Lexical Summary Yechezqel: Ezekiel Original Word: יְחֶזְקֵאל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ezekiel, Jehezekel From chazaq and 'el; God will strengthen; Jechezkel, the name of two Israelites -- Ezekiel, Jehezekel. see HEBREW chazaq see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chazaq and el Definition "God strengthens," two Isr. NASB Translation Ezekiel (2), Jehezkel (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs יְחֶזְקֵאל proper name, masculine (God strengtheneth, compare foregoing; see LagBN 134) — 1 the well-known priest and prophet, son of Buzi, ᵐ5 Ιεξεκιηλ, Ezekiel 1:3; Ezekiel 24:24. 2 priest of 19th course (assigned to David's time) 1 Chronicles 24:16, ᵐ5 Εξεκηλ, ᵐ5L (20th course, compare A) Ιεξεκιηλ. יְחִזְקִיָּהוּ, יְחִזְקִיָּה see חִזְקִיָּהוּ above חזר (√ of following; meaning dubious; perhaps compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Occurrences in ScriptureJehezkel appears three times in the Old Testament. In 1 Chronicles 24:16 the name designates a priestly division organized by King David. The remaining two occurrences refer to the major prophet: “the word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Kebar Canal, and the hand of the LORD was upon him there” (Ezekiel 1:3). Later the LORD affirms, “Ezekiel will be a sign to you; you must do everything as he has done. And when this happens, you will know that I am the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 24:24). Historical Setting Ezekiel’s ministry unfolds during the Babylonian exile, beginning in 593 BC, five years after King Jehoiachin’s deportation (Ezekiel 1:2). He prophesies among the exiles until at least 571 BC (Ezekiel 29:17). The traumatic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC divides his messages: judgment on Judah and surrounding nations before the city’s destruction, and hope, restoration, and a renewed temple afterward. Priestly Lineage and Calling Identified as “the priest, son of Buzi” (Ezekiel 1:3), Ezekiel was trained for temple service yet found himself far from Zion. His priestly background colors the book’s emphasis on holiness, cultic regulations, and the future sanctuary (chapters 40–48). Though exiled, he receives visions of divine glory that surpass any earthly temple, underscoring God’s transcendence and nearness to His people even in foreign lands. Features of Ezekiel’s Prophetic Ministry • Visionary experience: Ezekiel frequently beholds the radiant throne-chariot (Ezekiel 1; 10), a recurring assurance that the LORD reigns over nations. Key Theological Themes 1. The Glory of the LORD: Departing the polluted temple (Ezekiel 10) yet returning to the restored house (Ezekiel 43:1–5), teaching that God’s presence is both holy and gracious. Symbolic Acts and Personal Sign-Sermons Ezekiel embodies his message; his very life becomes a sign (Ezekiel 24:24). The prophetic muteness that lifts when Jerusalem falls (Ezekiel 33:21–22) signals the transition from judgment to consolation. Such personal enactments reinforce the certainty of God’s word. Relevance to Later Biblical Revelation New Testament writers echo Ezekiel’s visions and promises. The living creatures and throne imagery inform Revelation 4, while John 10 alludes to the shepherd theme. Paul’s teaching on the Spirit’s indwelling (2 Corinthians 3:3–8) parallels the promised new heart, and the resurrection of believers (1 Thessalonians 4:16) resonates with Ezekiel 37’s vision. Practical Implications for Believers Ezekiel’s steadfast obedience under exile encourages faithfulness amid cultural displacement. His assurance that God can remove hearts of stone calls believers to submit to the sanctifying work of the Spirit. The closing vision of a temple filled with divine glory inspires hope for the ultimate dwelling of God with His people (Revelation 21:3). Summary Jehezkel stands as both a priestly name preserved in Israel’s genealogies and the title of a prophet who bridged catastrophe and restoration. Through vivid visions, enacted parables, and unwavering proclamation, he revealed the holiness, justice, and redemptive purpose of the LORD, leaving a legacy that continues to instruct and comfort the church today. Forms and Transliterations יְחֶזְקֵ֤אל יְחֶזְקֵ֨אל יחזקאל לִֽיחֶזְקֵ֖אל ליחזקאל lî·ḥez·qêl lichezKel lîḥezqêl yə·ḥez·qêl yechezKel yəḥezqêlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 24:16 HEB: תִּשְׁעָ֣ה עָשָׂ֔ר לִֽיחֶזְקֵ֖אל הָעֶשְׂרִֽים׃ NAS: the twentieth for Jehezkel, KJV: the twentieth to Jehezekel, INT: nine teen Jehezkel the twentieth Ezekiel 1:3 Ezekiel 24:24 3 Occurrences |
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the eye was or became narrow, small, Lane731c; hence narrow-eyed animal).