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Translation
King James Version
Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?
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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?
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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'?
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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’?
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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?
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World English Bible Messianic
Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in Eretz-Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails?
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Sonne of man, what is that prouerbe that you haue in the land of Israel, saying, The dayes are prolonged and all visions faile?
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Young's Literal Translation
`Son of man, what is this simile to you, concerning the land of Israel, saying, Prolonged are the days, and perished hath every vision?
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Study This Verse

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 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 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, 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.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • proverb (Hebrew, mâshâl', 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', 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', 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: 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: 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: 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, 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). Jesus Himself is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14), signifying that in Him, all of God's promises are definitively "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). 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). 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.

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Commentary on Ezekiel 12 verses 21–28

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Various methods had been used to awaken this secure and careless people to an expectation of the judgments coming, that they might be stirred up, by repentance and reformation, to prevent them. The prophecies of their ruin were confirmed by visions, and illustrated by signs, and all with such evidence and power that one would think they must needs be wrought upon; but here we are told how they evaded the conviction, and guarded against it, namely, by telling themselves, and one another, that though these judgments threatened should come at last yet they would not come of a long time. This suggestion, with which they bolstered themselves up in their security, is here answered, and shown to be vain and groundless, in two separate messages which God sent to them by the prophet at different times, both to the same purport; such care, such pains, must the prophet take to undeceive them, Eze 12:21, Eze 12:26. Observe,

I. How they flattered themselves with hopes that the judgments should be delayed. One saying they had, which had become proverbial in the land of Israel, Eze 12:22. They said, "The days are prolonged; the judgments have not come when they were expected to come, but seem to be still put off de die in diem - from day to day, and therefore we may conclude that every vision fails, because it should seem that some do, that because the destruction has not come yet it will never come; we will never trust a prophet again, for we have been more frightened than hurt." And another saying they had which, if it would not conquer their convictions, yet would cool their affections and abate their concern, and that was, "The vision is for a great while to come; it refers to events at a vast distance, and he prophesies of things which, though they may be true, are yet very far off, so that we need not trouble our heads about them (Eze 12:27); we may die in honour and peace before these troubles come." And, if indeed the troubles had been thus adjourned, they might have made themselves easy, as Hezekiah did. Is it not well if peace and truth shall be in my days? But it was a great mistake, and they did but deceive themselves into their own ruin; and God is here much displeased at it; for, 1. It was a wretched abuse of the patience of God, who, because for a time he kept silence, was thought to be altogether such a one as themselves, Psa 50:21. That forbearance of God which should have led them to repentance hardened them in sin. They were willing to think their works were not evil because sentence against them was not executed speedily; and therefore concluded the vision itself failed, because the days were prolonged. 2. It received countenance form the false prophets that were among them, as should seem from the notice God takes (Eze 12:24) of the vain visions, and flattering divinations, even within the house of Israel, to whom were committed the oracles of God. No marvel if those that deceived themselves by worshipping pretended deities deceived themselves also by crediting pretended prophecies, to which strong delusions God justly gave them up for their idolatries. 3. These sayings had become proverbial; they were industriously spread among the people, so that they had got into very one's mouth, and not only so, but were generally assented to, as proverbs usually are, not only the proverbs of the ancients, but those of the moderns too. Note, It is a token of universal degeneracy in a nation when corrupt and wicked sayings have grown proverbial; and it is an artifice of Satan by them to confirm men in their prejudices against the word and ways of God, and a great offence to the God of heaven. It will not serve for an excuse, in saying ill, to plead that it is a common saying.

II. How they are assured that they do but deceive themselves, for the judgments shall be hastened, these profane proverbs shall be confronted: Tell them, therefore, The days are at hand (Eze 12:23), and again, There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, Eze 12:28. Their putting the evil day far from them does but provoke God to bring it the sooner upon them; and it will be so much the sorer, so much the heavier, so much the more a surprise and terror to them when it does come. He must tell them,

1.That God will certainly silence the lying proverbs, and the lying prophecies, with which they buoyed up their vain hopes, and will make them ashamed of both: (1.) I will make this proverb to cease; for when they find the days of vengeance have come, and not one iota or tittle of the prediction falls to the ground, they will be ashamed to use it as a proverb in Israel, The days are prolonged, and the vision fails. Note, Those that will not have their eyes opened and their mistakes rectified, by the word of God, shall be undeceived by his judgments: for every mouth that speaks perverse things shall be stopped. (2.) There shall be no more any vain vision, Eze 12:24. The false prophets, who told the people they should have peace and should soon see an end of their troubles, shall be disproved by the event, and then shall be ashamed of their pretensions, and shall hide their heads and impose silence upon themselves. Note, As truth was older than error, so it will survive it; it got the start, and it will get the race. The true prophets' visions and predictions stand, and are in full force, power, and virtue; they give law, and receive credit, when the vain visions, and the flattering divinations, are lost and forgotten, and shall be no more in the house of Israel; for great is the truth, and will prevail.

2.That God will certainly, and very shortly, accomplish every word that he has spoken. With what majesty does he say it (Eze 12:25): I am the Lord! I am Jehovah! That glorious name of his speaks him a God giving being to his word by the performance of it, and therefore to the patriarchs, who lived by faith in a promise not yet performed, he was not known by his name Jehovah, Exo 6:3. But, as he is Jehovah in making good his promise, so he is in making good his threatenings. Let them know then that God, with whom they have to do, is the great Jehovah, and therefore, (1.) He will speak, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear: I am the Lord, I will speak. God will have his saying, whoever gainsays it. God's oracles are called lively ones, for they still speak when the pagan oracles are long ago struck dumb. There has been, and shall be, a succession of God's ministers to the end of the world, by whom he will speak; and, though contempt may be put upon them, that shall not put a period to their ministration: In your days, O rebellious house! will I say the word. Even in the worst ages of the church God left not himself without witness, but raised up men that spoke for him, that spoke from him. I will say the word, the word that shall stand. (2.) The word that he speaks shall come to pass; it shall infallibly be accomplished according to the true intent and meaning of it, and according to the full extent and compass of it: I will say the word and will perform it (Eze 12:25), for his mind is never changed, nor his arm shortened, nor is Infinite Wisdom ever nonplussed. With men saying and doing are two things, but they are not so with God; with him it is dictum, factum - said, and done. In the works of providence, as in those of creation, he speaks and it is done; for he said, Let there be light, and there was light - Let there be a firmament, and there was a firmament, Num 23:19; Sa1 15:29. Whereas they had said, Every vision fails (Eze 12:22), God says, "No, there shall be the effect of every vision (Eze 12:23); it shall not return void, but every sign shall be answered by the thing signified." Those that see the visions of the Almighty do not see vain visions; God confirms the word of his servants by performing it. (3.) It shall be accomplished very shortly: "The days are at hand when you shall see the effect of every vision, Eze 12:23. It is said, it is sworn, that delay shall be no longer (Rev 10:6); the year of God's patience has now just expired, and he will no longer defer the execution of the sentence. It shall be no more prolonged (Eze 12:25); he has borne with you a great while, but he will not bear always. In your days, O rebellious house! shall the word that is said be performed, and you shall see the threatened judgments and share in them. Behold, the Judge stands at the door. The righteous are taken away from the evil to come, but this rebellious house shall not be so quietly taken away; no, they shall live to be hurried away, to be chased out of the world." This is repeated (Eze 12:28): "There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but judgment shall now hasten on apace; and the longer the bow has been in the drawing the deeper shall the arrow pierce." When we tell sinners of death and judgment, heaven and hell, and think by them to persuade them to a holy life, though we do not find them downright infidels (they will own that they do believe there is a state of rewards and punishments in the other world), yet they put by the force of those great truths, and void the impressions of them, by looking upon the things of the other world as very remote; they tell us, "The vision you see is for many days to come, and you prophesy of the times that are very far off; it will be time enough to think of them when they come nearer," whereas really there is but a step between us and death, between us and an awful eternity; yet a little while and the vision shall speak and not lie, and therefore it concerns us to redeem time, and get ready with all speed for a future state; for, though it is future, it is very near, and while impenitent sinners slumber their damnation slumbers not.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 21–28. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 21 and following) And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying: The days are prolonged, and every vision fails? Therefore say to them: Thus says the Lord God: I will make this proverb to cease, and it shall be used no more in Israel. Speak to them, and say: The days are at hand, and every vision shall be fulfilled. For there shall no longer be any false vision, nor ambiguous divination in the midst of the children of Israel. Because I, the Lord, will speak, whatever word I have spoken will be done. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a word and I will do it, says the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: Son of man, behold the house of Israel, saying: The vision that this man sees is for many days and he prophesies for a long time. Therefore, say to them: Thus says the Lord God: My word will no longer be delayed: the word that I have spoken will be fulfilled, says the Lord God. What we have said, the proverb, according to Symmachus, all other interpreters have translated as a parable, which in Hebrew is called Masal. Again, where it has been said by us: 'There shall not be an ambiguous divination,' the Seventy have translated it as 'nor one divining according to favor.' For which reason all have interpreted it as slippery, whereas what we have said is ambiguous, so that we may understand the deceiving words of our prophets. Now the meaning of the entire chapter is this: He had previously prophesied against the ruler who was in Jerusalem, then he declared to the people that there would be famine and a burning thirst. So the unbelieving crowd takes up an old and well-known proverb: The threat of prophets is postponed to a distant time, and every vision will perish, while it is seen in vain; or, according to Symmachus, it will vanish into thin air and a gentle breeze. Therefore, say to them, my threat will by no means be postponed, nor will a false and ambiguous prediction be made to the people that has an uncertain end, so that it is said at one time and fulfilled at another; but now, while you who speak and those who hear are alive, let the word that I have spoken be fulfilled. However, it signifies the imminent captivity of the city of Jerusalem and the capture of Zedekiah with the people of Judah. Not only at that time, but even today the unbelieving crowd and the hard hearts of mortals do not accept the prophecy of God: but they consider everything that the prophets threaten, everything that the Gospel preaches, to be postponed to another time. And here let us understand the parable that is presented by the Septuagint as being received as a proverb, in accordance with what we read in the psalm: 'And I became a proverb to them' (Psalm 68:12). And in the same prophet: What is this parable to you in the people of Israel, saying: The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the sons are set on edge? We clearly explain, so that we may remain in the more obscure.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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