Ezekiel 24:27

KJV

In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall thy mouth {H6310} be opened {H6605} to him which is escaped {H6412}, and thou shalt speak {H1696}, and be no more dumb {H481}: and thou shalt be a sign {H4159} unto them; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and on that day your mouth will be opened for you to speak to the survivor and no longer be silent. In this way you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you will speak and no longer be mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him that is escaped, and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb: so shalt thou be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:27 marks a climactic moment in the prophet Ezekiel's ministry, signaling the end of a divinely imposed period of prophetic silence regarding Jerusalem's fate and the commencement of a new phase of his prophetic work. This verse promises the restoration of Ezekiel's voice precisely when a survivor arrives from Jerusalem with news of its devastating fall, thereby validating Ezekiel's earlier, often unwelcome, prophecies and leading the exiles to an undeniable, experiential knowledge of God's sovereign power and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a profoundly challenging and pivotal chapter in Ezekiel's prophecy. Chapter 24 opens with the parable of the boiling pot, symbolizing Jerusalem's siege and impending destruction, where its inhabitants are consumed by judgment. The narrative then shifts dramatically to a deeply personal prophetic sign: God commands Ezekiel not to mourn the sudden death of his beloved wife, "the desire of his eyes" (Ezekiel 24:16). This shocking command serves as a living parable for the exiles, illustrating their own future inability to mourn the destruction of the Temple and the loss of Jerusalem—their "desire"—because the catastrophe will be too overwhelming. Ezekiel's initial period of limited public prophetic speech concerning Jerusalem's doom, described earlier in [Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel's Initial Dumbness"), is brought to a definitive end by the promise in verse 27, which anticipates the arrival of the escaped messenger, a fulfillment explicitly detailed in [Ezekiel 33:21-22](/ezekiel/33-21 "The Arrival of the Escaped Man"). The opening of Ezekiel's mouth signifies the transition from a period of symbolic silence and judgment to one where the prophet will be free to speak more broadly about restoration and future hope, once the judgment has been fully realized.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, specifically those deported in 597 BC with King Jehoiachin. The people held onto a false hope that Jerusalem and its Temple were impregnable and that their exile would be short-lived. Ezekiel's ministry, spanning from 593 to 571 BC, was largely dedicated to dismantling these false hopes and preparing them for the inevitable, devastating fall of their beloved city. The cultural context includes the profound significance of mourning rites, which Ezekiel was forbidden to perform, making his personal suffering a stark, counter-cultural sign. The arrival of a survivor from a destroyed city was a common, albeit tragic, historical event in ancient Near Eastern warfare, often signifying the complete and undeniable triumph of the conqueror and the utter defeat of the vanquished. For the exiles, this news would not only confirm the total destruction of Jerusalem but also the absolute truthfulness of Ezekiel's previously delivered, unpopular prophecies.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - The Restoration of Ezekiel's Voice") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**. God's precise timing in opening Ezekiel's mouth, coinciding with the news of Jerusalem's fall, demonstrates His meticulous control over history and the infallible nature of His prophetic word. Every event unfolds exactly as He declares, confirming His foreknowledge and power. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **The Prophet as a Sign-Act**. Ezekiel himself was a living parable, embodying God's message through his actions, suffering, and even his silence. His renewed ability to speak serves as a tangible confirmation of the truthfulness of his earlier, more ominous prophecies, making him a "sign" to the exiles. Thirdly, the concluding phrase, "and they shall know that I am the LORD," is a signature motif, appearing over 70 times in Ezekiel. This phrase signifies not merely intellectual recognition but an **Experiential and Undeniable Knowledge of God's Identity**. Through His acts of judgment and subsequent restoration, God reveals His unique power, justice, and faithfulness, compelling His people to acknowledge His supreme authority and character. This profound revelation of God's true nature is the ultimate purpose behind His interventions in human history, whether through judgment or salvation, as seen throughout the book, from the initial call of Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory") to the visions of a restored temple in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dumb (Hebrew, _ʼâlam'_):** From H481, a primitive root meaning "to tie fast; hence (of the mouth) to be tongue-tied; bind, be dumb, put to silence." In this context, it refers to Ezekiel's divinely imposed muteness or restriction on public prophetic speech concerning Jerusalem's fate, a condition previously established in [Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel's Initial Dumbness"). The lifting of this "dumbness" signifies the completion of a specific phase of God's judgment and the commencement of a new prophetic era for Ezekiel.
* **speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696, a primitive root meaning "to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak." This word denotes the restoration of Ezekiel's full prophetic voice and authority. Once the news of Jerusalem's fall arrives, the need for symbolic silence is over, and Ezekiel will be empowered to "speak" God's word freely again, particularly concerning the future of the exiles and the prospect of restoration.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." This is a crucial theological term in Ezekiel, signifying not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential, and undeniable understanding of God's character and power, brought about through His mighty acts of judgment and salvation. The exiles would "know" God's sovereignty through the fulfillment of His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him which is escaped":** This clause establishes the precise timing and catalyst for Ezekiel's renewed prophetic speech. "That day" refers to the day the news of Jerusalem's fall reaches the exiles. The "escaped" individual is the messenger, a survivor from the catastrophe, whose very presence and devastating news will trigger the divine release of Ezekiel's voice. This moment is divinely orchestrated, emphasizing God's perfect timing and control over prophetic revelation.
* **"and thou shalt speak, and be no more dumb":** This signifies the complete reversal of Ezekiel's previous state of prophetic restriction. The prophet, who had been silenced or limited in his public pronouncements regarding Jerusalem's doom, will now regain full capacity to deliver God's word. This restoration of his voice is a public validation of his prophetic office and the truthfulness of his earlier, unpopular messages.
* **"and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the LORD":** This concluding phrase articulates the ultimate purpose of Ezekiel's restored voice and the events surrounding it. Ezekiel himself, through his personal experience of silence and speech, becomes a living **sign** (môwphêth, H4159) to the exiles, confirming the divine origin of his prophecies. The culmination of these events, particularly the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Jerusalem's destruction, will lead the exiles to an undeniable, experiential **knowledge** (yâdaʻ, H3045) of God's true identity—that He is **the LORD** (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068), the self-existent, sovereign God who fulfills His word.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:27 employs several potent literary devices. The primary device is **Prophetic Sign-Act**, where Ezekiel's personal experience—his divinely imposed dumbness and its subsequent reversal—serves as a living, tangible message to the exiles. His silence regarding Jerusalem's fate and the precise timing of his renewed voice are not arbitrary but are integral parts of God's communication strategy, providing undeniable evidence of divine intervention and prophetic authenticity. There is also a powerful element of **Irony** in the fact that the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall, which brings immense sorrow, simultaneously brings about the prophet's liberation to speak. This paradox underscores God's ability to work His purposes through seemingly contradictory circumstances. Finally, the recurring phrase "and they shall know that I am the LORD" functions as a **Leitmotif** throughout the book of Ezekiel. Its repetition emphasizes the central theological purpose of all God's actions, whether in judgment or salvation: to reveal His unique, sovereign identity to His people and to the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:27 profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty over time, prophecy, and human experience. The divine orchestration of Ezekiel's silence, its duration, and its precise termination underscores that God's word is not subject to human will or convenience but unfolds according to His perfect timetable. This moment marks a critical transition from a period of judgment and the dismantling of false hopes to a new phase where God will begin to speak of restoration and future hope through His prophet. The ultimate goal is always the revelation of God's character, ensuring that His people, through undeniable experience, come to "know that I am the LORD," acknowledging His supreme power, justice, and faithfulness.

* [Isaiah 42:9](/isaiah/42-9 "Isaiah 42:9 - God Declares New Things")
* [Jeremiah 1:9-10](/jeremiah/1-9-10 "Jeremiah 1:9-10 - God Touches Jeremiah's Mouth")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:27 offers profound insights into God's methods and our response. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when His purposes seem delayed or His voice appears silent. Just as Ezekiel endured a period of divinely imposed muteness, we too may experience seasons of spiritual quietness or unanswered questions, where God's plan seems obscure. Yet, this verse assures us that such periods are not arbitrary but are part of a larger, sovereign design, often preparing us for a new phase of understanding or ministry. It challenges us to trust in God's ultimate fulfillment of His word, even when circumstances are painful or confusing. Furthermore, it underscores that God often uses our personal experiences, even our suffering or perceived limitations, as "signs" to others, demonstrating His power and truth. Our lives, like Ezekiel's, can become living testimonies to God's character, leading others to a deeper, experiential "knowing" of Him. Ultimately, all of life's events, whether joyful or sorrowful, serve to reveal the Lordship of God and call us to a deeper submission and recognition of His sovereign rule.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing a "silence" or a period of waiting from God?**
* **How can you trust in God's perfect timing, even when His plans seem delayed or unclear?**
* **In what ways might your personal experiences, including challenges or losses, serve as a "sign" to others about God's character and sovereignty?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to "know that I am the LORD" in an experiential, rather than merely intellectual, sense?**

### FAQ

**What was the nature of Ezekiel's "dumbness" mentioned in this verse and earlier in the book?**

Answer: Ezekiel's "dumbness" (Hebrew: *ʼâlam*) was not a physical inability to speak but a divinely imposed restriction on his public prophetic utterances concerning the fate of Jerusalem. Earlier, in [Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel's Initial Dumbness"), God told him, "I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, so that you shall be mute and unable to reprove them, for they are a rebellious house." This meant he could speak privately but was largely silenced from delivering public messages about Jerusalem's impending destruction until the news of its fall arrived. This period of silence served as a prophetic sign itself, mirroring the exiles' own inability to mourn the coming catastrophe. Ezekiel 24:27 marks the end of this specific prophetic silence, promising the restoration of his full prophetic voice.

**How does the phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" function in the book of Ezekiel?**

Answer: The phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" (Hebrew: *yada' ki 'ani Yahweh*) is a foundational and recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. It signifies much more than mere intellectual recognition of God's existence. Instead, it points to an experiential, undeniable, and often painful realization of God's unique identity, power, and sovereignty. Through His acts of judgment (like the destruction of Jerusalem) and His acts of salvation and restoration (like the return from exile and the vision of the new temple in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple")), God reveals His true character. The people, and even the nations, are compelled to acknowledge that He alone is the self-existent, covenant-keeping, and sovereign God, who fulfills His word perfectly. This "knowing" brings about a profound understanding of His justice, holiness, and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 24:27, with its themes of prophetic silence, the validation of God's word through judgment, and the ultimate revelation of God's identity, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Just as Ezekiel was a "sign" to Israel, embodying God's message through his suffering and silence, so too is Jesus Christ the ultimate prophetic sign. His "silence" before His accusers, as recorded in [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Silent Before His Accusers") and fulfilled in passages like [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate"), was not a lack of power but a deliberate act of submission to the Father's will, fulfilling prophecy and bearing the judgment for humanity's sin. His death, the ultimate "judgment" upon sin, brought about the "news" of God's justice and holiness. Yet, through His resurrection, Christ's "mouth was opened" in a new and ultimate way, not merely to speak, but to declare victory over sin and death, establishing the new covenant. The culmination of all history, centered on Christ's redemptive work, leads to the ultimate "knowing that I am the LORD." Through Christ, we experientially know God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, understanding His love, justice, and power in a way far beyond what the exiles could comprehend. The Spirit, sent by Christ, enables believers to truly "know" God and to speak His truth, fulfilling the prophetic mandate in a new, Christ-empowered way, as seen in the outpouring of the Spirit in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").

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 33:22

Now the hand of the LORD was upon me in the evening, afore he that was escaped came; and had opened my mouth, until he came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more dumb.

Ezekiel 29:21

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 3:26

And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they [are] a rebellious house.

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.

Psalms 51:15

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,