Ezekiel 12:25

KJV

For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I am the LORD {H3068}: I will speak {H1696}, and the word {H1697} that I shall speak {H1696} shall come to pass {H6213}; it shall be no more prolonged {H4900}: for in your days {H3117}, O rebellious {H4805} house {H1004}, will I say {H1696} the word {H1697}, and will perform {H6213} it, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because I am ADONAI. I will speak; and whatever statement I make, it will be accomplished. It will no longer be delayed; for in your days, you rebellious house, I will speak the word and accomplish it,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

because I, the LORD, will speak whatever word I speak, and it will be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak a message and bring it to pass, declares the Lord GOD.’”

American Standard Version

For I am Jehovah; I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall be performed; it shall be no more deferred: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I speak the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 12:25 serves as a potent divine declaration, directly refuting the prevalent skepticism among the Israelites regarding the timing of God's prophetic judgments. It emphatically asserts the immediate and certain fulfillment of God's word, particularly His pronouncements of impending judgment upon the "rebellious house" of Israel. This verse underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, the infallibility of His spoken word, and the end of any perceived delay in the execution of His divine will, signaling a shift from patient warning to swift, decisive action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 12:25 is situated within a broader section (Ezekiel 12:21-28) where God directly confronts the cynical proverb prevalent among the exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem: "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth" ([Ezekiel 12:22](/ezekiel/12-22 "Ezekiel 12:22 - The Proverb of Prolonged Visions")). This proverb reflected a deep-seated disbelief and spiritual apathy, as the people had grown weary of prophecies that seemed to go unfulfilled, particularly those concerning the imminent destruction of Jerusalem. God's response, delivered through Ezekiel, is a forceful rebuttal, emphasizing that the time for delay is over and His word will now be fulfilled with unprecedented speed. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 12](/ezekiel/12 "Ezekiel 12 - Signs of the Exile and Judgment") detail Ezekiel's symbolic actions—packing for exile, digging through a wall—which visually depicted the coming siege and flight of Jerusalem's inhabitants, including King Zedekiah. Verse 25, therefore, serves as a divine commentary on these symbolic acts, affirming their immediate and literal fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel 12:25 was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national crisis for Judah. Many Jews had already been deported to Babylon (the first wave in 597 BC), while Jerusalem still stood, albeit under Babylonian vassalage. The people, both in exile and in Jerusalem, clung to false hopes of a quick return or dismissed the dire warnings of prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah as distant or untrue. They had developed a fatalistic or cynical attitude, believing that God's judgment would either never come or was so far off as to be irrelevant to their generation. False prophets, who promised peace and prosperity, further fueled this delusion, contradicting the true prophets who warned of impending doom. The phrase "rebellious house" ([Ezekiel 12:25](/ezekiel/12-25 "Ezekiel 12:25 - God's Word Fulfilled Immediately")) refers to the nation of Israel, specifically Judah, whose persistent idolatry, injustice, and rejection of God's covenant had led them to this precarious state. Their rebellion was not merely against God's laws but against His very word, as they refused to believe His warnings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Ezekiel and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's absolute sovereignty and faithfulness** to His word. The declaration "For I am the LORD" is a foundational assertion of His covenant identity and authority. Secondly, it emphasizes the **certainty and efficacy of divine prophecy**. Unlike human predictions, God's word is not merely a forecast but a decree that carries the power for its own fulfillment; it "shall come to pass." This directly counters the skepticism expressed in [Ezekiel 12:22](/ezekiel/12-22 "Ezekiel 12:22 - The Proverb of Prolonged Visions"). Thirdly, the verse marks a critical shift in **divine timing and patience**. The era of prolonged warnings and perceived delay is over, signaling that the time for judgment has arrived. This theme of divine patience reaching its limit is echoed elsewhere, such as in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Complete") regarding the Amorites. Finally, it underscores the theme of **divine accountability** for human rebellion. The "rebellious house" will face the immediate consequences of their actions, demonstrating that God holds His people responsible for their disobedience, as seen throughout [the book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Call of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the personal, covenant name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature of God, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. When God declares, "For I am the LORD," it is an assertion of His ultimate authority, His covenant faithfulness, and the inherent power of His being to bring about whatever He declares. It grounds the certainty of His word in His very identity.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root means "to arrange," but is used figuratively for "to speak." It implies not just uttering words, but a deliberate, authoritative declaration. When God "speaks," it is an act of divine will that carries inherent power and purpose. The repetition of this verb ("I will speak, and the word that I shall speak") emphasizes the intentionality and certainty of God's pronouncements.
* **rebellious (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "bitterness," this term figuratively denotes "rebellion." It describes a state of stubborn resistance, obstinacy, and defiance against divine authority. The "rebellious house" refers to the nation of Israel, particularly Judah, whose persistent disobedience and rejection of God's prophets and covenant laws characterized their spiritual condition, making them ripe for judgment.
* **perform (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root means "to do or make" in the broadest sense. Here, it signifies the concrete execution or accomplishment of what has been spoken. God not only speaks His word but also actively brings it to pass. The phrase "will I say the word, and will perform it" highlights the intimate connection between God's declaration and His powerful action, underscoring the infallibility and efficacy of His decrees.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I [am] the LORD:"** This foundational declaration establishes the speaker's identity and authority. It is the covenant God, Yahweh, who speaks, emphasizing His unchanging nature, His supreme sovereignty, and the inherent truthfulness and power of His every utterance.
* **"I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass;"** This clause asserts the absolute certainty and efficacy of God's spoken word. It is not a mere prediction but a divine decree that carries its own power for fulfillment. What God declares, He will unquestionably bring to fruition.
* **"it shall be no more prolonged:"** This directly refutes the cynical proverb of the people, who believed God's judgments were indefinitely delayed. God declares an end to the period of perceived patience and postponement, signaling that the time for decisive action has arrived.
* **"for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it,"** This specifies the immediate and personal nature of the judgment. The fulfillment will occur within the lifetime of the current generation, the "rebellious house" of Israel, who are characterized by their stubborn disobedience. God reiterates His commitment to both speak and execute His word, leaving no room for doubt or further delay.
* **"saith the Lord GOD."** This concluding phrase reinforces the divine origin and authority of the message. "Lord GOD" combines *Adonai* (Sovereign Master) and *Yahweh* (the covenant God), emphasizing both His supreme rule and His faithfulness to His word, whether in promise or warning. It serves as an emphatic seal on the certainty of the preceding declaration.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 12:25 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, where God's declaration ("I will speak, and the word... shall come to pass") is presented as inherently self-fulfilling, emphasizing His absolute authority and power. There is also significant **Repetition** of key concepts, such as "speak" and "word," which reinforces the certainty and intentionality of God's communication and its inevitable outcome. The phrase "O rebellious house" is an example of **Apostrophe**, a direct address to an absent or personified entity, which here serves to highlight the specific audience and their spiritual condition, making the warning intensely personal and pointed. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, not of a distant event, but of the immediate and concrete judgments that will soon befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants, fulfilling the prophecies that the people had dismissed as prolonged.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 12:25 profoundly speaks to the nature of God's word and His unwavering faithfulness. It reveals that God's declarations are not mere suggestions or possibilities, but divine decrees that carry inherent power for their own fulfillment. This truth undergirds all of God's interactions with humanity, from creation to redemption to final judgment. It assures believers of the certainty of God's promises and warns those in rebellion of the inevitability of His justice. The perceived "delay" in God's timing is often a demonstration of His patience and long-suffering, offering opportunity for repentance, but there comes a point when His word, once spoken, will be executed without further postponement. This verse stands as a testament to the fact that God is not a God who speaks idly; His word is alive, active, and always accomplishes its intended purpose.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 12:25 serves as a timeless and profound reminder for every generation of God's absolute sovereignty and the unshakeable certainty of His spoken word. For the contemporary believer, this verse instills immense confidence and peace. It assures us that every promise God has made—concerning salvation, provision, guidance, and His ultimate return—will undoubtedly come to pass. In a world fraught with uncertainty and broken promises, the immutability of God's word is a steadfast anchor for our souls, calling us to trust Him fully and obey Him wholeheartedly. Conversely, it stands as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency, apathy, and outright rebellion. Just as God's promises are certain, so too are His warnings of judgment against sin and disobedience. There is no indefinite postponement of divine accountability. This truth should compel us to live in humble submission, active repentance, and vigilant obedience, recognizing that our days are not prolonged indefinitely and that God's word, both of grace and of judgment, will be performed in due time. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we truly believe that God's word is "no more prolonged" in our lives, or do we subtly dismiss His commands and warnings as distant or irrelevant?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "prolong" or delay obedience to God's clear commands, perhaps subtly doubting their immediate relevance or consequence?**
* **How does the certainty of God's word, as declared in Ezekiel 12:25, impact my trust in His promises for my future and His plan for the world?**
* **What specific "rebellion" or stubbornness in my heart might God be confronting with the truth that His word will be performed "in your days"?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of urgency and responsiveness to God's word, both in hearing and in doing?**

### FAQ
**What does "it shall be no more prolonged" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase directly addresses the cynical proverb of the time, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth" ([Ezekiel 12:22](/ezekiel/12-22 "Ezekiel 12:22 - The Proverb of Prolonged Visions")). It means that God's patience has reached its limit, and the period of perceived delay in the fulfillment of His prophetic warnings, particularly concerning the judgment and destruction of Jerusalem, is definitively over. God is declaring that His word will now come to pass swiftly and immediately, without any further postponement, in the lifetime of the very generation that doubted Him. It signifies a shift from warning to imminent execution of divine judgment.

**Who is the "rebellious house" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "rebellious house" refers to the nation of Israel, specifically the kingdom of Judah, during the time of Ezekiel's prophecy. This term is used frequently throughout the book of Ezekiel to describe God's people who, despite being in covenant with Him, consistently rebelled through idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to His laws and prophets. They were "rebellious" because they stubbornly resisted God's will and refused to heed His warnings, leading to their impending judgment and exile, as detailed throughout [the book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Call of Ezekiel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 12:25, with its emphatic declaration of God's word being immediately and certainly fulfilled, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate context is God's judgment on a rebellious Israel, the theological principle—that God's word does not return void and is performed without delay—points directly to the person and work of Christ. He is the living Word of God made flesh, through whom all of God's promises and prophecies are brought to their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The Old Testament prophecies concerning a Messiah, which might have seemed "prolonged" over centuries, were perfectly fulfilled in Christ's first coming, from His birth in Bethlehem to His atoning death and resurrection ([luke/24-44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Fulfillment of Scripture")). Jesus Himself declared that He came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them ([matthew/5-17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law and Prophets")). His life, ministry, and sacrifice were the ultimate "performance" of God's word, bringing about salvation and establishing His kingdom. Furthermore, just as God's word of judgment was "no more prolonged" for the rebellious house in Ezekiel's day, so too the word of Christ's return and final judgment will be performed without delay in God's appointed time, as promised in passages like [revelation/22-20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Revelation 22:20 - Jesus is Coming Soon"). Thus, Ezekiel 12:25 serves as a powerful testament to the reliability of God's character, fully revealed in the Person who is the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills all that God has spoken.

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

Habakkuk 1:5

¶ Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].

Isaiah 55:11

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: 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.

Ezekiel 12:28

Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 14:24

¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Ezekiel 12:1

¶ The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 12:2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.