What does Ezekiel 2:6 mean?

"¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." - Ezekiel 2:6

"¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." - Ezekiel 2:6

Ezekiel 2:6 from the King James Version of the Bible states: "And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."

This verse is part of a passage in the book of Ezekiel, which is one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. In this passage, God is calling Ezekiel into his ministry and is preparing him for the difficult task that lies ahead. The verse specifically addresses the challenges and opposition that Ezekiel will face as he carries out his prophetic mission.

The verse begins with the phrase "And thou, son of man," which is a recurring motif in the book of Ezekiel. This phrase is used to address Ezekiel and emphasize his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine nature of the message he is proclaiming. By acknowledging Ezekiel's humanity, God is reminding him that he will face fear and uncertainty in carrying out his prophetic mission, but he should not be afraid.

The verse then instructs Ezekiel to not be afraid of the people to whom he is speaking, nor to be afraid of their words. This is an important directive, as it implies that Ezekiel will face resistance and opposition from those to whom he is called to preach. The metaphor of briers, thorns, and scorpions further emphasizes the hostility and danger of the situation. Despite these challenges, Ezekiel is enjoined to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity.

The phrase "rebellious house" at the end of the verse refers to the people of Israel, to whom Ezekiel is being sent as a prophet. This designation underscores the spiritual and moral corruption of the Israelites at that time, and their inclination to rebel against God's commandments and refuse to heed the message of the prophets. Ezekiel's mission is to confront and challenge this rebellion, and to call the people back to faithfulness and obedience to God.

The themes of courage, perseverance, and faith in the face of opposition are central to the message of this verse. It serves as a reminder that those who are called to proclaim God's truth will often encounter resistance and hostility, but they are to remain steadfast and resolute in their mission. The verse also conveys a sense of urgency and seriousness in the prophetic task, as Ezekiel is being prepared to confront a rebellious and unrepentant people.

In the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, this verse is situated within a larger narrative of judgment and restoration. Ezekiel's prophetic ministry is directed towards a nation that has strayed from God's ways and is facing the consequences of their disobedience. Through Ezekiel, God communicates both his anger at Israel's sin and his desire for their repentance and restoration. The challenges and opposition that Ezekiel faces are emblematic of the larger spiritual and moral struggle that is taking place within Israel at that time.

Symbolically, the briers, thorns, and scorpions mentioned in the verse can be interpreted as representing the various obstacles, dangers, and antagonistic forces that Ezekiel will encounter in his prophetic ministry. These symbols evoke the image of a hostile and inhospitable environment, in which Ezekiel is called to fulfill his mission. The imagery also underscores the spiritual and moral darkness that has enveloped the people of Israel, and the need for courageous and unwavering leadership to guide them back to God.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 2:6 is a powerful and evocative verse that encapsulates the challenges and responsibilities of prophetic ministry. It conveys a message of courage, steadfastness, and faith in the face of opposition, and serves as a reminder of the difficult and perilous nature of bearing witness to God's truth. The verse also embodies the larger themes of judgment, restoration, and the moral struggle of the nation of Israel, and the urgent call for repentance and obedience to God's will.

Have questions about Ezekiel 2:6?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Ezekiel 2:6 Artwork

Ezekiel 2:6 - "¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."

Ezekiel 2:6 - "¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house."

"¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." - Ezekiel 2:6

"¶ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." - Ezekiel 2:6

Ezekiel 6:2 - "Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them,"

Ezekiel 6:2 - "Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them,"

 Ezekiel 14:6

Ezekiel 14:6

"Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them," - Ezekiel 6:2

"Son of man, set thy face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them," - Ezekiel 6:2

Ezekiel 1:6-13

Ezekiel 1:6-13

Ezekiel 6:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 6:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 7:6 - "An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come."

Ezekiel 7:6 - "An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come."

Ezekiel 1:6 - "And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings."

Ezekiel 1:6 - "And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings."

Ezekiel 22:6 - "Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood."

Ezekiel 22:6 - "Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood."

Ezekiel 48:6 - "And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben."

Ezekiel 48:6 - "And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben."

Ezekiel 6:7 - "And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 6:7 - "And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 43:6 - "And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me."

Ezekiel 43:6 - "And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me."

Ezekiel 21:6 - "Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes."

Ezekiel 21:6 - "Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes."

Ezekiel 11:6 - "Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain."

Ezekiel 11:6 - "Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain."

Ezekiel 26:6 - "And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 26:6 - "And her daughters which are in the field shall be slain by the sword; and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 28:6 - "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;"

Ezekiel 28:6 - "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God;"

Ezekiel 39:6 - "And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD."

Ezekiel 39:6 - "And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD."

"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 6:1

"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 6:1

Ezekiel 46:6 - "And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish."

Ezekiel 46:6 - "And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish."

Ezekiel 38:6 - "Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee."

Ezekiel 38:6 - "Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee."

Ezekiel 19:6 - "And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men."

Ezekiel 19:6 - "And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men."

Ezekiel 29:6 - "And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel."

Ezekiel 29:6 - "And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel."

Ezekiel 23:6 - "Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses."

Ezekiel 23:6 - "Which were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding upon horses."

Ezekiel 6:10 - "And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them."

Ezekiel 6:10 - "And they shall know that I am the LORD, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them."

Ezekiel 20:2 - "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 20:2 - "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 42:6 - "For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground."

Ezekiel 42:6 - "For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground."

Ezekiel 14:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 14:2 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"

Ezekiel 27:6 - "Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim."

Ezekiel 27:6 - "Of the oaks of Bashan have they made thine oars; the company of the Ashurites have made thy benches of ivory, brought out of the isles of Chittim."

Ezekiel 47:6 - "¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river."

Ezekiel 47:6 - "¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river."