Ezekiel 3:27

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But when I speak {H1696} with {H854} thee, I will open {H6605} thy mouth {H6310}, and thou shalt say {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; He that heareth {H8085}, let him hear {H8085}; and he that forbeareth {H2310}, let him forbear {H2308}: for they are a rebellious {H4805} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth; and you will say to them, 'This is what Adonai ELOHIM says.' Whoever is inclined to listen will listen, and whoever is inclined to refuse will refuse, because they are a rebellious house.

Berean Standard Bible

But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.

American Standard Version

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:27 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet Ezekiel's ministry, signifying the divine lifting of his enforced silence and the renewed commission to speak God's authoritative word to a persistently rebellious people. This verse underscores God's sovereign control over prophetic utterance, the non-negotiable responsibility of the hearer to respond to divine truth, and the enduring spiritual stubbornness of the house of Israel, setting the stage for Ezekiel's continued role as God's watchman.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of God-imposed silence upon Ezekiel, described in [Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel 3:26 - God Shuts Ezekiel's Mouth"), where God declared, "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." This silence served a crucial purpose: to impress upon Ezekiel and the exiles that his words were not his own, but solely God's, spoken only when God willed. The opening of Ezekiel's mouth in [Ezekiel 3:27](/ezekiel/3-27 "Ezekiel 3:27 - God Reopens Ezekiel's Mouth") therefore represents a divine enablement and a renewed, specific commission to deliver God's message. It transitions Ezekiel from a state of passive observation and internal preparation to active prophetic proclamation, emphasizing that the timing and content of his message are entirely under divine control. The preceding chapters ([Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of God's Glory") and [Ezekiel 2](/ezekiel/2 "Ezekiel 2 - Ezekiel's Commission")) detail Ezekiel's initial call and the overwhelming nature of his task to a "rebellious house," a phrase that recurs throughout the book, notably in [Ezekiel 2:3](/ezekiel/2-3 "Ezekiel 2:3 - A Rebellious Nation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, specifically among the Jewish captives in Tel Abib by the Chebar Canal, around 593-571 BC. These exiles, though displaced from their homeland, harbored false hopes of a swift return and resisted the reality of God's judgment that had brought them to Babylon. They often sought comfort in false prophets who promised peace and restoration, rather than confronting their sin. In this cultural milieu, the true prophet, like Ezekiel, served as God's watchman, a figure responsible for warning the people of impending danger and calling them to repentance ([Ezekiel 3:17](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17 - The Watchman's Responsibility")). The phrase "rebellious house" reflects the deep-seated spiritual apostasy and stubborn refusal of the Israelites to heed God's covenant demands, a pattern of disobedience that had led to their current predicament. Their rebellion was not merely political but profoundly spiritual, characterized by idolatry, injustice, and a rejection of divine instruction, which is a consistent theme from the time of the Exodus through the monarchy, as seen in books like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings").
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 3:27](/ezekiel/3-27 "Ezekiel 3:27 - God's Word and Human Response") contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts the **Divine Sovereignty over Prophecy**. God alone controls the prophet's voice, dictating when and what is spoken, ensuring the message's purity and authority. This highlights that prophecy is not human invention but divine revelation, a concept echoed in [2 Peter 1:21](/2_peter/1-21 "2 Peter 1:21 - Prophecy Not by Human Will"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Human Accountability** to God's word. The stark declaration, "He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear," places the burden of response squarely on the individual. It underscores the freedom of choice and the inevitable consequences of either obedience or rejection, a principle echoed throughout scripture, such as in Jesus' parables of hearing and doing ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Finally, the recurring theme of **Israel's Persistent Rebellion** is central. Despite God's clear warnings and the severity of their circumstances, the people remained hardened, illustrating the depth of human sin and the challenging nature of the prophet's calling to a stiff-necked generation, a characteristic seen from the wilderness wanderings ([Numbers 14:11](/numbers/14-11 "Numbers 14:11 - How Long Will This People Despise Me?")) to the time of the prophets.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **open (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This word (H6605) signifies "to open wide" literally or figuratively, "to loosen," or "to begin." In the context of Ezekiel's mouth, it denotes a divine act of enablement, releasing him from his previous state of enforced silence. It implies a loosening of the tongue, a breaking forth of speech, and the initiation of prophetic utterance, emphasizing that Ezekiel's ability to speak is entirely dependent on God's will and timing.
* **heareth (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This term (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," often carrying the implication of "attention," "obedience," or "understanding." It is not merely a physical act of perceiving sound but a spiritual act of listening with a view to respond and obey. The repetition "He that heareth, let him hear" intensifies this meaning, calling for a deliberate, discerning, and obedient reception of God's message, acknowledging the moral responsibility inherent in hearing divine truth.
* **rebellious (Hebrew, _mᵉrîy'_):** Derived from a root meaning "bitterness," this word (H4805) figuratively denotes "rebellion," "bitter," or "rebellious." When paired with "house" (H1004, _bayith'_), it describes the deep-seated, persistent, and stubborn disobedience of the people of Israel. It characterizes their spiritual state as one of active resistance and defiance against God's commands and warnings, highlighting their unyielding nature despite divine intervention and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth":** This clause signifies a divine initiative and a conditional promise, asserting God's absolute control over Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. The "opening" of the mouth is not a natural occurrence but a supernatural act, reversing the previous divine "shutting" of his mouth ([Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel 3:26 - God's Silence on Ezekiel")). It implies that Ezekiel will speak only when God gives the word, ensuring that the message is purely divine and not of human origin, thereby safeguarding its authority and purity.
* **"and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This phrase emphasizes the prophet's role as a direct conduit for God's message. Ezekiel is commanded to speak directly to the exiles, delivering the exact words given to him. The formula "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _Adonai Yahweh_) is a powerful declaration of divine authority, indicating that the words are not Ezekiel's opinions or interpretations but the direct, unadulterated revelation from the sovereign God of Israel, demanding immediate attention and submission.
* **"He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear":** This is a profound statement on human responsibility and free will in the face of divine truth. It is an imperative call to decision. "He that heareth" refers to those who listen attentively and with understanding, implying a call to obedience and a willingness to act on the message. "He that forbeareth" (or "refuses to hear") refers to those who choose to ignore, reject, or resist the message, implying a deliberate act of non-compliance. The repetition underscores the stark choice and the individual accountability for one's response, acknowledging that God's word, though authoritative, does not coerce belief but demands a conscious decision.
* **"for they are a rebellious house.":** This concluding clause provides the rationale for the preceding imperative. It explains the inherent spiritual condition of the audience. The "house of Israel" is characterized by deep-seated rebellion against God, a stubborn refusal to obey His commands or acknowledge His authority, a pattern of behavior that has persisted despite divine warnings and judgments. This description highlights the immense challenge of Ezekiel's ministry and the reason why God's word, though clearly spoken, will be met with resistance by many, underscoring the necessity of divine judgment and the profound need for spiritual transformation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 3:27 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear." This rhetorical device emphasizes the critical nature of the choice presented to the audience and underscores the individual's inescapable responsibility to respond to God's word. The phrase "rebellious house" functions as a recurring **motif** throughout the book of Ezekiel, serving as a constant reminder of the spiritual state of Israel and the challenging context of Ezekiel's ministry. This motif provides a consistent backdrop against which God's persistent warnings and judgments are understood. The entire verse also embodies **Divine Fiat**, where God's spoken word directly brings about a change in reality (Ezekiel's mouth opening) and issues an authoritative decree. Furthermore, the contrast between "open thy mouth" and the implied previous "shut mouth" ([Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel 3:26 - God's Silence on Ezekiel")) creates a powerful **juxtaposition**, highlighting God's absolute control over prophetic utterance and the prophet's complete dependence on divine enablement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:27 stands as a powerful declaration of God's sovereign control over His word and the non-negotiable demand for human response. It affirms that true prophecy originates solely from God, not from human will or wisdom, making the prophet a mere vessel. This divine authority inherent in the prophetic message places a profound responsibility on the hearer, compelling a decision of obedience or rejection. The verse underscores the consistent biblical theme that God's revelation is always accompanied by an expectation of response, and that accountability for hearing the truth is universal. It also highlights the tragic reality of human rebellion, which often leads to the rejection of divine grace and truth, necessitating both judgment and the continued, patient proclamation of God's word.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18-19](/deuteronomy/18-18 "The Prophet Like Moses")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Luke 8:18](/luke/8-18 "Heeding What You Hear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:27 offers profound lessons for believers today, particularly concerning our role as bearers of God's truth and our posture as hearers of His word. First, it reminds us that the authority of the message we proclaim comes not from our eloquence or wisdom, but from God Himself. Like Ezekiel, we are called to be faithful conduits of "Thus saith the Lord GOD," speaking His truth clearly and without compromise, trusting that He will empower our witness. This calls for humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that our words are merely echoes of His divine voice. Second, the declaration "He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear" is a stark reminder of personal accountability. We cannot force belief or repentance, but we are responsible for delivering the message with clarity and conviction. The ultimate response rests with the individual, who must choose to either embrace or reject God's truth. This frees us from the burden of results and focuses us on faithfulness in proclamation, even when faced with indifference or outright rebellion. Finally, the verse encourages perseverance in ministry, even to those who are a "rebellious house." God knew the hardness of Israel's heart, yet He commanded Ezekiel to speak. Our call is to continue sharing the Gospel, sowing the seed of the Word, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of immediate human reception, and that our faithfulness honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be a "rebellious house," resisting God's clear word or promptings?**
* **How does the understanding that God "opens" and "shuts" the prophet's mouth influence my view of divine sovereignty in ministry?**
* **What does "He that heareth, let him hear" mean for my personal responsibility in responding to God's truth today?**
* **How can I faithfully proclaim God's word, even when faced with apathy or opposition, knowing that the ultimate response is not within my control?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that God will "open thy mouth" for Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase in [Ezekiel 3:27](/ezekiel/3-27 "Ezekiel 3:27 - God Reopens Ezekiel's Mouth") signifies a divine act of enablement and a reversal of the previous state where God had "shut" Ezekiel's mouth ([Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel 3:26 - God Shuts Ezekiel's Mouth")). It means that God would supernaturally empower Ezekiel to speak His prophetic words, indicating that the timing and content of his message were entirely under divine control. It underscores that Ezekiel was not speaking his own thoughts but was a direct conduit for God's authoritative revelation, ensuring the purity and divine origin of the message he delivered to the exiles.

**Why does the verse say, "He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear"?**

Answer: This powerful declaration highlights the principle of individual accountability and free will in response to God's word. It is an imperative call to decision. "He that heareth" refers to those who listen attentively and with a willingness to obey, while "he that forbeareth" refers to those who choose to ignore or reject the divine message. The repetition emphasizes the gravity of the choice and the inescapable responsibility each person has for their response to God's truth. It shows that while God's word is authoritative, it does not coerce belief but demands a conscious, personal decision, with consequences for either acceptance or rejection. This concept is seen throughout scripture, such as in Jesus' frequent call, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" ([Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - Jesus' Call to Hear")), underscoring the moral imperative to respond to divine revelation.

**What is the significance of calling Israel a "rebellious house"?**

Answer: The phrase "rebellious house" (Hebrew: _beit meriy_) is a recurring motif throughout the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the deep-seated spiritual stubbornness and disobedience of the nation of Israel. It signifies their active resistance and defiance against God's covenant commands and prophetic warnings, despite His persistent grace and judgment. This characterization explains the necessity of Ezekiel's difficult ministry and the reason why God's word, though clearly spoken, would often be met with indifference or outright rejection by the people. It underscores the profound spiritual condition that led to their exile and the ongoing challenge of bringing them to repentance, a theme that also resonates with Israel's history of disobedience documented in books like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") and [Isaiah](/isaiah/1 "The Book of Isaiah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 3:27, with its emphasis on God's sovereign control over His word and the demand for human response, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the **Word made flesh** ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the supreme Prophet through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Unlike Ezekiel, whose mouth was opened by God to speak, Jesus *is* the living Word, perfectly embodying and delivering God's message without any prior period of silence or external enablement. He is the one who perfectly hears the Father and perfectly speaks the Father's will ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Speaks What He Hears From the Father")). The imperative "He that heareth, let him hear" becomes most urgent and profound in light of Christ, for to hear Jesus is to hear God Himself ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The "rebellious house" of Israel, which resisted Ezekiel's prophetic word, ultimately rejected the very Son of God, leading to the cross. Yet, through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the means for even the most rebellious heart to be transformed and to truly hear and obey God's voice, fulfilling the prophetic call for a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, Ezekiel's commission foreshadows the ultimate prophetic ministry of Christ, who not only speaks God's word but *is* God's saving word to a world in rebellion, offering grace and truth to all who will hear and believe ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")).

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 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.

Ezekiel 12:3

Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they [be] a rebellious house.

Ezekiel 24:27

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.

Ezekiel 3:11

And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

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.

Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Ezekiel 33:32

And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.