Ezekiel 2:6

KJV

¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou, son {H1121} of man {H120}, be not afraid {H3372} of them, neither be afraid {H3372} of their words {H1697}, though briers {H5621} and thorns {H5544} be with thee, and thou dost dwell {H3427} among scorpions {H6137}: be not afraid {H3372} of their words {H1697}, nor be dismayed {H2865} at their looks {H6440}, though they be a rebellious {H4805} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As for you, human being, don't be afraid of them or their words, even if briars and thorns surround you, and you sit among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be upset by their looks, for they are a rebellious house.

Berean Standard Bible

But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house.

American Standard Version

And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 2:6 delivers a crucial divine mandate to the newly commissioned prophet Ezekiel. God explicitly commands him to overcome fear of the rebellious house of Israel, despite their anticipated hostility, which is vividly depicted as painful "briers and thorns" and venomous "scorpions." This verse not only highlights God's perfect foreknowledge of the profound opposition Ezekiel would encounter but also serves as a powerful divine assurance, emphasizing the prophet's indispensable need for unwavering courage and steadfast faithfulness in proclaiming God's challenging message to a hardened and resistant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound and awe-inspiring account of Ezekiel's divine call and commissioning, detailed in [Ezekiel chapter 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Call of Ezekiel"). Having been overwhelmed by the glorious vision of God's throne-chariot (cf. [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of the Likeness of the Glory of the Lord")), Ezekiel is now being prepared for the arduous realities of his prophetic ministry. The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 2:3-5](/ezekiel/2-3-5 "Ezekiel 2:3-5 - God Sends Ezekiel to Rebellious Israel")) establish the character of the audience to whom Ezekiel is sent: "a rebellious nation," "impudent children and stiffhearted." God explicitly states that regardless of their response—whether they listen or refuse—they will undeniably "know that there hath been a prophet among them." Therefore, [Ezekiel 2:6](/ezekiel/2-6 "Ezekiel 2:6 - Do Not Be Afraid") directly addresses the inevitable opposition, providing a divine antidote to fear, reinforcing the absolute necessity of delivering the message irrespective of its reception. It sets the tone for Ezekiel's entire ministry, which is characterized by God's unwavering word delivered to an unyielding audience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel was called to prophesy to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically those who had been deported with King Jehoiachin in 597 BC (cf. [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10-16 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Captivity and the First Deportation")). These exiles, though displaced from their homeland, often harbored false hopes of a swift return to Jerusalem and clung to a superficial religiosity, frequently rejecting the true prophetic word that called for genuine repentance and submission to God's judgment. The vivid imagery of "briers and thorns" and "scorpions" reflects the harsh, often dangerous, environment of the ancient Near East, where such elements were common threats to travelers, shepherds, and those navigating untamed lands. Spiritually, these metaphors aptly describe the "stiff-necked" and "rebellious" nature of the Israelite people, a characteristic noted throughout their historical interactions with God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 9:7](/deuteronomy/9-7 "Deuteronomy 9:7 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")). The "house" (H1004, *bayith*) refers to the entire nation or lineage of Israel, emphasizing their collective and ingrained rebellion against God's covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Ezekiel 2:6](/ezekiel/2-6 "Ezekiel 2:6 - Do Not Be Afraid of Them") is **Divine Commission and Assurance in the Face of Opposition**. God's repeated command, "be not afraid," underscores that the prophet's courage is divinely empowered, not self-generated. This theme is crucial, as Ezekiel is sent to a "rebellious house" (H1004, *bayith*; H4805, *mᵉrîy*), highlighting the pervasive theme of **Israel's Persistent Rebellion**. The vivid imagery of "briers and thorns" (H5621, *çârâb*; H5544, *çillôwn*) and "scorpions" (H6137, *ʻaqrâb*) powerfully conveys the **Hostile Nature of the Audience**, emphasizing the spiritual danger and discomfort Ezekiel would experience. Despite this formidable challenge, the verse implicitly teaches **Faithfulness Over Results**, as Ezekiel's success is defined by his obedience in delivering the message, not by the people's positive response. This aligns perfectly with God's earlier statement in [Ezekiel 2:5](/ezekiel/2-5 "Ezekiel 2:5 - Whether they hear or forbear").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3372) A primitive root meaning "to fear," but also "to revere" or "to be dreadful." In this context, it is a direct and emphatic command *not* to be terrified or intimidated by the people. The repetition of this command ("be not afraid of them," "neither be afraid of their words," "be not afraid of their words") underscores the intensity of the expected opposition and the absolute necessity of divine courage, implying that human fear is a natural, yet surmountable, obstacle.
* **Rebellious (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy'_):** (H4805) Derived from a root meaning "bitterness," this word signifies active, persistent, and ingrained rebellion or disobedience. It describes the deep-seated spiritual condition of the "house" of Israel, indicating not merely ignorance but a stubborn, defiant, and bitter opposition to God's will and word. This term highlights the moral culpability of the people.
* **Son of Man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** (H1121, H120) "Son" (*bên*) comes from a root meaning "to build," referring to a son as a builder of the family name. "Man" (*ʼâdâm*) means "ruddy," referring to a human being, an individual, or the species. Together, "son of man" (*ben adam*) is a humble address used frequently for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity, mortality, and frailty in contrast to the divine majesty of God who commissions him. It grounds him as one of the very people he is sent to address, yet set apart and empowered by divine appointment, making God's empowerment all the more significant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou, son of man,"**: This is God's characteristic address to Ezekiel throughout the book, consistently emphasizing his humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine speaker. It establishes a humble yet divinely appointed identity for the prophet.
* **"be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words,"**: This foundational command is repeated for profound emphasis. It directly confronts the natural human inclination to fear rejection, hostility, and verbal abuse that Ezekiel would inevitably encounter from his unyielding audience.
* **"though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions:"**: This powerful metaphorical language vividly describes the hostile and dangerous nature of the people. "Briers and thorns" symbolize irritating, painful, and obstructive elements, representing the people's stubbornness and capacity to cause distress. "Scorpions" represent venomous, life-threatening danger, indicating the profound spiritual, emotional, and potentially physical harm the people could inflict upon the prophet.
* **"be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks,"**: A reiteration and expansion of the initial command to "be not afraid." "Dismayed" (H2865, *châthath*) means to be broken down, terrified, or discouraged. This extends the warning beyond their spoken opposition to their non-verbal cues—their hostile gazes, defiant expressions, or contemptuous looks (H6440, *pânîym*, "faces" or "looks")—which could also be profoundly intimidating.
* **"though they [be] a rebellious house."**: This final clause provides the ultimate reason for the intense warnings and repeated commands. The people are not merely ignorant or mistaken but are intrinsically "rebellious" (H4805, *mᵉrîy*)—stubborn, defiant, and deeply resistant to God's authority and message. This defines the formidable spiritual landscape of Ezekiel's demanding ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 2:6 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, vividly portraying the challenging nature of Ezekiel's audience. The people are not literally "briers and thorns" or "scorpions," but these images powerfully symbolize their capacity to irritate, obstruct, inflict pain, and even spiritually poison the prophet with their hostility and defiance. The striking **Repetition** of the command "be not afraid" (Hebrew, *yârêʼ*) underscores the divine imperative for courage and highlights the severity of the opposition Ezekiel is about to face, reinforcing the message through emphatic reiteration. There is also a strong element of **Parallelism** in the structure, particularly in the phrases "be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks," which presents a similar concept (fear of human opposition) through two distinct but related expressions of human resistance. Finally, the direct address "son of man" is a form of **Apostrophe**, drawing the reader into the intimate, personal, and profoundly significant nature of God's commissioning of Ezekiel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 2:6 profoundly illustrates the nature of authentic prophetic ministry and God's sovereign equipping of His chosen messengers. It reveals that true faithfulness in service to God often involves confronting deep-seated human rebellion, and that divine courage is not the absence of fear, but rather obedience in its very presence. The verse highlights God's omniscience, as He perfectly understands the spiritual state of His people and the formidable challenges His prophet will face, yet still sends him with a clear and unwavering mandate. This divine foresight and provision of courage are foundational for all who are called to speak God's truth, reminding us that the power to overcome opposition comes from God alone, not from human strength or cleverness.

* [Jeremiah 1:8](/jeremiah/1-8 "Jeremiah 1:8 - Do Not Be Afraid") - God commands Jeremiah, "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Help") - "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
* [Acts 4:29](/acts/4-29 "Acts 4:29 - Prayer for Boldness") - The early church prays, "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 2:6 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers navigating a world often resistant or hostile to divine truth. It reminds us that God's call to ministry, whether in formal leadership roles or through daily witness in our spheres of influence, frequently involves stepping into environments marked by spiritual indifference, overt hostility, or outright rebellion. Just as Ezekiel was sent to a "rebellious house," we too are called to be salt and light in a fallen world that often rejects the light. The repeated command "be not afraid" is not a mere suggestion but a divine imperative, challenging us to rely on God's strength and presence rather than our own limited resolve or the fleeting approval of others. Our faithfulness is ultimately measured by our willingness to speak God's truth, even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular, or met with derision, knowing that the ultimate outcome rests solely with Him. This verse powerfully encourages us to cultivate a steadfast spirit, unyielding to intimidation, and rooted in the profound conviction that God is with us, empowering us to stand firm amidst the "briers and thorns" and "scorpions" of our own challenging contexts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you experience "briers and thorns" or "scorpions" of opposition when seeking to live out or speak God's truth?**
* **How does the divine command "be not afraid" challenge your natural inclinations and fears when facing resistance or criticism for your faith?**
* **What does it mean for you, in today's social and cultural climate, to be "dismayed at their looks" or non-verbal expressions of disapproval?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God's strength and presence to overcome fear and remain faithfully obedient in your witness, regardless of the immediate outcome?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ezekiel repeatedly called "son of man" in this book?**

Answer: The address "son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*, combining H1121 and H120) is used over 90 times in the Book of Ezekiel. It serves to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and frailty in stark contrast to the awesome, transcendent glory of God who commissions him. It grounds him as a mortal being, one of the very people he is sent to, highlighting that his prophetic authority and power come solely from God, not from his own inherent greatness or status. This humble title also foreshadows its later use by [Daniel in Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - The Son of Man Coming with the Clouds") and, most significantly, by Jesus Christ as His preferred self-designation, underscoring both His true humanity and His unique divine authority.

**What do "briers and thorns" and "scorpions" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: These terms are powerful metaphors for the hostile and dangerous nature of the people Ezekiel is sent to. "Briers and thorns" (H5621, *çârâb*; H5544, *çillôwn*) symbolize irritating, painful, and obstructive elements that cause discomfort and hinder progress. They represent the people's stubbornness, their capacity to cause distress, and their active resistance to God's word. "Scorpions" (H6137, *ʻaqrâb*) are a potent symbol of venomous danger and hostility, representing the severe spiritual and emotional harm, and even potential physical threat, that the people could inflict upon the prophet. Together, they paint a vivid and alarming picture of the challenging and perilous spiritual environment in which Ezekiel was to minister.

**How does Ezekiel 2:6 apply to Christians today?**

Answer: [Ezekiel 2:6](/ezekiel/2-6 "Ezekiel 2:6 - Do Not Be Afraid") offers timeless principles for believers across generations. Just as Ezekiel was sent to a difficult and rebellious audience, Christians are called to share the Gospel and live out their faith in a world that is often indifferent, critical, or outright hostile to divine truth (cf. [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18 "John 15:18-19 - The World Will Hate You")). The verse reminds us not to be surprised by opposition, but rather to expect it as a natural consequence of proclaiming God's truth in a fallen world. Crucially, it commands us "be not afraid" (H3372, *yârêʼ*), emphasizing that our courage and strength come from God's empowering presence and our divine commission, not from human approval or our own limited abilities. Our primary call is to faithfulness in delivering God's message and living according to His will, regardless of the reception or the "looks" of those who oppose us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 2:6, with its vivid portrayal of a prophet sent to a "rebellious house" despite intense opposition, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel was a "son of man" in his humanity, Jesus is the quintessential "Son of Man" (cf. [Mark 14:62](/mark/14-62 "Mark 14:62 - Jesus' Declaration as Son of Man")), fully human yet also fully divine, who came to a world even more deeply entrenched in rebellion against God. Like Ezekiel, Jesus faced relentless opposition—not just hostile words and contemptuous looks, but insidious plots, false accusations, and ultimately, a brutal crucifixion (cf. [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - Crucify Him!")). He was truly among "briers and thorns" as He endured the mocking crown of thorns (cf. [Matthew 27:29](/matthew/27-29 "Matthew 27:29 - The Crown of Thorns")) and the venomous "scorpions" of sin and evil, taking their full sting upon Himself. Yet, unlike Ezekiel, who was commanded *not* to fear, Jesus, in His perfect obedience and divine resolve, willingly embraced the suffering and rejection, demonstrating the ultimate fearlessness born of perfect love and submission to His Father's will (cf. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). His ministry was not merely to deliver a message to a rebellious house, but to redeem that house through His own perfect sacrifice, overcoming the very rebellion that threatened to consume humanity (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Thus, Ezekiel's commission foreshadows the greater commission of Christ, who, as the true Prophet, Priest, and King, fully confronted and triumphed over the world's rebellion, offering reconciliation and eternal life to all who believe (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")).

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 1:8

Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 51:12

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Peter 3:14

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Micah 7:4

The best of them [is] as a brier: the most upright [is sharper] than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen [and] thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

Jeremiah 1:17

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.