Ezekiel 33:23

KJV

Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the word of ADONAI came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 33:23 serves as a pivotal and authoritative declaration, marking the re-initiation of direct divine communication to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse signals a profound shift in God's message, moving from pronouncements of impending judgment to addressing the aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction and the spiritual state of the remnant. It underscores the continuous, active, and purposeful nature of God's engagement with His covenant people, even amidst profound national crisis and transition, setting the stage for new instructions, warnings, and promises concerning those remaining in the land of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a critical juncture within the book of Ezekiel, signaling a dramatic shift in the prophet's ministry. It immediately follows the long-awaited news of Jerusalem's fall, delivered by a refugee in [Ezekiel 33:21](/ezekiel/33-21 "Ezekiel 33:21 - News of Jerusalem's Fall"). This event marks the definitive fulfillment of Ezekiel's earlier prophecies of judgment against the city. Crucially, prior to this, Ezekiel's prophetic voice had been largely constrained regarding direct address to Israel's immediate future, a period of muteness described in [Ezekiel 3:26](/ezekiel/3-26 "Ezekiel 3:26 - Ezekiel's Mute Period"). The arrival of the news, however, triggers the symbolic and literal "opening of his mouth" as prophesied in [Ezekiel 33:22](/ezekiel/33-22 "Ezekiel 33:22 - Ezekiel's Mouth Opened"), enabling him to speak freely once more. Thus, verse 23 acts as the formal divine re-commissioning, transitioning the prophetic focus from warning about destruction to addressing the spiritual and practical implications for the scattered remnant and the future of the land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry unfolds during the harrowing period of the Babylonian exile, a time of immense national trauma and theological crisis for the Jewish people. The fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, their spiritual and political heart, shattered their false sense of security and challenged their understanding of God's covenant faithfulness. Ezekiel ministered primarily to the exiles in Babylon, but his messages also addressed those who remained in the desolate land of Judah. The cultural backdrop included a people struggling with despair, grappling with the consequences of their persistent disobedience, and some clinging to a misguided belief that their mere physical presence in the land guaranteed God's favor, despite their ongoing sin. This verse introduces God's direct and authoritative response to these complex realities, providing divine perspective, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose for a disoriented and suffering people.
* **Key Themes:** The formulaic phrase "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," is a hallmark of prophetic literature, immediately highlighting the overarching theme of **Divine Authority and Revelation**. It emphatically asserts that the subsequent message is not Ezekiel's personal insight but a direct, authoritative communication from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, thereby reinforcing Ezekiel's role as a [spiritual watchman](/ezekiel/33-7 "Ezekiel 33:7 - Ezekiel as a Watchman") whose words carry divine weight. This re-initiation of communication also underscores **Prophetic Continuity**; even after the devastating fulfillment of major prophecies of judgment, God does not abandon His people but continues to engage with them, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Furthermore, it signals a crucial **Transition and New Focus** in Ezekiel's ministry, moving beyond pronouncements of impending doom to addressing the spiritual state of the remnant and laying the groundwork for future restoration, a theme that blossoms in later chapters such as [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel") and [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root meaning "to speak," this term signifies more than a mere utterance; it denotes a concrete message, a matter, or a thing spoken. In a prophetic context, _dâbâr_ embodies a divine utterance that inherently possesses power, authority, and often leads to action or fulfillment. It emphasizes the active, purposeful, and performative nature of God's communication, which is not abstract but directly relevant to the circumstances and destiny of His people.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton, the sacred personal name of God, often transliterated as Yahweh. Derived from the verb "to be" (_hayah_), it signifies God's eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature. Its use here is crucial, emphasizing that the message originates from the covenant-keeping God of Israel, the one who is sovereign over all creation and history, and who remains faithful to His promises even amidst judgment and the profound trauma of exile.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," used with extensive semantic range to encompass various forms of communication: declaring, commanding, affirming, or even thinking. In this context, _ʼâmar_ highlights the direct, explicit, and articulate nature of God's subsequent pronouncements. It underscores that what follows is a clear, precise, and intentional message from God, meant to be heard, understood, and obeyed by Ezekiel and, through him, by the people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the word":** This opening phrase functions as a temporal and thematic marker, signaling a new development or initiation in the prophetic narrative. The "word" here is not just information but a divine message, an authoritative communication originating directly from God Himself, implying a personal, intentional, and active act of speaking by the Almighty.
* **"of the LORD":** This crucial attribution identifies the absolute source of the divine word as Yahweh (_Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel. This identification establishes the unparalleled authority, truthfulness, and reliability of the message, distinguishing it unequivocally from human opinion, speculation, or mere human wisdom. It serves as a powerful reminder to the audience that even in their darkest hour, their sovereign God remains actively engaged and in control.
* **"came unto me":** This clause highlights the personal, direct, and intimate nature of the revelation specifically to Ezekiel. It signifies that the prophet is not merely a passive recipient but a divinely chosen and prepared vessel through whom God's message is delivered. The "coming" implies a dynamic, active transmission from the divine realm to the human, specifically to God's appointed messenger, underscoring the supernatural origin of the prophecy.
* **"saying,":** This participial phrase serves as an immediate and explicit precursor to the content of God's message. It emphasizes that what follows is the direct, articulated speech of the LORD Himself, conveyed through Ezekiel. It primes the audience to listen attentively, knowing that the subsequent words are not the prophet's own but the very pronouncements of the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 33:23, though concise, effectively employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," which is a recurring and highly conventional phrase throughout prophetic literature. This formula serves as a clear and authoritative marker of divine revelation, immediately signaling to the audience that the subsequent words are not human but originate directly from God Himself, thereby establishing their absolute authority and truthfulness. This also highlights **Divine Speech**, where God is presented as an active, communicating agent, directly addressing His prophet. The very "word" of the LORD can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "word" (_dâbâr_) stands for the entire message, decree, or instruction that God is about to impart. This emphasizes the inherent power, efficacy, and performative nature of God's spoken command, which is not merely informative but brings about what it declares.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 33:23 profoundly emphasizes the enduring truth of God's active and unwavering engagement with humanity, particularly His covenant people, through divine revelation. Even after the catastrophic fulfillment of judgment, God does not abandon His people but continues to speak, offering guidance, correction, and hope for a new future. This verse underscores the foundational theological principle that God is a communicating God, whose word is dynamic, purposeful, and always relevant to the circumstances of His people. It highlights the indispensable role of the prophet as the divinely appointed conduit for this communication, ensuring that God's truth is proclaimed with authority and clarity, even in times of profound despair and uncertainty. The continuity of God's word, even when circumstances change drastically, provides a powerful testimony to His faithfulness, His sovereign control over history, and His ongoing redemptive work.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "God Reveals His Secret to His Servants the Prophets")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 33:23, though concise, offers profound encouragement and a vital call to attentiveness for believers today. In a world characterized by constant change, pervasive uncertainty, and often, deep despair, this verse reminds us that God remains actively engaged and continues to speak. Just as He spoke to Ezekiel concerning the new and challenging realities facing Israel after Jerusalem's fall, so too does He speak into our present circumstances through His unchanging and living Word, the Bible. This passage challenges us to cultivate a posture of humble listening and obedient responsiveness, recognizing that God's communication is always purposeful and designed to guide us through life's transitions, trials, and triumphs. It underscores the paramount importance of prioritizing God's revealed truth as our ultimate source of wisdom, direction, and comfort, trusting that His word, like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, will never return void but will accomplish His perfect and sovereign will in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the continuity of God's word in Ezekiel 33:23 encourage you in times of personal or collective uncertainty and transition?**
* **In what practical ways do you actively seek to hear and discern God's "word" in your daily life, beyond merely reading Scripture?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's unwavering faithfulness, even when His people face the severe consequences of their disobedience?**
* **How does understanding the divine origin and authority of Scripture (as highlighted by "the word of the LORD came unto me") impact your approach to reading, studying, and applying the Bible?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying" so important in prophetic books?**

Answer: This phrase, or a very similar variation, is absolutely crucial in prophetic books because it functions as a divine signature, authenticating the message that follows as directly from God Himself, not from the prophet's own thoughts, opinions, or interpretations. It establishes the **authority** of the prophecy, ensuring the audience understands that they are hearing a divine decree, a sovereign pronouncement, and not mere human speculation. It also highlights the **inspiration** of the prophet, showing that they are merely a chosen conduit for God's explicit message, not its originator. Furthermore, it emphasizes God's active **engagement** with His people and His world, demonstrating that He is a communicating God who reveals His will, purposes, and plans. This formula is a hallmark of true prophecy throughout the Old Testament, from the initial call of Abram in [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Abram") to the commissioning of Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the LORD Comes to Jeremiah"), serving as a constant reminder of the divine origin of the prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 33:23, with its profound emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming to the prophet, finds its ultimate, most complete, and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at various times and in various ways" through the prophets of old, including Ezekiel ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God Spoke Through Prophets")), He has now spoken to us definitively and exhaustively "by His Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Spoke Through His Son")). Jesus is not merely a messenger who delivers God's word; He *is* the Word of God incarnate, the very Logos who was with God and was God from the beginning, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")). In Christ, the divine revelation is no longer mediated through a prophet but is fully embodied in a divine-human person. He is the ultimate and perfect communication from God to humanity, revealing the Father fully and perfectly, such that "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). The "word of the LORD" that came to Ezekiel was a spoken message; in Jesus, that word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Thus, every instance of God's word coming to a prophet in the Old Testament foreshadows the coming of the Living Word, Jesus, who perfectly declares God's will, accomplishes His redemptive purpose on the cross, and ultimately reigns as the "Word of God" ([Revelation 19:13](/revelation/19-13 "Revelation 19:13 - Jesus, the Word of God")).

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.