Ezekiel 37:18
Ezekiel 37:18 in Multiple Translations
When your people ask you, ‘Won’t you explain to us what you mean by these?’
¶ And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?
And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these?
And when the children of your people say to you, Will you not make clear to us what these things have to do with us?
When your people come and ask you, ‘Are you going to explain what this is all about?’
And when the children of thy people shall speake vnto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shewe vs what thou meanest by these?
'And when sons of thy people speak unto thee, saying, Dost thou not declare to us what these [are] to thee?
“When the children of your people speak to you, saying, ‘Won’t you show us what you mean by these?’
And when the children of thy people shall speak to thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these?
And when the children of thy people shall speak to thee, saying: Wilt thou not tell us what thou meanest by this?
When your fellow Israelis ask you, ‘What does ◄this action/what you just did► mean?’,
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 37:18
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 37:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כַֽ/אֲשֶׁר֙
יֹאמְר֣וּ
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
בְּנֵ֥י
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הֲ/לֽוֹא
תַגִּ֥יד
לָ֖/נוּ
מָה
אֵ֥לֶּה
לָּֽ/ךְ
וְ/כַֽ/אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Prep | Rel
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הֲ/לֽוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
תַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לָ֖/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מָה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
לָּֽ/ךְ
Prep | 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 37:18
וְ/כַֽ/אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
עַמְּ/ךָ֖
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲ/לֽוֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | 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.
תַגִּ֥יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לָ֖/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מָה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
לָּֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 37:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 37:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:18
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:18
Context — One Nation with One King
16“And you, son of man, take a single stick and write on it: ‘Belonging to Judah and to the Israelites associated with him.’ Then take another stick and write on it: ‘Belonging to Joseph—the stick of Ephraim—and to all the house of Israel associated with him.’
17Then join them together into one stick, so that they become one in your hand.
18When your people ask you, ‘Won’t you explain to us what you mean by these?’
19you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel associated with him, and I will put them together with the stick of Judah. I will make them into a single stick, and they will become one in My hand.’ 20When the sticks on which you write are in your hand and in full view of the people,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 24:19 | Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 12:9 | “Son of man, hasn’t the rebellious house of Israel asked you, ‘What are you doing?’ |
| 3 | Ezekiel 17:12 | “Now say to this rebellious house: ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, carried off its king and officials, and brought them back with him to Babylon. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 20:49 | Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’” |
Ezekiel 37:18 Summary
In Ezekiel 37:18, the people are asking Ezekiel to explain the meaning behind the two sticks he has written on, which symbolize the reunification of the tribes of Israel. This verse shows that the people are curious and want to understand God's plans, just like we do today. As we read this verse, we can remember that God wants to restore and unify His people, just like He did with the tribes of Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 37:21-22, and that He calls us to be faithful messengers of His words, just like Ezekiel. By trusting in God's power and seeking to understand His plans, we can experience His restoration and unity in our own lives, just like the psalmist in Psalm 23:3, who says that God restores his soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Ezekiel 37:18 and why are the people asking for an explanation?
The people are asking Ezekiel to explain the meaning behind the two sticks he has written on, one for Judah and the other for Joseph, as instructed by God in Ezekiel 37:16-17, which symbolizes the reunification of the tribes of Israel, as also prophesied in Ezekiel 37:21-22.
How does this verse relate to the larger theme of Ezekiel 37?
Ezekiel 37:18 is part of a larger vision in which God shows Ezekiel a valley of dry bones, symbolizing the restoration of Israel, and the joining of the two sticks represents the unity of the nation, as God says in Ezekiel 37:19, 'I will make them into a single stick, and they will become one in My hand'.
What can we learn from the people's desire for explanation in Ezekiel 37:18?
The people's question to Ezekiel shows their desire to understand God's plans and symbols, which is a characteristic of a humble and seeking heart, as seen in Psalm 119:34, where the psalmist asks God to give him understanding so that he may keep God's law.
How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet relate to the people's question in Ezekiel 37:18?
As a prophet, Ezekiel is called to speak God's message to the people, and their question to him shows that they recognize his authority as a messenger of God, similar to the role of prophets in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, who also spoke God's words to the people, as seen in Isaiah 6:8-9 and Jeremiah 1:4-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which God is calling you to be a symbol of unity and restoration in your community, just like the two sticks in Ezekiel 37:16-17?
- How can you, like Ezekiel, be a faithful messenger of God's words and plans to those around you, even when it's difficult or unclear?
- What are some 'dry bones' in your life that God wants to restore and bring to life, and how can you trust in His power to do so, as seen in Ezekiel 37:1-14?
- In what ways can you seek to understand God's plans and symbols, like the people in Ezekiel 37:18, and what can you learn from their example of humility and curiosity?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:18
And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying,.... The children of Israel and Judah in captivity, of which people Ezekiel was and to whom he was sent as a prophet; who seeing him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:18
And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? When the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:18
When; so soon as. The children of thy people; to whom thou art watchman by office, and near of kin by natural descent. Wilt thou not? there was some reason why they might doubt whether he would, because they had carried it so, frowardly toward him; therefore they request it by an interrogatory, Wilt thou not? We shall never know the meaning unless thou unfold it; wilt thou not do it then?
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:18
Ezekiel 37:18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou [meanest] by these?Ver. 18. Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these?] People, though they should not be question sick, as some in St Paul’ s time were, yet they should be inquisitive after truth according to godliness.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:18
15–28. Prophecy of the reunion of the restored Israel into one kingdom, ruled by one king, even David (1) Ezekiel 37:15-23. Symbol of the union of Judah and Israel into one kingdom, with its explanation. (2) Ezekiel 37:24-25. There shall be one king over the new nation, even David. (3) Ezekiel 37:26-28. Jehovah’s covenant with the people shall be everlasting, and his presence will sanctify them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:18
15-22. By this symbolic action, the last which is recorded of him, Ezekiel visibly pictures the reunion of Judah and Israel, the southern and northern kingdoms, into one nation.