Ezekiel 12:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, what is that proverb {H4912} that ye have in the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, The days {H3117} are prolonged {H748}, and every vision {H2377} faileth {H6}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, don't you have this proverb in the land of Isra'el, 'Time keeps passing, and none of the visions are fulfilled'?

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel: ‘The days go by, and every vision fails’?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:22 powerfully encapsulates the deep-seated skepticism and spiritual weariness prevalent among the Israelites, both in Judah and among the exiles in Babylon, during Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. This verse introduces a cynical proverb widely adopted by the people: "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?" This adage reflected their disillusionment stemming from years of prophetic warnings that, to their perception, had not yet culminated in the immediate, full-scale judgment on Jerusalem. The verse serves as a critical turning point, setting the stage for God's forceful and unequivocal rebuttal, asserting the imminent and certain fulfillment of His divine word, thereby directly challenging the dangerous notion that divine promises or threats could be indefinitely delayed or ultimately prove ineffective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 12:22 is strategically positioned within a significant section of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 12-19) that directly confronts the false hopes, spiritual complacency, and profound disbelief of the Israelites. Prior to this verse, Ezekiel has engaged in a series of dramatic, symbolic actions—such as digging through a wall and carrying an exile's baggage by day, then eating with trembling and drinking with quaking by night—all designed to vividly portray the impending siege, destruction, and exile of Jerusalem. These powerful enactments were often met not with repentance, but with skepticism and dismissal by the people. The proverb introduced in this verse, spoken by God Himself, lays bare the core challenge to Ezekiel's prophetic ministry: the people's conviction that God's word was untrustworthy due to perceived delays in its fulfillment. The verses immediately following [Ezekiel 12:23-28](/ezekiel/12-23-28 "Ezekiel 12:23-28 - God's Imminent Word and Judgment") provide God's direct, emphatic, and decisive response, asserting the swift and undeniable fulfillment of His prophecies, particularly concerning Jerusalem's imminent fall. Thus, this proverb functions as a direct articulation of the people's question and doubt, to which God provides a definitive answer, underscoring the urgency and certainty of His divine plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel's ministry is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, specifically among the Jewish captives settled near the Chebar Canal. While a significant portion of the Judean population, including King Jehoiachin and prominent citizens, had already been deported to Babylon in 597 BC, Jerusalem itself had not yet suffered its final, devastating destruction. This created a precarious and confusing situation where many in Jerusalem and among the exiles clung to a false hope of a quick return, or believed that God would never permit His sacred temple and holy city to fall. Decades of unheeded prophetic warnings from figures like Jeremiah had preceded the exile, but the ultimate, crushing blow had been delayed, fostering a widespread cynicism and spiritual fatigue. The proverb "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?" was a common expression reflecting this deep-seated distrust in prophetic messages, a dangerous presumption that God's judgment was either a myth or indefinitely postponed. This pervasive cultural attitude of disbelief and spiritual apathy posed a significant obstacle to Ezekiel's mission of conveying God's imminent judgment and, eventually, His promise of restoration.
* **Key Themes:** The proverb articulated in [Ezekiel 12:22](/ezekiel/12-22 "Ezekiel 12:22 - The Proverb of Delay and Disbelief") powerfully encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes that permeate the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Skepticism and Cynicism** towards God's word, a pervasive attitude among the exiles who had grown weary of waiting for prophecies to materialize. This skepticism is intimately intertwined with the **Perceived Delay of Judgment**, where the phrase "The days are prolonged" speaks to the human tendency to grow impatient when divine action seems deferred, leading to spiritual complacency and a false sense of security. The companion phrase, "every vision faileth," directly addresses the crucial theme of the **Reliability of Prophetic Revelation**, challenging the very authority, truthfulness, and efficacy of God's spoken word. Ezekiel's entire ministry, as detailed in his call and commission in [Ezekiel 1:1-3:27](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Commission"), is a direct counter to this widespread disbelief, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His word. Ultimately, this proverb serves as a dramatic foil, setting the stage for God to powerfully reassert the theme of **God's Imminent Action and Unwavering Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His plans will unfold precisely in His timing, regardless of human doubt or impatience, as vividly illustrated in the subsequent verses of [Ezekiel 12](/ezekiel/12 "Ezekiel 12 - Symbolic Actions and Prophecies of Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **proverb (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** From H4912, this term signifies a pithy maxim, often metaphorical in nature, encompassing adages, parables, or even satirical sayings. In the context of Ezekiel 12:22, it refers to a popular, cynical saying circulating among the Israelites, reflecting their collective disbelief, spiritual apathy, and even mockery of God's prophetic warnings. It functions not as a wise or divinely inspired saying, but as an expression of human impatience and a direct challenge to divine authority and truthfulness.
* **prolonged (Hebrew, _ʼârak'_):** From H748, meaning "to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)." Here, it denotes an indefinite extension of time, emphasizing the people's perception that the promised days of judgment or fulfillment were being stretched out indefinitely. This perceived delay led to a dangerous sense of false security, complacency, and the dismissal of the urgency of God's warnings.
* **vision (Hebrew, _châzôwn'_):** From H2377, referring to a "sight (mentally), i.e. a dream, revelation, or oracle." This word specifically points to the divine communications received by prophets, which the people were now dismissing as having "failed" or come to nothing. It underscores the direct challenge to the veracity, power, and efficacy of God's revealed word delivered through His chosen messengers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel, saying,"**: God addresses Ezekiel by his customary title, "Son of man," a designation that emphasizes his human frailty and his representative role as a prophet speaking on behalf of humanity to God, and on behalf of God to humanity. The question, "what [is] that proverb...?", is profoundly rhetorical, indicating God's full and intimate awareness of the cynical saying circulating among His people. The phrase "in the land of Israel" highlights that this proverb is not an isolated sentiment but is widespread and deeply ingrained within the collective consciousness of His covenant people, reflecting a pervasive spiritual malaise and a direct challenge to God's authority. This opening sets the stage for a divine confrontation between popular disbelief and absolute divine truth.
* **"The days are prolonged,"**: This clause articulates the core complaint and perception of the people: the perceived delay in the fulfillment of prophetic warnings, particularly concerning the impending judgment on Jerusalem. Having heard prophecies of impending doom for years, and witnessing the first wave of exile without the ultimate catastrophe befalling the city, they concluded that God's timing was indefinitely distant. This led to a dangerous spiritual complacency, a false sense of security, and a belief that they could continue in their sinful ways without immediate consequence.
* **"and every vision faileth?"**: This second clause represents the cynical and dismissive conclusion drawn from the perceived delay. If the "days are prolonged," then, in their minds, "every vision"—every prophetic word, every divine revelation, every warning or promise—must be ineffective, unreliable, or ultimately come to nothing. This directly impugns the integrity of God's word, the credibility of His prophets, and the very character of God Himself, suggesting that divine communication is ultimately void of power, truth, or purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:22 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, as God asks Ezekiel "what [is] that proverb...?" This is not a genuine inquiry for information, as God is omniscient, but rather a powerful rhetorical technique to highlight God's full awareness of the people's cynical attitude and to set the dramatic stage for His authoritative and imminent response. The verse also features profound **Irony**, as the very "proverb" that dismisses divine visions as failing is itself a testament to the people's spiritual blindness and their failure to perceive God's unfolding plan, directly preceding God's emphatic affirmation of His word's certain and imminent fulfillment. Furthermore, the proverb itself is a form of **Adage** or **Maxim**, albeit a negative and cynical one, encapsulating a widespread popular sentiment that has become a stumbling block to faith. The recurring phrase "Son of man" serves as a significant **Title** for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity in stark contrast to the divine speaker, and underscoring the profound chasm between human skepticism and the unwavering certainty of divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:22 powerfully exposes the perennial human tendency to doubt God's word when its fulfillment is not immediate, a spiritual malady rooted in impatience, a limited understanding of divine timing, and a fundamental lack of trust in God's perfect sovereignty. This perceived delay often leads to spiritual complacency, a dangerous dismissal of God's warnings, and a diminished appreciation for His promises. Theologically, the verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His word, demonstrating that His prophecies are not subject to human timelines, skepticism, or perceived failures, but will be fulfilled precisely as He decrees. It highlights the profound tension between human perception of time and God's eternal perspective, asserting His absolute sovereignty over all events and His unshakeable faithfulness to all His declarations, whether of impending judgment or future blessing. God's word, once spoken, carries the weight of His divine character and will accomplish its intended purpose.

* [2 Peter 3:3-4](/2_peter/3-3-4 "2 Peter 3:3-4 - Scoffers Regarding Christ's Return"): This New Testament passage directly addresses scoffers in the last days who question the delay of Christ's second coming, echoing the ancient Israelite cynicism about delayed prophecies and God's perceived inaction.
* [Habakkuk 2:3](/habakkuk/2-3 "Habakkuk 2:3 - The Vision Awaits Its Appointed Time"): The prophet Habakkuk is instructed to write down the vision, with the divine assurance that "though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry," directly confronting the issue of perceived delay and affirming divine certainty.
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"): This majestic passage from Isaiah affirms the absolute efficacy and certainty of God's word, declaring that it "shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:22 serves as a profound mirror, reflecting humanity's perennial struggle with patience, trust, and our often-limited perspective on God's perfect timing. In a world accustomed to instant gratification and immediate results, the perceived "prolonging" of God's promises or the delay in His interventions can easily foster cynicism, leading us to dismiss His word as ineffective, irrelevant, or even untrue. This verse challenges us to cultivate a robust, resilient faith that endures beyond immediate sight and present circumstances, remembering that God's calendar operates on an eternal scale, perfectly aligned with His sovereign purposes and perfect wisdom. It calls us to remain vigilant, expectant, and steadfast in our belief, knowing that every divine "vision" or promise—whether of judgment for sin, blessing for obedience, or the ultimate return of Christ—will assuredly come to pass. Our spiritual health and peace depend not on our ability to dictate God's timing, but on our unwavering belief in His unfailing character and the absolute certainty of His word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "proverbs" or cynical sayings about God's timing, His promises, or His justice might you be unknowingly harboring in your own heart or hearing in your community today?**
* **How does perceived delay in prayer answers, the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, or the manifestation of God's justice challenge your faith, and what specific biblical truths can help you combat this skepticism?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to believe that God's "vision faileth," and how can you actively choose to trust His word and His perfect timing over your immediate circumstances and human impatience?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific "proverb" being referenced in Ezekiel 12:22?**

Answer: The specific proverb referenced was, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?" This popular saying among the Israelites expressed their deep-seated cynical belief that the prophecies of impending judgment, particularly concerning the fall of Jerusalem and the complete destruction of the Temple, had been delayed indefinitely and would ultimately prove to be untrue or ineffective. It reflected a widespread spiritual weariness, disillusionment, and a dangerous dismissal of God's urgent warnings.

**Why was this proverb so prevalent during Ezekiel's time?**

Answer: This proverb was so prevalent because the people had been hearing dire prophecies of impending judgment for many years, notably from prophets like Jeremiah, but the final, devastating blow to Jerusalem had not yet occurred. While the first wave of exile had already taken place, as detailed in [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10-17 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and the First Deportation"), Jerusalem and its sacred Temple still stood. This perceived delay fostered a deep-seated skepticism and complacency among both those remaining in Jerusalem and the exiles in Babylon. They reasoned that if God's word hadn't been fully realized yet, it must be false or indefinitely postponed, making it incredibly challenging for prophets like Ezekiel to convey the urgency, certainty, and truthfulness of God's imminent word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 12:22, with its lament of delayed and seemingly failed visions, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, who is the perfect embodiment and absolute fulfillment of all God's promises and prophetic visions. The Old Testament prophets, including Ezekiel, spoke of a coming Messiah, a "vision" of salvation and restoration that seemed prolonged for centuries, stretching across generations of waiting. Yet, in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, not in a way that "failed" or was indefinitely delayed, but in perfect alignment with divine timing and purpose ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")). Jesus Himself is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness")), signifying that in Him, all of God's promises are definitively "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The perceived failure of visions in Ezekiel's day is starkly contrasted with the absolute certainty of Christ's first coming, which perfectly accomplished God's redemptive plan, and His promised second coming, which, though seemingly delayed to human eyes, will likewise occur with divine precision and undeniable power ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Promise of Jesus' Return")). Thus, Christ stands as the definitive answer to every cynical proverb, proving that God's word never fails, but always culminates in His glorious and redemptive purposes.

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 18:2

What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

Ezekiel 18:3

[As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have [occasion] any more to use this proverb in Israel.

Ezekiel 11:3

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

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.

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]!

Jeremiah 23:33

¶ And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What [is] the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:40

And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.