Ezekiel 33:32
Ezekiel 33:32 in Multiple Translations
Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.
And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
And truly you are to them like a love song by one who has a very pleasing voice and is an expert player on an instrument: for they give ear to your words but do them not.
In fact, to them you're just someone who sings love songs with a lovely voice and who is a fine musician. They listen to the message you share, but they don't do anything about it.
And loe, thou art vnto them, as a iesting song of one that hath a pleasant voyce, and can sing well: for they heare thy woordes, but they doe them not.
And lo, thou [art] to them as a singer of doting loves, A pleasant voice, and playing well on an instrument, And they have heard thy words, and they are not doing them.
Behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they don’t do them.
And lo, thou art to them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do not perform them.
And thou art to them as a musical song which is sung with a sweet and agreeable voice: and they hear thy words, and do them not.
To them, you are only a man who sings love songs with a beautiful voice, and you play a musical instrument well. They hear what you say, but they do not do what you tell them to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 33:32
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 33:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנְּ/ךָ֤
לָ/הֶם֙
כְּ/שִׁ֣יר
עֲגָבִ֔ים
יְפֵ֥ה
ק֖וֹל
וּ/מֵטִ֣ב
נַגֵּ֑ן
וְ/שָֽׁמְעוּ֙
אֶת
דְּבָרֶ֔י/ךָ
וְ/עֹשִׂ֥ים
אֵינָ֖/ם
אוֹתָֽ/ם
וְ/הִנְּ/ךָ֤
hên
H2005
look!
Conj | Part | Suff
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
כְּ/שִׁ֣יר
shîyr
H7892
song
Prep | N-cs
עֲגָבִ֔ים
ʻegeb
H5690
lust
N-mp
יְפֵ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
וּ/מֵטִ֣ב
ṭôwb
H2895
be pleasing
Conj | V-Hiphil
נַגֵּ֑ן
nâgan
H5059
to play
V-Piel-Inf-a
וְ/שָֽׁמְעוּ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
דְּבָרֶ֔י/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp | Suff
וְ/עֹשִׂ֥ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal
אֵינָ֖/ם
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part | Suff
אוֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | 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 33:32
וְ/הִנְּ/ךָ֤
hên
H2005
"look!"
Conj | Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
כְּ/שִׁ֣יר
shîyr
H7892
"song"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a song or singing, and it is used in the Bible to describe musical expressions of praise and worship, like the songs of David in the book of Psalms. It can also be used to describe a specific song or ode.
Definition: 1) song 1a) lyric song 1b) religious song 1c) song of Levitical choirs Also means: shi.rah (שִׁירָה "song" H7892B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: musical(-ick), [idiom] sing(-er, -ing), song. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 76:1; Psalms 18:1.
עֲגָבִ֔ים
ʻegeb
H5690
"lust"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means intense love or strong desire, often used to describe romantic feelings. It appears in descriptions of passionate relationships, like in the Song of Solomon. The KJV translates it as 'much love' or 'very lovely'.
Definition: (sensuous) love
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: much love, very lovely. See also: Ezekiel 33:31; Ezekiel 33:32.
יְפֵ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
ק֖וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וּ/מֵטִ֣ב
ṭôwb
H2895
"be pleasing"
Conj | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to be good or pleasing, often used to describe God's actions or human behavior. It appears in Genesis 1, where God sees that creation is good, and in Psalm 100, where the psalmist says that God is good and his love endures forever.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be joyful, be beneficial, be pleasant, be favourable, be happy, be right 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleasant, be delightful 1a2) to be glad, be joyful 1a3) to be better 1a4) to be well with, be good for 1a5) to be pleasing 1b) (Hiphil) to do well, do good, act right, act rightly
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be (do) better, cheer, be (do, seem) good, (make) goodly, [idiom] please, (be, do, go, play) well. See also: Numbers 11:18; Nehemiah 2:7; Psalms 119:68.
נַגֵּ֑ן
nâgan
H5059
"to play"
V-Piel-Inf-a
This word means to play a musical instrument, especially a stringed one. In the Bible, it is used to describe musicians who play instruments, such as harps or lyres, to make music or sing songs.
Definition: 1) to play or strike strings, play a stringed instrument 1a) (Qal) 1a1) player (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to play 1b1a) player, minstrel (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: player on instruments, sing to the stringed instruments, melody, ministrel, play(-er, -ing). See also: 1 Samuel 16:16; 2 Kings 3:15; Psalms 33:3.
וְ/שָֽׁמְעוּ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
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.
דְּבָרֶ֔י/ךָ
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וְ/עֹשִׂ֥ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֵינָ֖/ם
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אוֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 33:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 33:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
- Sermons on Ezekiel 33:32
Context — Word of Jerusalem’s Fall
30As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’
31So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain.
32Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.
33So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 6:20 | because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly. |
| 2 | Mark 4:16–17 | Some are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. They hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But they themselves have no root, and they remain for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. |
| 3 | John 5:35 | John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. |
Ezekiel 33:32 Summary
[This verse, Ezekiel 33:32, teaches us that just listening to or enjoying spiritual teachings is not enough; we must also put them into practice in our daily lives. The prophet's message is compared to a beautiful love song, but the people's response is empty because they do not put his words into action. As seen in James 1:22, we are encouraged to 'do what it says' and not just listen to the word. By applying God's teachings to our lives, we can demonstrate our genuine love and commitment to Him, as stated in John 14:15, 'If you love me, keep my commandments.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice?
In Ezekiel 33:32, being like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice means that the prophet's message is pleasing to hear, but lacks the substance of true repentance, as seen in Matthew 15:8 where it is written, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.'
Why do the people hear the words but not put them into practice?
The people hear the words but do not put them into practice because their hearts are focused on dishonest gain, as stated in Ezekiel 33:31, and they do not have a genuine desire to follow God's commands, as seen in Romans 2:13, 'For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.'
What is the significance of the instrument being played skillfully?
The instrument being played skillfully in Ezekiel 33:32 emphasizes the allure and attractiveness of the prophet's message, but it also highlights the lack of depth and substance in the people's response, as Jesus taught in Luke 6:46, 'Why do you call me “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?'
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse serves as a reminder that merely listening to or enjoying spiritual teachings is not enough; we must also put them into practice in our daily lives, as James 1:22 encourages, 'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be like the people in Ezekiel 33:32, hearing God's words but not putting them into practice?
- How can I ensure that my heart is genuinely focused on following God's commands, rather than just outwardly appearing to do so?
- In what ways can I apply the teachings of Scripture to my everyday life, going beyond just listening to or enjoying them?
- What are some potential consequences of hearing God's words but not putting them into practice, as seen in this verse and others like Matthew 25:31-46?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 33:32
And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice,.... Whose voice, and the music of it, are regarded, and not the matter of the song, but the manner in which it is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 33:32
And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
These Jews esteem and regard thee and what thou sayest, as men regard a skilful musician, who to a well-tuned instrument hath sung the praises of virtue or of virtuous men; it pleaseth their ear, but it doth not frame their hearts and life to virtue. They loved him for his eloquent lamentation, and reproof of their enemies, and for foretelling that they should fall, and saying nothing against them and their sins for these three years past; but when he exhorts them to duty, or dissuades from sin, they will hear, not do.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
Ezekiel 33:32 And, lo, thou [art] unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.Ver. 32. As a very lovely song.] Or, A love song. The word leaves no more impression upon carnal men’ s consciences than a sweet lesson upon the lute in the ear when it is ended, for then both the vocal and instrumental sweetness dissolve into the air and vanish into nothing. Happy was Augustine, who, coming to Ambrose to have his ears tickled, had his heart touched. Canticum amatorium. - Vatab.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
Verse 32. As a very lovely song] They admired the fine voice and correct delivery of the prophet; this was their religion, and this is the whole of the religion of thousands to the present day; for never were itching ears so multiplied as now.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 33:32
32. lovely song of one] lit. a lovely song; one that hath. The comparison “like a lovely song” is as usual inexact; “like” merely indicates the circumstances—as when there is a lovely song. The prophet is compared to the singer as A. V.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 33:32
30-33. The startling fulfillment of Ezekiel’s last prophecy had aroused special interest in his every word. Everybody was now talking about him, but not against him (Ezekiel 33:30).
Sermons on Ezekiel 33:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Soldiers of Christ Arise by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affec |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 31-35 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of churches putting on entertaining programs to draw crowds instead of focusing on sound doctrine. He emphasizes that people with it |
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George Whitefield by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the life and ministry of George Whitefield, highlighting the opposition and admiration Whitefield faced, his unique gifts as a preacher, and the powerful i |
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The Presence of God - Part 2 by David Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the anger and setbacks that the people of God are experiencing. He believes that God is using these challenges to discipline and correct the c |
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Genesis 6 v 3 by J. Douglas Macmillan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of western civilization and the need for revival or judgment from God. He emphasizes that God's spirit strives with mankind, seeki |
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Luke 3:19, 20. John's Imprisonment. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last discourse of John the Baptist, focusing on the impact of John's preaching on Herod, who despite respecting and reforming parts of his condu |
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Life and Fellowship by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of valuing life and fellowship above doctrines and church debates, highlighting the essence of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in |