Ezekiel 24:19
New International Version
Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things have to do with us? Why are you acting like this?”

New Living Translation
Then the people asked, “What does all this mean? What are you trying to tell us?”

English Standard Version
And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things mean for us, that you are acting thus?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?”

King James Bible
And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?

New King James Version
And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things signify to us, that you behave so?”

New American Standard Bible
And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things mean for us, that you are doing?”

NASB 1995
The people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things that you are doing mean for us?”

NASB 1977
And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things that you are doing mean for us?”

Legacy Standard Bible
The people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things that you are doing mean for us?”

Amplified Bible
The people said to me, “These things that you are doing—tell us, what do they mean for us?”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean for us? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean for us?”

American Standard Version
And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?

Contemporary English Version
and when people saw me, they asked, "Why aren't you mourning for your wife?"

English Revised Version
And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The people asked me, "Tell us, what do these things that you are doing mean to us?"

Good News Translation
The people asked me, "Why are you acting like this?"

International Standard Version
Then the people told me, "Are you going to explain what these things that you're doing should mean to us?"

NET Bible
Then the people said to me, "Will you not tell us what these things you are doing mean for us?"

New Heart English Bible
The people said to me, "Won't you tell us what these things are to us, that you do so?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And the people said to me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?”

World English Bible
The people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things mean to us, that you act like this?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the people say to me, “Do you not declare to us what these [are] to us, that you are doing?”

Young's Literal Translation
And the people say unto me, 'Dost thou not declare to us what these are to us, that thou art doing?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the people will say to me, Wilt thou not announce to us what these things to us that thou doest?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the people said to me: Why dost thou not tell us what these things mean that thou doest?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the people said to me: “Why won’t you explain to us what these things signify, which you are doing?”

New American Bible
Then the people asked me, “Will you not tell us what all these things you are doing mean for us?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things mean for us, that you are acting this way?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the people said to me, Will you not tell us the meaning of these strange things which you do?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the people said to me: “Are you not telling us what this is that you did?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the people said unto me: 'Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the people said to me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are that thou doest?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ezekiel's Wife Dies
18So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And the next morning I did as I had been commanded. 19Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things you are doing mean to us?” 20So I answered them, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying:…

Cross References
Jeremiah 16:5-7
Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD. / “Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them. / No food will be offered to comfort those who mourn the dead; not even a cup of consolation will be given for the loss of a father or mother.

Leviticus 10:6-7
Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited. / You shall not go outside the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, or you will die, for the LORD’s anointing oil is on you.” So they did as Moses instructed.

2 Samuel 12:15-23
After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife had borne to David, and he became ill. / David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. ...

Hosea 9:4
They will not pour out wine offerings to the LORD, and their sacrifices will not please Him, but will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat will be defiled. For their bread will be for themselves; it will not enter the house of the LORD.

Isaiah 22:12-13
On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. / But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”

Jeremiah 7:29
Cut off your hair and throw it away. Raise up a lamentation on the barren heights, for the LORD has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath.’

Amos 6:6
You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

Matthew 9:15
Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

Luke 5:34-35
Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

John 16:20
Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

1 Thessalonians 4:13
Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.

1 Corinthians 7:30
those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing;

Matthew 11:17
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

Luke 7:32
They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

Revelation 18:7-8
As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’ / Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and grief and famine—and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the people said to me, Will you not tell us what these things are to us, that you do so?

Ezekiel 12:9
Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?

Ezekiel 17:12
Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

Ezekiel 20:49
Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

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Acting Clear Declare Mean Sense Wilt Won't
Ezekiel 24
1. Under the parable of a boiling pot
6. is shown the irrevocable destruction of Jerusalem
15. By the sign of Ezekiel not mourning for the death of his wife
19. is shown the calamity of the Jews to be beyond all sorrow














Then the people asked me
This phrase indicates a direct interaction between the prophet Ezekiel and the people of Israel. Ezekiel often acted out symbolic actions as part of his prophetic ministry, which was a common practice among prophets to convey God's messages. The people's inquiry suggests that Ezekiel's actions were striking enough to provoke curiosity and concern. This reflects the role of a prophet as a mediator between God and His people, tasked with delivering divine messages in ways that capture attention and provoke reflection.

“Won’t you tell us
The people's request for an explanation highlights their desire for understanding and clarity. This reflects a moment of engagement where the audience is actively seeking insight into God's will. It underscores the importance of interpretation in prophetic ministry, as the symbolic actions often required explanation to be fully understood. This also points to the responsibility of spiritual leaders to provide guidance and clarity to their communities.

what these things you are doing mean to us?”
The phrase emphasizes the personal and communal impact of Ezekiel's actions. The people are not just curious about the actions themselves but are concerned about their implications for their own lives. This reflects the broader context of Ezekiel's ministry, which was to address the spiritual and moral state of Israel during a time of impending judgment and exile. The question also suggests an awareness of the potential consequences of their actions and the need for repentance. This inquiry can be seen as a moment of introspection, where the people are prompted to consider their relationship with God and the covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, Ezekiel is the central figure in this passage. He is known for his symbolic actions and visions, which convey God's messages to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon.

2. The People
The Israelites in exile, who are observing Ezekiel's actions and seeking understanding of their significance.

3. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites, where Ezekiel is delivering his prophecies.

4. Jerusalem
The city whose impending destruction is symbolized by Ezekiel's actions, representing God's judgment on the people for their disobedience.

5. God's Judgment
The event being symbolized by Ezekiel's actions, highlighting the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Messages
God often uses symbolic actions to communicate deeper spiritual truths. We should seek to understand His messages through prayer and study.

The Importance of Prophetic Warnings
Prophets like Ezekiel were sent to warn God's people of impending judgment. We should heed the warnings in Scripture and align our lives with God's will.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Israel's exile serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of turning away from God. We must strive to remain faithful and obedient.

Seeking Godly Wisdom
The people's inquiry about Ezekiel's actions shows a desire to understand God's will. We should also seek wisdom and understanding in our spiritual journey.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The events in Ezekiel highlight God's control over nations and history. Trust in His sovereignty, even in times of judgment and hardship.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 24:19?

2. How does Ezekiel 24:19 illustrate the people's curiosity about God's message?

3. What can we learn from Ezekiel's response to the people's question in 24:19?

4. How does Ezekiel 24:19 connect to God's warnings throughout the book of Ezekiel?

5. How can we apply the people's questioning attitude in Ezekiel 24:19 to our faith?

6. What does Ezekiel 24:19 teach about seeking understanding of God's actions and messages?

7. Why does Ezekiel 24:19 emphasize the prophet's silence in response to the people's question?

8. How does Ezekiel 24:19 reflect God's communication style with His people?

9. What is the significance of the people's inquiry in Ezekiel 24:19?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 24?

11. What does 'God is in control' mean?

12. In Leviticus 22:3, why would a loving God issue such a severe punishment for priests who approach holy things while unclean?

13. Hosea 4:15: How can God hold the people responsible for following Judah's sins if their fates are ultimately under His control?

14. What is the role of angels?
What Does Ezekiel 24:19 Mean
Then the people asked me

Ezekiel’s audience—fellow exiles who had so often shrugged off his warnings (Ezekiel 2:5–7)—finally speak up. Their question signals that the prophet’s dramatic obedience to God is getting under their skin. They had watched earlier sign-acts without changing (Ezekiel 12:9), yet this time the sudden death of Ezekiel’s wife and his refusal to mourn (Ezekiel 24:15-18) jolts them.

• God often uses a faithful life to break through hard hearts (Daniel 4:27; Matthew 5:16).

• The people’s curiosity shows that even rebels can be moved when confronted with unmistakable evidence that “a prophet has been among them” (Ezekiel 33:33).


Won’t you tell us

Their request acknowledges Ezekiel as the one who can interpret God’s message, much like King Zedekiah secretly sought Jeremiah’s counsel (Jeremiah 37:17). Though outwardly defiant, they still sense they need revelation.

• A spark of humility appears: they ask rather than scoff (Proverbs 15:32).

• God invites questions that lead to truth; Jesus welcomed Nicodemus at night (John 3:1-2).


what these things you are doing

The phrase points to Ezekiel’s string of symbolic actions. From lying on his side (Ezekiel 4:4-6) to shaving his head (Ezekiel 5:1-4), every act was a living sermon. Now his silence in grief pictures how stunned Jerusalem will be when calamity strikes—no time or strength left to mourn (Ezekiel 24:22-24).

• Prophetic signs are not theatrics but divine object lessons (Hosea 1:2; Acts 21:10-11).

• God speaks both by word and by deed; the two agree perfectly (Psalm 19:1-4; Hebrews 2:3-4).


mean to us?

The people finally personalize the message. They realize the sign is not mere spectacle but a direct warning that the coming siege will touch them and their loved ones. When the temple falls, their sorrow will be swallowed by sheer horror (Lamentations 2:1-5).

• God’s word always aims for the heart, pressing each listener to respond (Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22).

• The impending judgment on Jerusalem foreshadows the final accounting that everyone must face (Romans 14:12; Revelation 20:11-12).


summary

Ezekiel 24:19 captures the turning point where a stubborn people, shaken by a prophet’s startling obedience, ask for the meaning behind God’s sign. Their question shows that:

• Genuine testimony can pierce even hardened hearts.

• God welcomes seekers who move from mere observation to personal application.

• Prophetic signs carry literal warnings and call each generation to readiness.

The verse invites readers today to move beyond curiosity and let God’s revealed word speak straight to them.

Verse 19. - We must read between the lines what had passed in that eventful night of sorrow. The rumor must have spread among the exiles of Tel-Abib that the prophet had lost the wife whom he loved so tenderly. They were ready, we may imagine, to offer their consolations and their sympathy. And, behold, he appears as one on whom no special sorrow had fallen. But that strange outward hardness had the effect which it was meant to have. It roused them to ask questions, and it was one of the cases in which the prudens interrogatio, which if not in itself the dimidium seientiae, at least prepared the way for it. The form of their question implies that they had a forecast that the strange conduct was, in some way, connected with the prophet's work. Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the people
הָעָ֑ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

asked me,
וַיֹּאמְר֥וּ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Won't
הֲלֹֽא־ (hă·lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

you tell
תַגִּ֥יד (ṯag·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

us
לָ֙נוּ֙ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

what
מָה־ (māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

these [things]
אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

you
אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are doing
עֹשֶֽׂה׃ (‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

mean to us?”
לָּ֔נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 24:19 The people said to me Won't you (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 24:18
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