Ezekiel 24:3

KJV

And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set [it] on, and also pour water into it:

KJV (with Strong's)

And utter {H4911} a parable {H4912} unto the rebellious {H4805} house {H1004}, and say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Set on {H8239} a pot {H5518}, set it on {H8239}, and also pour {H3332} water {H4325} into it:

Complete Jewish Bible

And tell this allegory to these rebels; say that Adonai ELOHIM says: 'Put a pot on the fire; put it there, pour water in it;

Berean Standard Bible

Now speak a parable to this rebellious house and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Put the pot on the fire; put it on and pour in the water.

American Standard Version

And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Set on the caldron, set it on, and also pour water into it:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 24:3 introduces the vivid and somber "Parable of the Boiling Pot," a prophetic oracle delivered by God through Ezekiel to the persistently disobedient house of Israel. This verse initiates a powerful visual metaphor, setting the stage for a stark portrayal of Jerusalem's impending siege and destruction, emphasizing the certainty and severity of divine judgment against a people who have repeatedly defied their covenant Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the beginning of the "Parable of the Boiling Pot," which extends through [Ezekiel 24:14](/ezekiel/24-14 "Ezekiel 24:14 - Conclusion of the Boiling Pot Parable"). It immediately follows a series of oracles and symbolic actions concerning Jerusalem's impending doom, particularly the detailed account of the city's abominations and God's resultant judgment in [Ezekiel 22](/ezekiel/22 "Ezekiel 22 - Jerusalem's Sins and God's Judgment") and [Ezekiel 23](/ezekiel/23 "Ezekiel 23 - The Parable of Oholah and Oholibah"). The parable's introduction here, with its direct command to "set on a pot," serves as a stark, visceral continuation of the themes of divine wrath and the finality of Jerusalem's destruction, linking the symbolic action to the actual events unfolding or about to unfold in the besieged city. It is part of Ezekiel's broader prophetic ministry to the exiles, explaining the reasons for their suffering and the justice of God's actions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), ministering to the Jewish community deported to Babylon. At the time of this oracle, Jerusalem was under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces (588-586 BC), or its fall was imminent. The "rebellious house" refers to the kingdom of Judah, especially those still in Jerusalem who clung to false hopes of deliverance and continued in idolatry and moral corruption despite repeated prophetic warnings. The imagery of a cooking pot was culturally familiar, used for preparing meals, but here it is repurposed to symbolize a city under siege, its inhabitants trapped within, "cooked" by the fires of judgment. The act of "setting on a pot" would have been a common domestic scene, making the metaphor immediately relatable and powerfully unsettling in its new, terrifying application.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 24:3](/ezekiel/24-3 "Ezekiel 24:3 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to hold His covenant people accountable for their persistent rebellion and idolatry. The parable serves as a vivid illustration of the consequences of their actions, demonstrating that God's patience has reached its limit, as seen in earlier warnings like those in [Ezekiel 7](/ezekiel/7 "Ezekiel 7 - The End Has Come"). Another crucial theme is **Israel's Persistent Rebellion**, highlighted by the explicit designation "rebellious house," which echoes through the book (e.g., [Ezekiel 2:5](/ezekiel/2-5 "Ezekiel 2:5 - A Rebellious House")). This phrase emphasizes the deep-seated spiritual unfaithfulness that necessitated such severe divine intervention. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Symbolic Prophecy**, a hallmark of Ezekiel's ministry, where everyday objects and actions are imbued with profound theological meaning to communicate God's message dramatically and memorably (cf. [Ezekiel 4](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Siege")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebellious (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy'_):** From the root meaning "bitterness," this term signifies a state of persistent, deliberate, and often defiant disobedience. It's not merely a single act but a characteristic attitude of turning away from God's commands. In this context, it highlights Judah's entrenched spiritual unfaithfulness, justifying the severity of the impending judgment.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, "house" here refers to the collective entity of the people of Israel, specifically the kingdom of Judah. It encompasses their identity, lineage, and covenant relationship with God, making their rebellion all the more grievous as it comes from those who are intimately connected to Him.
* **pot (Hebrew, _çîyr'_):** A common cooking vessel, often a caldron or large kettle. In this parable, the "pot" powerfully symbolizes Jerusalem itself, destined to become a place where its inhabitants are "cooked" or consumed by the fires of siege, famine, and war, illustrating the city's fate as a place of intense suffering and destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And utter a parable unto the rebellious house,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine command to Ezekiel to deliver a symbolic message. The term "parable" (Hebrew: _mashal_) here denotes a prophetic allegory or riddle, designed to convey a profound spiritual truth through vivid imagery. The recipient, the "rebellious house" (Judah), immediately identifies the target of God's severe judgment, emphasizing their consistent defiance.
* **"and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;"**: This formulaic declaration underscores the divine authority behind the message. It is not Ezekiel's words, but the direct pronouncement of "the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _Adonai YHWH_), signifying the absolute sovereignty and righteous judgment of God. This phrase elevates the parable from a mere story to an authoritative oracle.
* **"Set on a pot, set [it] on, and also pour water into it:"**: This is the initial command for the symbolic action. The repetition of "set it on" emphasizes the urgency, certainty, and deliberate nature of the impending judgment. The "pot" symbolizes Jerusalem, and the "water" within it represents its inhabitants and the conditions within the city, preparing the audience for the grim details of the siege that will unfold in the subsequent verses of the parable.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 24:3 is rich in **Symbolism**, with the "pot" representing Jerusalem and the "water" within it symbolizing its inhabitants. This central metaphor transforms a mundane household item into a powerful vehicle for divine judgment. The verse also employs **Allegory**, as the entire scenario of setting the pot on the fire and its contents boiling is an extended metaphor for the siege and destruction of the city. The prophet's command to "utter a **parable**" explicitly labels this literary form, signaling to the audience that a deeper, hidden meaning is to be sought. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "set it on" serves to emphasize the certainty and immediacy of the impending judgment, creating a sense of urgency and inevitability. The language is direct and vivid, characteristic of Ezekiel's prophetic style, designed to shock and awaken a complacent and rebellious people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 24:3 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's unwavering justice and His commitment to covenant faithfulness. The "rebellious house" of Israel, despite being God's chosen people, faced severe judgment because their persistent idolatry and disobedience violated the terms of their covenant relationship. This passage highlights that God's love does not negate His righteousness; rather, His holiness demands a response to sin, even from His own people. The parable of the boiling pot serves as a stark reminder that divine warnings are not idle threats but expressions of a holy God who will ultimately bring about His purposes, whether through blessing or judgment, for the sake of His name and His glory. This judgment, while severe, is ultimately redemptive, aiming to purify a remnant and demonstrate God's sovereignty to the nations.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 1:13-16](/jeremiah/1-13 "Jeremiah 1:13-16 - The Boiling Pot from the North")
* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - Israel's Unique Accountability")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 24:3 serves as a profound and sobering reminder that persistent rebellion against God's revealed will inevitably leads to severe consequences. While the immediate context is the historical judgment on ancient Jerusalem, the underlying principles are timeless. For believers today, this passage calls for a deep examination of our own lives: are there areas where we, too, exhibit a "rebellious house" mentality, consistently defying God's commands or ignoring His gentle promptings? It challenges us to take God's warnings seriously, recognizing that His holiness demands purity and obedience from those who bear His name. This passage underscores the importance of humility, repentance, and a vigilant commitment to living in accordance with God's Word, understanding that trials and difficulties can often be God's way of refining us or calling us back to Himself, preventing a more severe judgment. It compels us to live in reverent fear of the Lord, actively seeking to align our lives with His righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting a "rebellious house" mentality, subtly or overtly resisting God's will?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings and calls to repentance in Scripture, both for myself and for the church?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a heart of greater obedience and responsiveness to the Lord's leading?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "pot" in this parable?**

Answer: The "pot" (Hebrew: _çîyr_) in [Ezekiel 24:3](/ezekiel/24-3 "Ezekiel 24:3 - The Parable of the Boiling Pot") is a central symbol representing the city of Jerusalem. As the parable unfolds in subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezekiel 24:6](/ezekiel/24-6 "Ezekiel 24:6 - The Rust in the Pot")), the contents of the pot—the choice pieces of meat and bones—symbolize the inhabitants of Jerusalem, particularly those who were trapped within the city during the Babylonian siege. The act of setting the pot on the fire and boiling its contents vividly depicts the intense suffering, famine, and destruction that would befall the city and its people. It portrays Jerusalem as a place of judgment, where its inhabitants would be consumed by the "fire" of God's wrath, a consequence of their persistent rebellion and defilement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 24:3 directly concerns God's judgment on rebellious Jerusalem, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader biblical narrative of God's dealing with sin and His provision for a new covenant. The "rebellious house" of Israel, unable to maintain covenant fidelity, foreshadows humanity's universal inability to meet God's righteous standards, necessitating a divine solution. The judgment poured out on Jerusalem, symbolized by the boiling pot, points to the ultimate judgment against sin that was perfectly and decisively borne by Jesus Christ on the cross. He became the "pot" of wrath, absorbing the full fury of God's righteous anger against sin, so that those who believe in Him might be spared (cf. [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Furthermore, the need for a purified "house" of God, free from rebellion, finds its fulfillment in the church, the new temple of the Holy Spirit, built on the cornerstone of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of His Spirit, Christ enables His people to live in true obedience, transforming rebellious hearts into responsive ones, thus establishing a new covenant where God's law is written on hearts, not just on stone (cf. [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")).

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 20:49

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

Ezekiel 11:3

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

Ezekiel 17:2

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

Ezekiel 2:6

¶ 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.

Isaiah 1:2

¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Ezekiel 2:3

And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, [even] unto this very day.

Isaiah 30:1

¶ Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: