Ezekiel 33:1

KJV

¶ Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Again the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

The word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:1 serves as a pivotal and transitional verse in the book of Ezekiel, marking a renewed divine communication to the prophet after a period of relative silence concerning direct messages to Israel. Following the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall, this verse re-establishes Ezekiel's prophetic commission, signaling a crucial shift in God's message from pronouncements of judgment and destruction to themes of individual responsibility, the role of the watchman, and the dawning hope for future restoration and spiritual renewal for the exiled people of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 33:1 acts as a significant hinge point in the book of Ezekiel. The preceding chapters (Ezekiel 1-24) primarily contain prophecies of impending judgment against Jerusalem and Judah, culminating in the city's siege and destruction. Chapters 25-32 then focus on prophecies against surrounding nations, serving as a divine vindication and demonstrating God's sovereignty over all peoples. Crucially, Ezekiel 24:27 mentions that Ezekiel's mouth would be opened only after the news of Jerusalem's fall arrived. This verse, therefore, explicitly marks the end of that period of prophetic silence regarding direct messages to Israel, as confirmed by the arrival of a fugitive bringing news of Jerusalem's destruction in [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 3:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall"). The re-establishment of the "word of the LORD" to Ezekiel sets the stage for a new phase of ministry, shifting from a focus on corporate judgment to individual accountability, the watchman's role, and the eventual promises of restoration and new covenant life that dominate the latter half of the book (Ezekiel 33-48).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezekiel 33:1 is the Babylonian exile, specifically after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Judean exiles, including Ezekiel, had been living in Babylon for years, enduring the trauma of displacement and the destruction of their homeland and temple. This period was marked by profound despair, a questioning of God's justice and faithfulness, and a sense of collective guilt. In this context, the prophet Ezekiel, operating from Tel Abib by the Chebar Canal, served as God's primary messenger to the exiled community. The cultural understanding of a prophet was that of a direct mouthpiece for the divine, someone through whom God's very words were spoken. The re-initiation of God's word to Ezekiel, particularly after such a catastrophic event, would have been profoundly significant, signaling that God had not abandoned His people entirely and that His purposes were still unfolding.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, though brief, introduces several key themes that will be developed throughout the subsequent chapters. Firstly, it reaffirms the theme of **Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that God is actively engaged in human history and continues to communicate His will, even in times of profound crisis and national devastation. This direct communication underscores God's sovereignty and His ongoing relationship with His people. Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Authority and Calling**, reaffirming Ezekiel's unique and indispensable role as God's chosen spokesperson. Despite the dire circumstances and the completion of the judgment prophecies, Ezekiel remains God's instrument for conveying His message to the exiles, echoing his initial call in [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - Ezekiel's Initial Call"). Finally, the word "Again" signals a crucial **Transition in Ministry Focus**. While the earlier messages focused on judgment and destruction, the subsequent discourse in [Ezekiel 33](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33 - The Watchman and Individual Responsibility") will pivot to themes of individual responsibility, the watchman's duty to warn, the possibility of repentance, and the eventual hope for restoration, laying the theological groundwork for the grand promises found in later chapters like [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration and New Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is incredibly rich, encompassing "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," and "report." In this context, it signifies a divine utterance, a direct and authoritative communication from God. It is not merely a thought or an idea, but a concrete, impactful message that carries the weight of God's will and intention. The "word of the LORD" is active, potent, and capable of bringing about what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. It signifies "the self-Existent One" or "the Eternal." The use of this name here emphasizes that the message originates from the sovereign, unchanging God who is faithful to His covenant, even in judgment, and who possesses ultimate authority over history and human destiny. It underscores the divine source and absolute authority of the message.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root means "to say," but with a broad range of applications including "to command," "to declare," "to speak," or "to utter." Here, it indicates the direct, verbal nature of God's communication to Ezekiel. It implies an active, intentional, and clear articulation of the divine message, leaving no doubt that Ezekiel is receiving a precise instruction or revelation to be conveyed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Again":** The KJV's paragraph mark (¶) is a formatting convention, not part of the original Hebrew. However, the word "Again" (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֵלַי לֵאמֹר) is crucial. It signifies a resumption or recommencement of God's direct prophetic communication to Ezekiel concerning Israel, which had been suspended following the pronouncement of Jerusalem's impending fall (Ezekiel 24:27). This "again" marks a new phase in the prophetic ministry, a turning point in the narrative of the book, and a shift in the nature of the divine message.
* **"the word of the LORD came unto me":** This is a classic prophetic formula found throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It highlights that the words Ezekiel is about to speak are not his own thoughts, opinions, or interpretations, but a direct, unsolicited, and undeniable revelation from Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. The phrase "came unto me" denotes a personal, direct, and undeniable encounter between God and His prophet, establishing the authenticity and imperative nature of the subsequent message.
* **"saying,":** This participle indicates that what follows is the direct content of the divine word. It introduces the specific message that God is about to impart to Ezekiel, setting the stage for the detailed instructions and prophecies that will unfold in the subsequent verses and chapters. It underscores the verbal and explicit nature of the divine communication, ensuring that the prophet understands precisely what he is to convey.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:1 primarily employs **Formulaic Language** through the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto me." This is a well-established prophetic trope throughout the Old Testament, instantly signaling divine authority and the authenticity of the message. Its repetition reinforces the idea that the prophet is a mere conduit for God's direct speech. The use of **Reiteration** with the word "Again" serves as a powerful literary marker, emphasizing a significant transition in the narrative and prophetic focus. It signals a new chapter in God's dealings with His people, moving beyond the immediate judgment to a renewed engagement with their individual spiritual state and future hope. This serves as a **Narrative Transition Device**, clearly delineating the shift from the prior themes of judgment and destruction to the subsequent focus on restoration and individual accountability. The verse also implicitly uses **Divine Initiative**, as it is God who "again" initiates communication, underscoring His sovereignty and active involvement in the unfolding history of His people, even in their exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:1 profoundly underscores the enduring nature of divine revelation and God's unwavering commitment to communicate with His people, even in their darkest hours. It highlights that God's word is not silenced by human failure or national catastrophe; rather, it adapts to new circumstances, offering guidance, warning, and hope. This verse sets the stage for the crucial theological shift from corporate judgment to individual responsibility, emphasizing that God's justice and mercy extend to each person. It reveals God's persistent desire for repentance and life, even amidst the consequences of sin, laying the groundwork for the themes of new covenant and spiritual renewal that will follow.

* [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jeremiah")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Hosea")
* [Zephaniah 1:1](/zephaniah/1-1 "Zephaniah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Zephaniah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:1 offers a powerful reminder that God is a speaking God who actively engages with humanity, particularly in moments of transition, crisis, and despair. Just as He re-opened communication with Ezekiel after the devastating fall of Jerusalem, God continues to speak to us today through His inspired Word, the Bible, and by His Holy Spirit. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening, recognizing that God's messages are always timely and relevant, whether they call us to repentance, offer comfort in sorrow, or provide guidance for the future. It challenges us to consider our own responsiveness to divine communication, urging us to not only hear but also to heed and apply the truths revealed, understanding that God's word is living and active, capable of transforming our individual lives and shaping our collective future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to hear "the word of the LORD again," signaling a new phase or direction?**
* **How does the consistent nature of God's communication, even through profound societal or personal upheaval, encourage your faith?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better position yourself to hear and respond to God's voice in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the word "Again" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The word "Again" (Hebrew: *va-yehi*) is highly significant because it marks a crucial turning point and a resumption of God's direct prophetic communication to Ezekiel concerning Israel. Earlier in the book, specifically in [Ezekiel 24:27](/ezekiel/24-27 "Ezekiel 24:27 - Ezekiel's Mouth Opened"), God had told Ezekiel that his mouth would be opened only after the news of Jerusalem's fall arrived. The "Again" in Ezekiel 33:1 signals that this period of prophetic silence is over. It indicates a new phase in Ezekiel's ministry, shifting the focus from prophecies of impending judgment (which had now been fulfilled) to themes of individual accountability, the watchman's role, and the future hope of restoration for the exiled people. It underscores God's sovereignty and His continued engagement with His people, even after their national catastrophe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:1, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to the prophet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at various times and in various ways" through the prophets of old ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), He has now "in these last days spoken to us by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). Jesus is the living **Word** of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the full and final revelation of God's character and will. Just as God's word came to Ezekiel to shift the focus from judgment to individual responsibility and future hope, so too does Christ's coming mark a decisive turning point in salvation history. He is the ultimate "watchman" who warns of sin and offers the way of salvation ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), and through His atoning work, He provides the true spiritual restoration and the new heart promised in Ezekiel's later prophecies ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, the "word of the LORD" that came to Ezekiel foreshadows the coming of the Word made flesh, who brings ultimate hope, transformation, and eternal life to all who believe.

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.