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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/2-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/26_Ezk_02_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 2:7 - Ezekiel's Call" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezekiel/2-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezekiel/2-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/">Ezekiel</a> > <a href="/ezekiel/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm" title="Ezekiel 2:6">◄</a> Ezekiel 2:7 <a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm" title="Ezekiel 2:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/ezekiel/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they <i>are</i> most rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they <i>are</i> rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But you shall speak My words to them whether they will listen or refuse [to listen], for they are [most] rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and preach my message to them, whether they choose to listen or not. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Speak my words to them whether they listen or not, because they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You will tell them whatever I tell you to say, whether they listen or not. Remember what rebels they are. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You are to tell them whatever I have to say to them, whether they listen or not, since they are rebellious."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must speak my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear or whether they will refuse; for they are most rebellious. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and you have spoken My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refrain, for they [are] a rebellion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And thou hast spoken My words unto them, whether they hear or whether they forbear, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And speak my word to them, if they will hear and if they will desist: for they are contradiction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak my words to them, if perhaps they will hear, and forbear: for they provoke me to anger. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, you shall speak my words to them, so that perhaps they may hear and be quieted. For they are provoking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />You must speak my words to them, whether they hear or resist, because they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear; for they are a rebellious house.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And you shall speak my words to them; perhaps they will listen and tremble; for they are a rebellious house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But speak to them my words. Perhaps they shall hear and they shall be moved, for they are a rebellious house<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And thou shalt speak my words to them, whether they will hear or fear: for it is a provoking house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=359" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/2.htm">Ezekiel's Call</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>But 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. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·bar·tā (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">But speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇā·ray (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">My words</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">whether</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·mə·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">they listen</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/2308.htm" title="2308: yeḥ·dā·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To cease. A primitive root; properly, to be flabby, i.e. desist; be lacking or idle.">refuse</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">to listen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">for they</a> <a href="/hebrew/4805.htm" title="4805: mə·rî (N-ms) -- Rebellion. From marah; bitterness, i.e. rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious.">are rebellious.</a> </span><span class="reftext">8</span>And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-27.htm">Matthew 10:27</a></span><br />What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-20.htm">Acts 4:20</a></span><br />For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/26-2.htm">Jeremiah 26:2</a></span><br />“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">2 Timothy 4:2</a></span><br />Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-1.htm">Isaiah 58:1</a></span><br />“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a></span><br />Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-17.htm">Jeremiah 1:17</a></span><br />Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16</a></span><br />Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2</a></span><br />Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a></span><br />I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-27.htm">Jeremiah 7:27</a></span><br />When you tell them all these things, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-16.htm">Luke 10:16</a></span><br />Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And you shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.</p><p class="hdg">Thou</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/3-10.htm">Ezekiel 3:10,17</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7,17</a></b></br> But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I <i>am</i> a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28</a></b></br> The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What <i>is</i> the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">whether</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Ezekiel 2:5</a></b></br> And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they <i>are</i> a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.</p><p class="hdg">most rebellious [HEB] rebellion </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Forbear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-1.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-5.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Fail</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Forbear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm">Rebellious</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-1.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-11.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/ezekiel/2-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/2-1.htm">Ezekiel's commission</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">His instruction</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/2-9.htm">The scroll of his heavy prophecy</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/ezekiel/2.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>You must speak</b><br />The phrase "You must speak" emphasizes the imperative nature of the prophet's mission. In Hebrew, the verb used here is "dabar," which means to speak, declare, or command. This highlights the authority and responsibility given to Ezekiel by God. The role of a prophet in ancient Israel was not merely to predict the future but to communicate God's will to the people. This command underscores the necessity of obedience to God's directive, regardless of the audience's receptivity.<p><b>My words</b><br />"My words" signifies the divine origin of the message Ezekiel is to deliver. The Hebrew term "dabar" is again used, but here it is possessive, indicating that these are not Ezekiel's own thoughts or opinions but the very words of God. This reflects the belief in the inspiration of Scripture, where the prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God's revelation. The authority of the message lies in its divine source, and it is this divine authority that gives the prophet's words their power and significance.<p><b>to them</b><br />The phrase "to them" refers to the specific audience Ezekiel is addressing, which in the context of the book, is the rebellious house of Israel. This highlights the personal and direct nature of God's communication. Despite their rebellion, God continues to reach out to His people, demonstrating His enduring commitment and desire for their repentance and restoration. The specificity of the audience also underscores the historical context of the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites were in need of guidance and hope.<p><b>whether they listen</b><br />"Whether they listen" introduces the concept of free will and human responsibility. The Hebrew word "shama" means to hear or listen, but it also implies obedience. This phrase acknowledges the possibility of rejection, yet it does not absolve the prophet from his duty. It reflects the reality that while God offers His word, it is up to the individuals to choose to accept or reject it. This highlights the persistent grace of God, who continues to offer His message even when faced with potential rejection.<p><b>or refuse</b><br />"Or refuse" presents the potential for disobedience and rejection. The Hebrew root "chadal" means to cease or desist, indicating a deliberate choice to stop listening or to reject the message. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the hardness of human hearts and the resistance to divine truth. It also emphasizes the prophet's role as a faithful messenger, whose success is not measured by the people's response but by his obedience to God's command.<p><b>for they are a rebellious house</b><br />The description "for they are a rebellious house" provides insight into the character and condition of the audience. The Hebrew word "meri" means rebellion or revolt, indicating a willful defiance against God's authority. This phrase contextualizes the challenge faced by Ezekiel and underscores the persistent nature of Israel's disobedience throughout their history. Despite this rebellion, God's continued communication through the prophet demonstrates His unwavering love and desire for their repentance and return to Him.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezekiel/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thou shalt speak my words,</span> etc. The words conveyed <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> a ground of encouragement in the fact that the words would be given by Jehovah (romp. <a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7, 17</a>; <a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19, 20</a>); and <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> a warning against the intermingling of lower thoughts and a self-originated message (<a href="/ezekiel/13-7.htm">Ezekiel 13:7</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/22-28.htm">Ezekiel 22:28</a>). <span class="cmt_word">They are most rebellious;</span> literally, the Hebrew being a noun, <span class="accented">they are rebellion</span>, or <span class="accented">stubbornness, itself.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But speak</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדִבַּרְתָּ֤</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏib·bar·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My words</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבָרַי֙</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇā·ray)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether</span><br /><span class="heb">אִֽם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they listen</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁמְע֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">refuse</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶחְדָּ֑לוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yeḥ·dā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2308.htm">Strong's 2308: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to listen,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for they</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵֽמָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hêm·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are rebellious.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְרִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mə·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4805.htm">Strong's 4805: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bitterness, rebellion, bitter, rebellious</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/2-7.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 2:7 You shall speak my words to them (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 2:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 2:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/2-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 2:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 2:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>