Ezekiel 3:8
Ezekiel 3:8 in Multiple Translations
Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.
Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
Behold, I have made thy face hard against their faces, and thy forehead hard against their foreheads.
See, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your brow hard against their brows.
Look! I'm going to make you as tough as them, and as strong-minded as them.
Beholde, I haue made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead harde against their foreheads.
'Lo, I have made thy face strong against their face, and thy forehead strong against their forehead.
Behold, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your forehead hard against their foreheads.
Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
Behold I have made thy face stronger than their faces: and thy forehead harder than their foreheads.
But I will enable you [SYN] to be as stubborn and tough as they are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 3:8
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 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּ֨ה
נָתַ֧תִּי
אֶת
פָּנֶ֛י/ךָ
חֲזָקִ֖ים
לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/אֶֽת
מִצְחֲ/ךָ֥
חָזָ֖ק
לְ/עֻמַּ֥ת
מִצְחָֽ/ם
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
נָתַ֧תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנֶ֛י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
חֲזָקִ֖ים
châzâq
H2389
strong
Adj
לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת
ʻummâh
H5980
close
Prep | N-fs
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִצְחֲ/ךָ֥
mêtsach
H4696
forehead
N-ms | Suff
חָזָ֖ק
châzâq
H2389
strong
Adj
לְ/עֻמַּ֥ת
ʻummâh
H5980
close
Prep | N-fs
מִצְחָֽ/ם
mêtsach
H4696
forehead
N-ms | Suff
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 3:8
הִנֵּ֨ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָתַ֧תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנֶ֛י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
חֲזָקִ֖ים
châzâq
H2389
"strong"
Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
לְ/עֻמַּ֣ת
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִצְחֲ/ךָ֥
mêtsach
H4696
"forehead"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for forehead, referring to the open and prominent part of the face. In the Bible, it is used to describe the forehead of humans, like in Ezekiel 3:8-9. It represents the front of a person.
Definition: brow, forehead
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: brow, forehead, [phrase] impudent. See also: Exodus 28:38; Jeremiah 3:3; Isaiah 48:4.
חָזָ֖ק
châzâq
H2389
"strong"
Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
לְ/עֻמַּ֥ת
ʻummâh
H5980
"close"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means to be close to something or someone, often describing a sense of proximity or nearness. It can also imply agreement or correspondence, as in being in harmony with someone or something. The word is used in various biblical contexts to describe relationships.
Definition: 1) juxtaposition 1a) used only as a prep 1a1) close by, side by side with, alongside of, parallel with 1a2) agreeing with, corresponding to, exactly as, close beside 1a3) correspondingly to
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, at, beside, hard by, in points. See also: Exodus 25:27; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Ezekiel 48:21.
מִצְחָֽ/ם
mêtsach
H4696
"forehead"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for forehead, referring to the open and prominent part of the face. In the Bible, it is used to describe the forehead of humans, like in Ezekiel 3:8-9. It represents the front of a person.
Definition: brow, forehead
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: brow, forehead, [phrase] impudent. See also: Exodus 28:38; Jeremiah 3:3; Isaiah 48:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 3:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:8
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
- Sermons on Ezekiel 3:8
Context — Ezekiel Eats the Scroll
6not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you.
7But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted.
8Behold, I will make your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.
9I will make your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or dismayed at their presence, even though they are a rebellious house.” 10“Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 1:18 | Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. |
| 2 | Acts 7:51–56 | You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did. Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers— you who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it.” On hearing this, the members of the Sanhedrin were enraged, and they gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” |
| 3 | Micah 3:8 | As for me, however, I am filled with power by the Spirit of the LORD, with justice and courage, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. |
| 4 | Hebrews 11:27 | By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. |
| 5 | Exodus 11:4–8 | So Moses declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘About midnight I will go throughout Egypt, and every firstborn son in the land of Egypt will die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, to the firstborn of the servant girl behind the hand mill, as well as the firstborn of all the cattle. Then a great cry will go out over all the land of Egypt. Such an outcry has never been heard before and will never be heard again. But among all the Israelites, not even a dog will snarl at man or beast.’ Then you will know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel. And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 21:20 | When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD. |
| 7 | Hebrews 11:32–37 | And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. |
| 8 | Isaiah 50:7 | Because the Lord GOD helps Me, I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be put to shame. |
| 9 | Exodus 4:15–16 | You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 15:20 | Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD. |
Ezekiel 3:8 Summary
[This verse is saying that God will give Ezekiel the strength and courage he needs to stand firm against the rebellious house of Israel. He will make Ezekiel's face and forehead as hard as the faces and foreheads of the Israelites, so that he can proclaim God's message without being intimidated or afraid. This is similar to what God did for other prophets like Moses in Exodus 4:10-12 and Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:17-19. By trusting in God's power and provision, we too can have the strength and courage we need to stand firm in our faith and proclaim His message to those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God say He will make Ezekiel's face as hard as the faces of the Israelites?
God is telling Ezekiel that He will give him the strength and courage he needs to stand firm against the rebellious house of Israel, just as He did for other prophets like Moses in Exodus 4:10-12 and Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:17-19.
What does it mean for Ezekiel's forehead to be as hard as the foreheads of the Israelites?
This means that Ezekiel will have a strong and unwavering determination to proclaim God's message, just like the Israelites have a hard and stubborn determination to resist God's message, as seen in Ezekiel 3:7 and Deuteronomy 9:27.
Is this verse saying that God wants Ezekiel to be as stubborn as the Israelites?
No, this verse is saying that God wants Ezekiel to have a firm and unshakeable commitment to proclaiming His message, not to be stubborn or rebellious like the Israelites, but to be strong and courageous in the face of opposition, as seen in Joshua 1:6-9.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives as believers?
We can apply this verse by asking God to give us the strength and courage we need to stand firm in our faith and to proclaim His message to those around us, even in the face of opposition or adversity, just as Paul did in Acts 20:22-24 and 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can stand firm in my faith and proclaim God's message to those around me, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- How can I balance being strong and courageous in my faith with being gentle and compassionate towards those who may be opposing me?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be struggling with fear or intimidation, and how can I ask God to give me the strength and courage I need to overcome them?
- How can I use Ezekiel 3:8 as a reminder to trust in God's power and provision, rather than my own strength or abilities?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 3:8
Behold, I have made the, face strong against their faces,.... Not that the prophet should have the same sort of impudence and confidence they had; but that God would "give" (n) him such a face, as it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 3:8
Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
This may be to remove the objection of the prophet, who might plead the softness of his own metal, and pretend shameless sinners will scoff a young prophet out of countenance. Behold, says God, consider. I have made; given. They have given themselves this impudent countenance; I have given thee true courage, constancy, and manly carriage. Thy forehead strong; the same answer in words very little varying. God will qualify and gift him for this work among this people, and edge his own tools to cut into the hardest metal. So .
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
Ezekiel 3:8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.Ver. 8. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces.] I have steeled thy forehead and strengthened thine heart, that thou shalt budge for none of them. I have rendered thee insuperable.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
(8) Thy face strong against their faces.—The word strong is the same here as that rendered impudent (marg. stiff) in Ezekiel 3:7. Of course it must have a different shade of meaning in its application to the rebellious people and to the prophet; but the main thought is taken from the figure of horned animals in their contests, and God promises Ezekiel to make him in the struggle stronger than those who oppose him. The same thing is expressed by another figure in Ezekiel 3:9.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 3:8
4–9. The prophet shall be strengthened to perform his hard task Having taken in the “words” of the Lord (Ezekiel 3:4) there opens up before the prophet a general view of the mission he is sent upon. It is an arduous one. The difficulties are not of a superficial kind. He is not sent to foreign nations, who would not understand his words, but to Israel. They can well understand, but they will not listen. Their refusal to listen unto him is but an example of their life-long refusal to listen unto God. They are resolute and obstinate in their disobedience, but the prophet shall be made more resolute than they.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 3:8
I have made ... thy forehead strong - I have given thee a strength superior to theirs; a metaphor taken from horned animals.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 3:8
8, 9. Jehovah declares that though the people to whom he will speak “are stiff-faced” and “hard of heart,” he himself will make the prophet as strong and persistent as they, with a forehead hard as
Sermons on Ezekiel 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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To Whom Shall We Liken Him? by Martin Knapp | Martin Knapp preaches about the remarkable similarities between Mr. Weber and various biblical figures, highlighting his evangelistic zeal, family's conversion, deliverance mission |
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Militant Evangelism by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story of a father who risks his life to save his son from crocodile-infested waters. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance o |
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(Titus - Part 11): Inspiration by Information by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his joy in seeing the work of God in the neighborhood through the Pioneer Girls program. He then addresses the perception of the ch |
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Jeremiah - Prophet of the Last Days by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the last days for Israel and their eternal indebtedness to God's deliverance. He emphasizes the importance of examining an |
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The Ten Virgins (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, Reverend Robert Murray McChain focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. He addresses the congregation, dividing them into two classes: the wi |
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Arab-07 Martyrdom - God's Normative Call by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal glory of God rather than our own earthly struggles. He uses the example of Paul and Silas, who were |
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A Plea for Kingdom Honesty - Part 1 by Don Basham | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the power and miracles experienced by the early church as recorded in Acts 4. The disciples prayed and were filled with the Holy Spirit, spe |