Ezekiel 37:20
Ezekiel 37:20 in Multiple Translations
When the sticks on which you write are in your hand and in full view of the people,
¶ And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.
And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.
And the sticks with your writing on them will be in your hand before their eyes.
When you're holding the pieces of wood you've written on, and while everyone is watching,
And the pieces of wood, whereon thou writest, shalbe in thine hand, in their sight.
And the sticks on which thou writest have been in thy hand before thine eyes,
The sticks on which you write will be in your hand before their eyes.”’
And the sticks on which thou writest shall be in thy hand before their eyes.
And the sticks whereon thou hast written, shall be in thy hand, before their eyes.
Then, you human, hold up the pieces of wood that you have written on, in order that the people can see them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 37:20
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 37:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָי֨וּ
הָ/עֵצִ֜ים
אֲֽשֶׁר
תִּכְתֹּ֧ב
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֖
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/הָי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
הָ/עֵצִ֜ים
ʻêts
H6086
tree
Art | N-mp
אֲֽשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תִּכְתֹּ֧ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֖
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | 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 37:20
וְ/הָי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
הָ/עֵצִ֜ים
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
אֲֽשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
תִּכְתֹּ֧ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּ/יָדְ/ךָ֖
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 37:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 37:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
- Sermons on Ezekiel 37:20
Context — One Nation with One King
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,
21you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will take the Israelites out of the nations to which they have gone, and I will gather them from all around and bring them into their own land. 22I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel, and one king will rule over all of them. Then they will no longer be two nations and will never again be divided into two kingdoms.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 12:3 | Therefore, son of man, pack your bags for exile. In broad daylight, set out from your place and go to another as they watch. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious house. |
| 2 | Numbers 17:6–9 | So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and each of their leaders gave him a staff—one for each of the leaders of their tribes, twelve staffs in all. And Aaron’s staff was among them. Then Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony. The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, representing the house of Levi, had sprouted, put forth buds, blossomed, and produced almonds. Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the LORD’s presence to all the Israelites. They saw them, and each man took his own staff. |
| 3 | Hosea 12:10 | I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets. |
Ezekiel 37:20 Summary
[Ezekiel 37:20 is a powerful verse that shows God's plan to reunite His people, Israel. The sticks that Ezekiel holds represent the two kingdoms of Israel, which will be brought together under one King, as promised in Ezekiel 37:22. This verse reminds us that God is a God of unity and restoration, who desires to bring His people together in harmony, as seen in John 17:21-23. By holding the sticks in full view of the people, Ezekiel is demonstrating God's power to bring about this unity, as stated in Ezekiel 37:19.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sticks that Ezekiel is supposed to write on?
The sticks represent the tribes of Israel, with one stick for Joseph and one for Judah, as explained in Ezekiel 37:16-19. This symbolizes the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
Why is it significant that the sticks are in full view of the people?
The visibility of the sticks is important because it serves as a public sign to the people of Israel, demonstrating God's plan to reunite them, as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:21-22. This public display is a testament to God's power and faithfulness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 37?
This verse is a crucial part of the larger prophecy in Ezekiel 37, which describes God's plan to restore and reunite Israel. The sticks serve as a visual aid to help the people understand God's message, as explained in Ezekiel 37:18-19.
What is the spiritual significance of Ezekiel holding the sticks?
Ezekiel holding the sticks represents God's sovereignty over His people, as stated in Ezekiel 37:19. It symbolizes His power to bring unity and restoration to a divided nation, as promised in Ezekiel 37:21-22.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's desire for unity among His people?
- How can I apply the principle of unity and reconciliation in my own life, as seen in Ezekiel 37:20?
- What role do symbols and visual aids play in communicating spiritual truths, as seen in the sticks in Ezekiel's hand?
- How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's power to bring restoration and renewal in my life, as promised in Ezekiel 37:21-22?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 37:20
And the sticks whereon thou writest,.... Or art about to write the above things, according to order and direction: shall be in thine hand before their eyes; shall be held up to them to look at for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 37:20
And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
To affect them the more, and to assure them the more fully, let them see these two divided sticks made one in thy hand.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
Ezekiel 37:20 And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.Ver. 20. Shall be in thine hand before their eyes.] That by this vision publicly acted they may be the better affected.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
(20) Before their eyes.—The symbolical action was not only to be performed before the people, but the united wood was to remain in the prophet’s hand, while he unfolded to them the Divine promise. That promise is essentially a repetition of Eze 34:11-31; Ezekiel 36:22-30.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 37:20
20. This symbolical action may have been actually performed, though the supposition is scarcely necessary, cf. Ezekiel 12:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 37:20
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.
Sermons on Ezekiel 37:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a former Marxist who showed him kindness and patience. The speaker was intrigued by the person's constant mention |
|
Unfailing Love by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing how sin can start innocently but gradually takes hold of our lives, just like a fly caught in a spider's web. He uses this analogy |
|
At Peace in the Storm by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the promises of God to protect His people during the impending storms of judgment, referencing Zechariah and Isaiah to illustrate God's commitment to be |