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Ezekiel 3:26

Ezekiel 3:26 in Multiple Translations

I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will be silent and unable to rebuke them, though they are a rebellious house.

And 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.

and 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.

And I will make your tongue fixed to the roof of your mouth, so that you have no voice and may not make protests to them: for they are an uncontrolled people.

I'll make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth. You won't be able to speak and complain to them, even though they are a rebellious people.

And I will make thy tongue cleaue to the roofe of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dume, and shalt not be to them as a man that rebuketh: for they are a rebellious house.

and thy tongue I cause to cleave unto thy palate, and thou hast been dumb, and art not to them for a reprover, for a rebellious house [are] they.

I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so that you will be mute and will not be able to correct them, for they are a rebellious house.

And 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.

And I will make thy tongue stick fast to the roof of thy mouth, and thou shalt be dumb, and not as a man that reproveth: because they are a provoking house.

Even though they are very rebellious people, I will cause your tongue to stick to the roof of your mouth, with the result that you will be unable to talk and to rebuke them.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 3:26

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Word Study

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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 3:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/לְשֽׁוֹנְ/ךָ֙ אַדְבִּ֣יק אֶל חִכֶּ֔/ךָ וְ/נֶֽאֱלַ֔מְתָּ וְ/לֹא תִֽהְיֶ֥ה לָ/הֶ֖ם לְ/אִ֣ישׁ מוֹכִ֑יחַ כִּ֛י בֵּ֥ית מְרִ֖י הֵֽמָּה
וּ/לְשֽׁוֹנְ/ךָ֙ lâshôwn H3956 tongue Conj | N-cs | Suff
אַדְבִּ֣יק dâbaq H1692 to cleave V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
חִכֶּ֔/ךָ chêk H2441 palate N-ms | Suff
וְ/נֶֽאֱלַ֔מְתָּ ʼâlam H481 be dumb Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
תִֽהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms
מוֹכִ֑יחַ yâkach H3198 to rebuke V-Hiphil
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
מְרִ֖י mᵉrîy H4805 rebellion N-ms
הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 3:26

וּ/לְשֽׁוֹנְ/ךָ֙ lâshôwn H3956 "tongue" Conj | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
אַדְבִּ֣יק dâbaq H1692 "to cleave" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
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.
חִכֶּ֔/ךָ chêk H2441 "palate" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
וְ/נֶֽאֱלַ֔מְתָּ ʼâlam H481 "be dumb" Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
This verb means to be tongue-tied or unable to speak, often used to describe being silenced or bound, as seen in Psalm 137:6.
Definition: 1) to bind 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be dumb 1a2) to be bound 1b) (Piel) binding (part.)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bind, be dumb, put to silence. See also: Genesis 37:7; Isaiah 53:7; Psalms 31:19.
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִֽהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff
לְ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מוֹכִ֑יחַ yâkach H3198 "to rebuke" V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בֵּ֥ית 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.
מְרִ֖י mᵉrîy H4805 "rebellion" N-ms
Rebellion or bitterness, often used to describe someone who is against authority. It can also mean being rebellious or having a bitter attitude.
Definition: 1) rebellion 1a) rebellion 1b) rebellious (in construct)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bitter, (most) rebel(-lion, -lious). See also: Numbers 17:25; Ezekiel 2:8; Proverbs 17:11.
הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 3:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 24:27 On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you will speak and no longer be mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.”
2 Micah 3:6–7 Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”
3 Amos 8:11–12 Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.
4 Psalms 137:6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!
5 Luke 1:20–22 And now you will be silent and unable to speak until the day this comes to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he took so long in the temple. When he came out and was unable to speak to them, they realized he had seen a vision in the temple. He kept making signs to them but remained speechless.
6 Psalms 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.
7 Ezekiel 2:3–8 “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.”
8 Isaiah 1:2 Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.
9 Psalms 36:11–12 Let not the foot of the proud come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen, thrown down and unable to rise.
10 Amos 5:10 There are those who hate the one who reproves in the gate and despise him who speaks with integrity.

Ezekiel 3:26 Summary

This verse means that God is going to make Ezekiel unable to speak for a time, so that when he does speak, people will know it's really God talking, as seen in Ezekiel 3:27. It's like when God told Moses he would be with him and help him speak, even though Moses was afraid and felt like he couldn't speak well, as seen in Exodus 4:10-12. Ezekiel's silence is a reminder that our ability to speak and communicate effectively is a gift from God, and that we should trust Him to give us the right words to say, even in difficult situations, as seen in Matthew 10:19-20. By trusting God and waiting on Him, we can experience the power of His presence and provision in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does God tell Ezekiel he will be unable to speak?

God tells Ezekiel he will be unable to speak in order to illustrate the rebelliousness of the house of Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 3:26, and to show that true obedience to God's word is not dependent on human eloquence, but on God's power, as demonstrated in Exodus 4:10-12.

Is Ezekiel's silence a form of punishment?

Ezekiel's silence is not necessarily a punishment, but rather a means of emphasizing the gravity of the message he will eventually deliver, as seen in Ezekiel 3:27, where God promises to open Ezekiel's mouth to speak when the time is right, similar to what happened to Zechariah in Luke 1:20.

What does it mean for Ezekiel's tongue to 'stick to the roof of his mouth'?

The phrase 'stick to the roof of his mouth' is an idiomatic expression meaning that Ezekiel will be unable to speak, as if his tongue is literally stuck in place, highlighting the idea that his silence is a supernatural imposition, rather than a personal choice, as seen in Ezekiel 3:26.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?

This verse highlights the tension between Ezekiel's call to speak God's words to a rebellious people, as seen in Ezekiel 2:3-4, and the reality of their stubborn refusal to listen, underscoring the need for God's intervention and empowerment in the prophetic ministry, as seen in Ezekiel 3:27 and Isaiah 55:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I may be called to be silent in the face of rebellion or opposition, and how can I trust God to give me the right words to speak at the right time?
  2. How do I respond when I feel like my voice is not being heard or my message is being rejected, and what can I learn from Ezekiel's experience of silence and speech?
  3. In what ways can I identify with Ezekiel's feelings of being bound and restricted, and how can I trust God to set me free to speak and act in accordance with His will?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to 'open my mouth' and give me the words to speak, as He promises to do for Ezekiel in Ezekiel 3:27?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:26

And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shall be dumb,.... Which is to be understood not literally, as if he was really struck dumb, as Zechariah was; see Ezekiel 4:9;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:26

And 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:26

Either by forbidding thee to speak, I will make thee as dumb as if thy tongue did cleave to the roof of thy mouth; or possibly God did suspend his influence, and leave the prophet dumb, as one who could not move his tongue, the use whereof is taken away. A reprover; a man to reprove (as Heb.); shalt tell them as little of their faults and danger as a dumb man can do. God hereby giving the prophet some respite, signifying the future state of the Jews would be such they should no more dare to mutter or whisper; and punishing the refractory deafness of the Jews with taking away their reprover, &c. A rebellious house: see ,7.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:26

Ezekiel 3:26 And 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.Ver. 26. And I will make thy tongue.] A spiritual and a special judgment upon the people, thus to silence the prophet. So he dealt by our ancestors, upon the setting up of Queen Mary.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:26

(26) I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth.—Here, under another figure, this enforced silence is attributed, not to “the rebellious house,” by whom it was immediately brought about, but to God Himself, whose providence was the ultimate cause by which the prophet was placed in such circumstances. It is a way of expressing strongly the difficulties under which he was to exercise his ministry.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:26

Verse 26. I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth] I will not give thee any message to deliver to them. They are so rebellious, it is useless to give them farther warning.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:26

26. I will make thy tongue cleave] The restraint imposed by the opposition of the people is acquiesced in by God, it is part of his purpose. His providence will meantime be the best teacher of the people. The prophet’s “dumbness,” however, is compatible with much speaking at least by signs to those who will hear. He is “dumb” in the sense of the Psalmist, “I was dumb, not opening my mouth, because thou didst it” (Psalms 39:9; Isaiah 53:7; cf. Ezekiel 24:27; Ezekiel 33:22).

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 3:26

And I will make - Rather, Then will I “make.” One action is the consequence of the other. Because the people would silence the prophet, God to punish them will close his mouth (compare Isaiah 6:9; Matthew 13:14).

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:26

26. Thou shalt be dumb — He who had previously refused to speak now finds himself unable to speak (compare Luke 1:20), and this dumbness is also to teach both himself and the people the lesson that

Sermons on Ezekiel 3:26

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson The Worms Shall Crawl Out of Their Holes by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the loss of trust and confidence in various institutions, including the judicial system, school system, and even marriage. He highlights the p
Edward Watson Shocking Truths About the Rapture You Did Not Know by Edward Watson In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 11:15, which provide a picture of the rapture, resurrection, judgment, and rewarding of
Keith Daniel Revival Among the Dry Bones by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God with a desperate heart and spirit. He shares a personal experience of praying and weeping for three consecutive
Andrew Strom We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 3 by Andrew Strom This sermon emphasizes the scarcity of true spiritual nourishment in a time of crisis, pointing out the absence of the word of the Lord amidst church growth strategies and motivati
Zac Poonen (Genesis) - Part 28 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41. Pharaoh had a dream about seven fat cows being eaten by seven thin cows, and then seven years of
David Wilkerson Audio Sermon: The Famine Has Begun by David Wilkerson This sermon is a powerful message about the famine of hearing the word of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of receiving convicting, Holy Ghost preaching in a time of spiritual
Leonard Ravenhill A Man of God - Part 11 by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the need for true repentance and revival, contrasting the shallow altar calls with genuine transformation and surrender to God. It challenges the complacency

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