Ezekiel 17:2
Ezekiel 17:2 in Multiple Translations
“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Son of man, give out a dark saying, and make a comparison for the children of Israel,
“Son of man, present this riddle—share it as a parable with the people of Israel.
Sonne of man, put foorth a parable and speake a prouerbe vnto the house of Israel,
'Son of man, put forth a riddle, and use a simile unto the house of Israel,
“Son of man, tell a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel,
“You human, tell this story/parable [DOU] to the people [MTY] of Israel.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 17:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בֶּן
אָדָ֕ם
ח֥וּד
חִידָ֖ה
וּ/מְשֹׁ֣ל
מָשָׁ֑ל
אֶל
בֵּ֖ית
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
ח֥וּד
chûwd
H2330
to riddle
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
חִידָ֖ה
chîydâh
H2420
riddle
N-fs
וּ/מְשֹׁ֣ל
mâshal
H4911
to liken
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מָשָׁ֑ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 17:2
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָ֕ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
ח֥וּד
chûwd
H2330
"to riddle"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to propose a riddle or puzzle. It involves tying a knot or creating a problem to solve. The KJV translates it as 'put forth'.
Definition: (Qal) to propose a riddle, propound a riddle
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: put forth. See also: Judges 14:12; Judges 14:16; Ezekiel 17:2.
חִידָ֖ה
chîydâh
H2420
"riddle"
N-fs
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Definition: 1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 1d) double dealing (with 'havin') Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. See also: Numbers 12:8; Judges 14:19; Psalms 49:5.
וּ/מְשֹׁ֣ל
mâshal
H4911
"to liken"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To use a proverb means to speak in a way that teaches a lesson, often using metaphors or poems, as seen in Jesus' parables in the Gospels. This word is about comparing things to make a point. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to represent, liken, be like 1a) (Niphal) to liken, be like, be similar 1b) (Hiphil) to compare 1c) (Hithpael) to become like
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be(-come) like, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter. See also: Numbers 21:27; Isaiah 46:5; Psalms 28:1.
מָשָׁ֑ל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּ֖ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 17:2
Context — The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine
1Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying,
2“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel
3and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘A great eagle with great wings and long pinions, full of feathers of many colors, came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar. 4He plucked off its topmost shoot, carried it to the land of merchants, and planted it in a city of traders.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 20:49 | Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’” |
| 2 | Matthew 13:35 | So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.” |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 13:12 | Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 12:1–4 | Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a great number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one small ewe lamb that he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food and drank from his cup; it slept in his arms and was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, who refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.” |
| 5 | Ezekiel 24:3 | 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. |
| 6 | Mark 4:33–34 | With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples. |
| 7 | Hosea 12:10 | I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets. |
| 8 | Judges 9:8–15 | One day the trees set out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’ But the olive tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my oil that honors both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ Then the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’ But the fig tree replied, ‘Should I stop giving my sweetness and my good fruit, to hold sway over the trees?’ Then the trees said to the grapevine, ‘Come and reign over us.’ But the grapevine replied, ‘Should I stop giving my wine that cheers both God and man, to hold sway over the trees?’ Finally all the trees said to the thornbush, ‘Come and reign over us.’ But the thornbush replied, ‘If you really are anointing me as king over you, come and find refuge in my shade. But if not, may fire come out of the thornbush and consume the cedars of Lebanon.’ |
| 9 | Matthew 13:13–14 | This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. |
| 10 | Judges 14:12–19 | “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. But if you cannot solve it, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they replied. “Let us hear it.” So he said to them: “Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.” For three days they were unable to explain the riddle. So on the fourth day they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband to explain the riddle to us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to rob us?” Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping, and said, “You hate me! You do not really love me! You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me.” “Look,” he said, “I have not even explained it to my father or mother, so why should I explain it to you?” She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. Before sunset on the seventh day, the men of the city said to Samson: “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” So he said to them: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle!” Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house, |
Ezekiel 17:2 Summary
[Ezekiel 17:2 is a call from God to Ezekiel to share a message with the people of Israel. This message is in the form of a riddle or parable, which is a way of teaching spiritual truth, as seen in Matthew 13:10-17. God wants us to listen to His voice and understand His message, just like He wants the people of Israel to listen and understand. By hearing and obeying God's word, we can trust in His plan and purpose for our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of a riddle or parable in Ezekiel 17:2?
The use of a riddle or parable in Ezekiel 17:2 is a way for God to speak truth to the people of Israel, as seen in other scriptures like Matthew 13:10-17, where Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths.
Who is being addressed in Ezekiel 17:2?
The verse is addressing Ezekiel, who is called 'Son of man', a term used by God to speak to Ezekiel as a representative of humanity, similar to how Jesus is referred to as the 'Son of Man' in Luke 19:10.
What is the purpose of speaking a parable to the house of Israel?
The purpose of speaking a parable to the house of Israel is to convey a spiritual message, as seen in Romans 11:25, where the apostle Paul writes about the partial hardening of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse sets the stage for the parable that follows in Ezekiel 17:3-4, which is a story about a great eagle and a cedar tree, symbolizing God's judgment on Israel's leaders, similar to the prophecies in Isaiah 5:1-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be attentive to His voice?
- How can we, like Ezekiel, be faithful messengers of God's truth to those around us?
- What are some 'riddles' or spiritual mysteries that you are currently seeking to understand, and how can you trust God to reveal His truth to you?
- In what ways can you, like the 'house of Israel', be receptive to God's message and willing to listen to His voice?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 17:2
Son of man, put forth a riddle,.... A dark saying, but a smart one: "whet a whetting" (k), as in the Hebrew; something at first sight difficult to be understood, yet amusing and entertaining; and,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 17:2
Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; Put forth a riddle - a continued allegory, expressed enigmatically, requiring more than common acumen and serious thought.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
These two verses are preface to what follows in the chapter. A riddle; a dark saying, which calls for thorough consideration to understand and apply it, because the meaning is different to the sound of the words. A parable; the same thing redoubled in different words. And it is likely the prophet is commanded to use a parable, because those Eastern people were much used to and taken with this kind of discourse. The house of Israel, i.e. the remainders of the house of Israel, whether of the ten tribes, or of the two tribes.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
Ezekiel 17:2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;Ver. 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle.] Acue acumen, sharpen a sharpening, or whet a whetting. The prophet might have expressed God’ s mind in fewer words; but then it would not have taken so deep an impression. Parents must whet God’ s word upon their children, ministers upon their people, and Christians upon one another for the increase of love and good works. Riddles exercise the wit, and parables help the memory, and excite both attention and affection.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
(2) A riddle . . . a parable.—What the prophet has to say is called a riddle as well as a parable, because there is something in it recondite and obscure—something which, until it is explained, should excite the minds of the people to guess its meaning.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
Verse 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle] Riddle, [Anglo-Saxon] or [A.S.], Anglo-Saxon, from [A.S.] to divine; a thing that must be curiously investigated and sifted, to find out the meaning; and hence, riddle, a sort of coarse sieve to clean corn, to separate coarse chaff and straws from the pure grain. An instrument formerly used for divination. This is not far removed from the Hebrew חידה chidah, from חד chad, to penetrate; not that which penetrates the mind, but which we must penetrate to find out the sense.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 17:2
2. a riddle] As requiring interpretation; the passage is also called a “parable,” as containing a similitude or comparison. The eagle is Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Conquerors are often compared to the eagle, Deuteronomy 28:49; Isaiah 46:11; Jeremiah 4:13; Jeremiah 48:40; Hosea 8:1; Lamentations 4:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 17:2
2. A riddle… a parable — It was a riddle because it was couched in dark language; it was a parable because of the comparison drawn between the material and the spiritual.
Sermons on Ezekiel 17:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Homily 19 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of avoiding oaths, drawing examples from the destruction of Jerusalem due to a broken oath by King Zedekiah. He emphasizes the severe |
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Humanity of Jesus - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of sending out missionaries. He emphasizes that missionaries are sent to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. |
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I Made You for Eternity by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of missionaries sharing their experiences with the body of Christ. He emphasizes the need for encouragement and chal |
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The Feast of the Lord by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, Charles Kelch discusses the concept of the feast of Satan and contrasts it with the feast that God has prepared for his people. He describes how Satan offers good w |
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(Through the Bible) Genesis 24-26 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Isaac and Rebecca from the Bible. The servant of Isaac's father is sent to find a wife for Isaac and he prays to God for guidance |
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For Judgement I Came Into This World by John Piper | This sermon addresses the crucial decisions facing a church, including succession, church structure, and funding. It emphasizes the need for clarity and seeking God's guidance thro |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 37:14 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the descendants of Jacob and their journey out of Egypt. He highlights the encounter between Balaam and King Balak, where Balaam |