing to God, knowing He sees "every one of them"?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me" signify for Ezekiel as a prophet?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a powerful, direct, and undeniable divine empowerment. In the Old Testament, the "Spirit of the LORD" often came upon individuals to equip them for specific divine tasks, such as leadership, craftsmanship, or, as in Ezekiel's case, prophetic ministry. For Ezekiel, it means that the message he is about to deliver is not his own, but a divinely inspired and authoritative word from God Himself. It underscores his role as God's mouthpiece, ensuring that his pronouncements carry the weight and truth of the Almighty. This experience is similar to other prophetic callings where the Spirit's presence is central (e.g., [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord GOD is Upon Me")).

**Why is God's knowledge of their "mind" so significant in this context?**

Answer: God's emphasis on knowing "the things that come into your mind, every one of them" is profoundly significant because it exposes the root of Israel's rebellion. The people in Jerusalem, particularly their leaders, were outwardly defiant but also harbored hidden thoughts of pride, self-sufficiency, and a false sense of security, believing they were immune to judgment. God's declaration reveals that He sees beyond their outward actions and hears their unspoken words; He knows their innermost intentions and schemes. This omniscience demonstrates that their rebellion was not merely superficial but deeply ingrained in their hearts and minds, justifying the severe judgment that was to come. It highlights that God judges the heart, not just external behavior (cf. [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 11:5, with its emphasis on God's omniscience and the Spirit's empowerment for prophetic revelation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. As the Son of God, Jesus perfectly embodied the divine omniscience, consistently demonstrating His ability to know the thoughts and intentions of people's hearts without being told (e.g., when He perceived the thoughts of the scribes in [Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knew Their Thoughts") or when He knew what was in man in [John 2:24-25](/john/2-24 "John 2:24-25 - Jesus Knew All People")). This divine attribute in Christ means that no human thought, no hidden motive, no secret sin is concealed from Him, making Him the perfect and righteous judge. Furthermore, the "Spirit of the LORD" that "fell upon" Ezekiel foreshadows the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus, who was "full of the Holy Spirit" ([Luke 4:1](/luke/4-1 "Luke 4:1 - Jesus Full of the Holy Spirit")) and through whom He spoke and acted with unparalleled divine authority. In the New Covenant, this same Spirit is poured out on all believers ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - Pouring Out of the Spirit")), enabling them to discern truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit Guides into Truth")) and to live lives of inner purity, knowing that their hearts are fully exposed to their merciful and omniscient Savior. Christ's fulfillment of this verse transforms the warning of judgment into an invitation for genuine repentance and transformation of the mind, empowered by the very Spirit of God.

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

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

Ezekiel 2:2

And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.

Ezekiel 38:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

Ezekiel 38:11

And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,

Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Ezekiel 3:27

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they [are] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.