New International Version And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. New Living Translation And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them. English Standard Version And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. Berean Standard Bible And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Berean Literal Bible And they, whether they hear, or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been in their midst. King James Bible And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. New King James Version As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them. New American Standard Bible As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. NASB 1995 “As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. NASB 1977 “As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Legacy Standard Bible As for them, whether they listen or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Amplified Bible As for them, whether they listen or refuse [to listen]—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know and be fully aware of the fact that there has been a prophet among them. Berean Annotated Bible And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Christian Standard Bible Whether they listen or refuse to listen —for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Holman Christian Standard Bible Whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.” American Standard Version And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Contemporary English Version Those rebels may not even listen, but at least they will know that a prophet has come to them. English Revised Version And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whether these rebellious people listen or not, they will realize that a prophet has been among them. Good News Translation Whether those rebels listen to you or not, they will know that a prophet has been among them. International Standard Version Whether this rebellious group listens to you or not, at least they'll realize that a prophet had appeared in their midst! NET Bible And as for them, whether they listen or not--for they are a rebellious house--they will know that a prophet has been among them. New Heart English Bible They, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there has been a prophet among them. Webster's Bible Translation And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. World English Bible They, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that there has been a prophet among them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they—whether they hear, or whether they refrain, for they [are] a house of rebellion—have known that a prophet has been in their midst. Berean Literal Bible And they, whether they hear, or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been in their midst. Young's Literal Translation and they -- whether they hear, or whether they forbear, for a rebellious house they are -- have known that a prophet hath been in their midst. Smith's Literal Translation And if they will hear, and if they will desist, (for they a house of contradiction,) and they shall know that a prophet was in the midst of them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf so be they at least will hear, and if so be they will forbear, for they are a provoking house: and they shall know that there hath been a prophet in the midst of them. Catholic Public Domain Version Perhaps it may be that they will hear, and perhaps they may be quieted. For they are a provoking house. And they shall know that there has been a prophet in their midst. New American Bible And whether they hear or resist—they are a rebellious house—they shall know that a prophet has been among them. New Revised Standard Version Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BiblePerhaps they will listen and tremble (for they are a rebellious house), and they shall know that you are a prophet among them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Perhaps they shall hear and they shall be moved, because they are a rebellious household, and they shall know that you are a Prophet in their midst OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear--for they are a rebellious house--yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Brenton Septuagint Translation Whether then indeed they shall hear or fear. (for it is a provoking house,) yet they shall know that thou art a prophet in the midst of them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Ezekiel's Call…4They 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.’ 5And whether they listen or refuse to listen— for they are a rebellious house— they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6But 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.… Cross References And whether they listen or refuse to listen— Ezekiel 3:11 Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.” Jeremiah 7:27 When you tell them all these things, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer. Isaiah 6:9-10 And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” for they are a rebellious house— Ezekiel 12:2 “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. Jeremiah 5:23 But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone away. Isaiah 30:9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 33:33 So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Deuteronomy 18:21-22 You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. 1 Samuel 3:20 So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. Jeremiah 1:7-8 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. Matthew 10:14-15 And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. / Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. Luke 10:10-12 But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare, / ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off as a testimony against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.’ / I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. John 12:37-41 Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” / For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: … Acts 28:25-27 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: / ‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ Matthew 13:14-15 In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’ Mark 6:11 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.” Treasury of Scripture And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there has been a prophet among them. whether Ezekiel 1:7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. Ezekiel 3:10,11,27 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears… Matthew 10:12-15 And when ye come into an house, salute it… yet Ezekiel 3:19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Ezekiel 33:9,33 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul… Luke 10:10-12 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, … Jump to Previous Ear Fail Forbear Hear House Midst Prophet Rebellious Refuse Uncontrolled WhetherJump to Next Ear Fail Forbear Hear House Midst Prophet Rebellious Refuse Uncontrolled WhetherEzekiel 2 1. Ezekiel's commission6. His instruction 9. The scroll of his heavy prophecy And whether they listen or refuse to listen— Ezekiel was sent to proclaim God’s word without controlling the response of his hearers. Israel remained responsible for receiving or rejecting the warning, while Ezekiel remained responsible for faithfully delivering it. Like Isaiah, who was commissioned to speak to a hardened people (Isaiah 6:9–10), Ezekiel’s ministry would expose the condition of the nation and leave no excuse for unbelief. Ezk 3:11 Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them… for they are a rebellious house— The exiles belonged to a nation marked by longstanding resistance to the Lord, from the wilderness rebellion to the idolatry and covenant-breaking that brought Judah under judgment. Their exile in Babylon did not automatically produce repentance. God therefore sent Ezekiel among them to confront sin, call for repentance, and declare that the Lord had not abandoned His covenant purposes. Ezk 12:2 “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house… they will know that a prophet has been among them. Whether the people believed Ezekiel immediately or not, the fulfillment of God’s warnings would confirm that he had spoken by divine authority. Jerusalem’s fall, the destruction of the temple, and the continued exile would demonstrate that the Lord had sent His messenger. Ezekiel’s presence among the captives testified that God still spoke to His people even in judgment. His ministry also anticipates Christ, the greater Prophet promised through Moses, whose words demand a response and whose authority will ultimately be acknowledged by all. Ezk 33:33 So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God during the Babylonian exile to deliver His messages to the Israelites. His role was to speak God's truth regardless of the people's response. 2. The Israelites Referred to as a "rebellious house," they were God's chosen people who had turned away from His commandments, leading to their exile in Babylon. 3. Babylon The place of exile for the Israelites, representing a period of judgment and reflection for their disobedience. 4. God The sovereign Lord who commissions Ezekiel to speak to His people, emphasizing His authority and the importance of obedience. 5. Prophetic Ministry The event of God commissioning Ezekiel to deliver His messages, highlighting the role of prophets in communicating divine truth. Teaching Points The Role of the ProphetProphets are called to speak God's truth, regardless of the audience's receptivity. This underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's calling over seeking human approval. Rebellion and Recognition Even in rebellion, people will recognize the presence of God's messenger. This highlights the enduring impact of God's word and the responsibility of believers to be His witnesses. Divine Sovereignty God's sovereignty is evident in His commissioning of prophets. Believers can trust in God's ultimate authority and plan, even when facing opposition. Faithfulness in Ministry Like Ezekiel, believers are called to be faithful in their ministry, trusting that God will use their efforts for His purposes, whether or not they see immediate results. The Importance of Obedience The Israelites' rebellion serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience. Believers are encouraged to examine their own lives for areas of resistance to God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 2:5?2. How does Ezekiel 2:5 emphasize the importance of delivering God's message regardless? 3. What does "whether they listen or refuse" teach about human response to God's word? 4. How can we apply Ezekiel's obedience in our own ministry efforts today? 5. In what ways does Ezekiel 2:5 connect to Jesus' teachings on rejection? 6. How should we respond when others reject the truth of God's message? 7. What does Ezekiel 2:5 reveal about God's expectations of His prophets? 8. How does Ezekiel 2:5 address the issue of human rebellion against divine authority? 9. Why is the phrase "whether they listen or refuse" significant in Ezekiel 2:5? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 2? What Does Ezekiel 2:5 Mean And whether they listen• God sends Ezekiel with full awareness that His word may fall on receptive hearts or hardened ones. • This echoes Isaiah 55:11, where God assures that His word “will not return to Me empty.” The success of the mission rests on faithfulness to speak, not on human response (Matthew 10:14). • We are reminded that obedience to proclaim is not contingent on results (1 Corinthians 4:2). or refuse to listen • Scripture acknowledges the reality of willful rejection (Jeremiah 7:27). Ezekiel must prepare for pushback, yet not soften the message. • Jesus experienced the same divide: “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). Some will shut their ears, but the call remains clear. • Practical takeaway: bold, compassionate clarity, even when unpopular (2 Timothy 4:2). for they are a rebellious house • God names the root issue: rebellion, not ignorance (Numbers 14:9). • Rebellion is covenant treachery; Israel knew the Law yet chose defiance (Nehemiah 9:26). • This diagnosis protects the messenger from discouragement—opposition is spiritual, not merely personal (Ephesians 6:12). they will know • Whether in repentance or in judgment, certainty about God’s authority will dawn (Psalm 46:10). • Knowledge here points to experiential recognition—God’s reality will break through their denial (Exodus 7:5). • The prophetic word guarantees accountability; ignorance will be no excuse (Romans 1:20). that a prophet has been among them • Authentic prophecy is validated by fulfillment and by the Spirit’s unmistakable witness (Deuteronomy 18:22). • The presence of a prophet signals grace: God is still pursuing His people (2 Kings 17:13). • For the church, this underscores the urgency of honoring genuine prophetic voices and testing them by Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). summary Ezekiel 2:5 reassures every faithful messenger: Speak God’s word without fear of acceptance or rejection. Israel’s rebellion does not nullify God’s revelation; it highlights the need for it. In the end, God will vindicate His servant and His truth, ensuring all will recognize that His prophet—and therefore His own voice—has been among them. (5) Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.—Comp. Ezekiel 3:11. God’s word remains the same whatever reception man may accord to it; it cannot return unto Him void, but must accomplish that which He pleases (Isaiah 55:11); just as the Apostles remained “unto God a sweet savour of Christ” alike “in them that are saved and in them that perish” (2Corinthians 2:15-16). But while the mighty power of the Divine word must thus produce its effect, the character of the effect depends upon those to whom it comes; “to the one we are a savour of death unto death, and to the other the savour of life unto life.” So it would be among the captives by the Chebar: some would be brought back to their allegiance to their God, and would constitute the remnant through whom He would bless His people and the world; and some, resisting the offered grace, would be thus made more obdurate than ever. In either case, they could not remain as before. Whether for gain or for loss, they should “know that there hath been a prophet among them,” by the change his ministrations should produce among them. The offer of grace, imposing the responsibility of accepting or rejecting it, ever becomes thus “a great and terrible day of the Lord.” (See Joel 2:31; Malachi 4:5, compared with Matthew 17:12...Verse 5. - Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, etc. The latter word is used in the sense of "cease" or "desist," as in 1 Corinthians 9:6 and Ephesians 6:9. The same formula meets us in ver. 7; Ezekiel 3:11, 27. The prophet is warned beforehand of the (at least) probable failure of his mission, wholly or in part. We note the parallelism of thought, though not language, in 2 Corinthians 2:15, 16. Such, at all times, has been the condition of the prophet's work. The expectation is grounded upon the antecedent fact of their being a "rebellious people." There is the consolation that in the end, partly through the fulfilment of his words, partly, it may be, through the witness of their own conscience, they shall know that there has been a prophet among them (comp. Ezekiel 33:33; Jeremiah 28:9). We note that it is the first time that Ezekiel claims that name for himself.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And whetherאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not they וְהֵ֙מָּה֙ (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They listen יִשְׁמְע֣וּ (yiš·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently or וְאִם־ (wə·’im-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not refuse to listen— יֶחְדָּ֔לוּ (yeḥ·dā·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle for כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they הֵ֑מָּה (hêm·māh) Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They are a rebellious מְרִ֖י (mə·rî) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4805: Bitterness, rebellion, bitter, rebellious house— בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house they will know וְיָ֣דְע֔וּ (wə·yā·ḏə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3045: To know that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction a prophet נָבִ֖יא (nā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet has been הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be among them. בְתוֹכָֽם׃ (ḇə·ṯō·w·ḵām) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre Additonal Resources Ezekiel 2:5 Blue Letter BibleEzekiel 2:5 Bible Gateway Ezekiel 2:5 Bible.com Ezekiel 2:5 NIV |
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