Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Have you come to inquire of me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me, declares the Sovereign LORD.’ New Living Translation “Son of man, tell the leaders of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: How dare you come to ask me for a message? As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I will tell you nothing!’ English Standard Version “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD, Is it to inquire of me that you come? As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. Berean Standard Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, thus says the Lord YHWH: Have you⁺ come to inquire of Me? As I live, I will not be inquired of by you⁺, a declaration of the Lord YHWH. King James Bible Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. New King James Version “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Have you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.” ’ New American Standard Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “Do you yourselves come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I certainly will not be inquired of by you.”’ NASB 1995 “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you."’ NASB 1977 “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ Legacy Standard Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says Lord Yahweh, “Do you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” declares Lord Yahweh, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ Amplified Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Have you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ Berean Annotated Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God) and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD {Adonai YHWH} says: Have you⁺ come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you⁺, declares the Lord GOD {YHWH}. Christian Standard Bible “Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you coming to inquire of me? As I live, I will not let you inquire of me. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.’ Holman Christian Standard Bible Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel and tell them: This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you coming to consult Me? As I live, I will not be consulted by you.” This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.” American Standard Version Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Is it to inquire of me that ye are come? As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I will not be inquired of by you. Contemporary English Version Ezekiel, son of man, these leaders have come to find out what I want them to do. As surely as I live, I will not give them an answer of any kind. English Revised Version Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD: Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Son of man, speak to the leaders of Israel. Tell them, 'This is what the Almighty LORD says: Are you coming to ask me for help? As I live, declares the Almighty LORD, you will not be allowed to ask me for help.' Good News Translation "Mortal man," he said, "speak to these leaders and tell them that the Sovereign LORD is saying: You have come to ask my will, have you? As surely as I am the living God, I will not let you ask me anything. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken. International Standard Version "Tell the elders of Israel, 'This is what the Lord GOD asks, "Did you come to inquire of me? As long as I live, I won't let myself be sought by you," declares the Lord GOD.' NET Bible "Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them: 'This is what the sovereign LORD says: Are you coming to seek me? As surely as I live, I will not allow you to seek me, declares the sovereign LORD.' New Heart English Bible "Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live, says the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you."' Webster's Bible Translation Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. World English Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, ‘The Lord Yahweh says: “Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Son of man, speak to the elderly of Israel, and you have said to them, Thus said Lord YHWH: Are you coming in to seek Me? [As] I live—I am not sought by you—a declaration of Lord YHWH. Berean Literal Bible “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, thus says the Lord YHWH: Have you⁺ come to inquire of Me? As I live, I will not be inquired of by you⁺, a declaration of the Lord YHWH. Young's Literal Translation 'Son of man, speak with the elders of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Thus said the Lord Jehovah: To seek Me are ye coming in? I live -- I am not sought by you -- an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah. Smith's Literal Translation Son of man, speak to the old men of Israel, and say to them, Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Come ye to seek me? I live, if I will be sought for you, says the Lord Jehovah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSon of man, speak to the ancients of Israel, and say to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, I will not answer you, saith the Lord God. Catholic Public Domain Version “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God: Have you arrived in order to inquire of me? As I live, I will not answer you, says the Lord God. New American Bible Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: Have you come to consult me? As I live, I will not allow myself to be consulted by you!—oracle of the Lord GOD. New Revised Standard Version Mortal, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD: Why are you coming? To consult me? As I live, says the Lord GOD, I will not be consulted by you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSon of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, Thus says the LORD God: Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, says the LORD God, I will not give you an answer. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Son of man, speak with the Elders of the children of Israel and say to them: ‘Thus says THE LORD OF LORDS, are you coming to inquire of me? I am living, says THE LORD OF LORDS. I shall not give you an answer’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them: Thus saith the Lord GOD: Are ye come to inquire of Me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. Brenton Septuagint Translation Son of man, speak to the elders of the house of Israel, and thou shalt say to them, Thus saith the Lord; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, I will not be enquired of by you, saith the Lord. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Israel's Rebellion in Egypt…2Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3“Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live, I will not be consulted by you, declares the Lord GOD. 4Will you judge them, will you judge them, son of man? Confront them with the abominations of their fathers… Cross References Son of man, Ezekiel 2:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” Ezekiel 3:1 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat what you find here. Eat this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.” Ezekiel 4:1 “Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. speak to the elders of Israel Exodus 12:21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and told them, “Go at once and select for yourselves a lamb for each family, and slaughter the Passover lamb. Numbers 11:16-17 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself. Deuteronomy 31:28 Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Ezekiel 2:4 They 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.’ 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.” Ezekiel 5:5 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. Have you come to inquire of Me? Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? 1 Kings 22:7 But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” 1 Kings 22:5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” As surely as I live, Numbers 14:21 “Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, Deuteronomy 32:40 For I lift up My hand to heaven and declare: As surely as I live forever, Ezekiel 33:11 Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ I will not be consulted by you, Proverbs 1:28 Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. Treasury of Scripture Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus said the Lord GOD; Are you come to inquire of me? As I live, said the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. No specific reference to this verse. Jump to Previous Affirmation Declares Directions Elders Enquire Enquired Inquire Inquired Israel Live Responsible Seek Sought Sovereign Speak SurelyJump to Next Affirmation Declares Directions Elders Enquire Enquired Inquire Inquired Israel Live Responsible Seek Sought Sovereign Speak SurelyEzekiel 20 1. God refuses to be consulted by the elders of Israel4. He shows the story of their rebellions in Egypt 19. in the desert 27. and in the land 33. He promises to gather them by the Gospel 45. Under the name of a forest he shows the destruction of Jerusalem Son of man This title is frequently used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It highlights the distinction between God and man, underscoring the humility and mortality of the prophet. This title is also used extensively in the New Testament for Jesus Christ, indicating His role as the representative of humanity. speak to the elders of Israel and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says Have you come to inquire of Me? As surely as I live I will not be consulted by you declares the Lord GOD Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. Elders of Israel Leaders and representatives of the Israelite community who approached Ezekiel to seek guidance from God. 3. The Lord GOD (Yahweh) The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel. 4. Babylonian Exile The period when the Israelites were exiled from their homeland and living in Babylon, a time of judgment and reflection. 5. Inquiring of God The act of seeking divine guidance or answers, which the elders attempted to do through Ezekiel. Teaching Points Sincerity in Seeking GodGod desires genuine hearts when we seek Him. The elders' insincere inquiry serves as a warning against superficial religious practices. Consequences of Disobedience The refusal of God to answer the elders highlights the consequences of persistent disobedience and rebellion against Him. God's Sovereignty and Holiness God's response underscores His sovereignty and the seriousness of approaching Him with reverence and sincerity. Repentance and Restoration True repentance is necessary for restoration. The elders needed to turn from their ways to receive guidance from God. The Role of a Prophet Ezekiel's role as a mediator between God and the people emphasizes the importance of faithful messengers in conveying God's truth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 20:3?2. How does Ezekiel 20:3 highlight God's response to Israel's idolatry and rebellion? 3. What does "I will not be inquired of by you" reveal about God? 4. How can Ezekiel 20:3 guide us in seeking God's will today? 5. What parallels exist between Ezekiel 20:3 and other instances of divine judgment? 6. How should Ezekiel 20:3 influence our approach to prayer and repentance? 7. Why does God refuse to answer the elders in Ezekiel 20:3? 8. What historical context led to God's response in Ezekiel 20:3? 9. How does Ezekiel 20:3 reflect God's relationship with Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 20? 11. What does the Bible say about generational curses? 12. If Ezekiel 35:5 describes Edom's 'perpetual hatred,' does historical record support such an unbroken hostility? 13. How can Ezekiel 37:25-28's everlasting covenant and sanctuary be understood when there seems to be no clear historical or present-day fulfillment matching this depiction? 14. 1 Samuel 3:13 - Why would God hold Eli accountable for his sons' misconduct rather than act directly to prevent their corruption? What Does Ezekiel 20:3 Mean Son of man• God addresses Ezekiel with the familiar “Son of man” (Ezekiel 2:1; 3:17), underscoring the prophet’s humanity and reminding him—and us—that any authority he carries comes solely from the Lord. • This title also foreshadows the ultimate “Son of Man” (Matthew 26:64), hinting at the continuity of God’s purposes through history. Speak to the elders of Israel • The elders, Israel’s leaders, sit before Ezekiel just as they did in Ezekiel 14:1–3, hoping for divine guidance. • Their presence signals that leadership bears special responsibility (James 3:1) and that sin in high places defiles the nation (Jeremiah 5:5). And tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says • Ezekiel is not sharing opinions; he conveys God’s word with full inspiration (2 Peter 1:21). • The phrase “Lord GOD” (Adonai Yahweh) stresses both sovereignty and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 6:7). • Every authentic message must begin, “Thus says the LORD” (Jeremiah 1:9), reminding us to anchor counsel in Scripture, not human insight. Have you come to inquire of Me? • The question is rhetorical, exposing hypocrisy. The same elders whose hearts were “set on their idols” (Ezekiel 14:3) now seek guidance. • God often refuses to indulge superficial spirituality (Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 15:8). • Like Saul, who inquired of the LORD but received no answer (1 Samuel 28:6), these leaders want blessing without repentance. As surely as I live • God swears by His own life—an oath of absolute certainty (Numbers 14:21; Hebrews 6:13). • This formula underlines that what follows is fixed and unchangeable; divine promises and warnings are equally dependable. I will not be consulted by you • Because unrepentant sin blocks fellowship (Isaiah 59:2), God withholds counsel. • Other prophets echo this principle: “Then they will cry to the LORD, but He will not answer them” (Micah 3:4). • The silence is judgment, urging repentance before guidance can resume (2 Chronicles 7:14). Declares the Lord GOD • The closing signature stamps divine authority on the entire sentence (Ezekiel 20:5; Joel 3:8). • What God declares stands; no human appeal or ritual can overturn His verdict (Psalm 33:11). summary Ezekiel 20:3 is God’s firm refusal to entertain the requests of leaders whose hearts remain idolatrous. He reminds Ezekiel of his prophetic role, confronts hypocritical inquirers, swears by His own life, and announces divine silence as punishment. The passage warns that genuine guidance comes only to the repentant, while the unrepentant—even those in high office—cannot presume upon God’s counsel. (3) I will not be enquired of by you.--As in Ezekiel 14:3. St. Jerome thus comments on the words:--" To the holy, and to those who ask for right things, the promise is given, 'While they are yet speaking, I will say, Here I am;' but to sinners, such as these elders of Israel were, and as those whose sins the prophet proceeds to describe, no answer is given, but only a fierce rebuke for their sins, to which He adds His oath,. 'As I live,' to strengthen His solemn refusal."Verse 3. - As I live, saith the Lord God, etc. The inquirers are answered, but not as they expected. Instead of hearing of the "times and seasons" of the events that were in the near future, the prophet at once enters on his stern work as a preacher. The general principle that determines the refusal to answer has been given in Ezekiel 14:3.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Sonבֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of man, אָדָ֗ם (’ā·ḏām) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being speak דַּבֵּ֞ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to the elders זִקְנֵ֤י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 2205: Old of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and tell וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ (wə·’ā·mar·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them אֲלֵהֶ֔ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to that this is what כֹּ֤ה (kōh) Adverb Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now the Lord אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel says: אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Have you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you come בָּאִ֑ים (bā·’îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to inquire הֲלִדְרֹ֥שׁ (hă·liḏ·rōš) Preposition | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship of Me? אֹתִ֖י (’ō·ṯî) Direct object marker | first person common singular Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case As surely as אָ֙נִי֙ (’ā·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I I live, חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life I will not אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not be consulted אִדָּרֵ֣שׁ (’id·dā·rêš) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship by you, לָכֶ֔ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew declares נְאֻ֖ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle the Lord אֲדֹנָ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nāy) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 136: The Lord GOD.’ יְהוִֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Links Ezekiel 20:3 NIVEzekiel 20:3 NLT Ezekiel 20:3 ESV Ezekiel 20:3 NASB Ezekiel 20:3 KJV Ezekiel 20:3 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 20:3 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 20:3 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 20:3 French Bible Ezekiel 20:3 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 20:3 Son of man speak to the elders (Ezek. 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