And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
Parallel translations
- WEB 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.
- KJV 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.
- NKJV 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.
- NASB As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.
- NLT 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Whether they listen or not, the people will know a prophet has been among them. God's word stands as a witness either way.
Overview
God's purpose is accomplished simply by the faithful delivery of His word. Even if Israel rebels, they cannot claim they were unwarned. The prophet's presence makes them accountable before God. This principle echoes the gospel, which is a fragrance of life to some and a witness against others (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Ezek 33:33So when it comes to pass—and surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
- Ezek 3:27But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you are to tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ Whoever listens, let him listen; and whoever refuses, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
- Matt 10:12–15As you enter the home, greet its occupants.
- John 15:22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
- Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
- Luke 10:10–12But if you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go into the streets and declare,
- Ezek 2:7But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
- Rom 3:3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness?
- 2 Cor 2:15–17For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
- Ezek 33:9But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
- Ezek 3:19But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.
- Ezek 3:10–11“Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The promise of one Shepherd-King David, a new heart and new Spirit, and the river of life flowing from the temple all stream toward Christ, the good Shepherd who gives the Spirit.
How Ezekiel 2:5 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.