Ezekiel 1:3 Meaning and Explanation
“The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's word comes to Ezekiel the priest with specific authority and power.
The Context of Ezekiel 1:3
Ezekiel's prophetic authority is established through direct divine commission and the hand of God resting upon him.
What Does Ezekiel 1:3 Mean?
Ezekiel's identity as a priest marks him as someone trained in Israel's spiritual traditions, yet he receives his calling not in the Temple but in Babylon. The phrase 'the word of the LORD came expressly' emphasizes that this is not a private vision but a divinely initiated message meant for communication. The hand of the LORD upon him signals the empowering presence that enables him to be God's mouthpiece.
The location—explicitly in the land of the Chaldeans—makes clear that geographical distance from the holy land does not isolate someone from God's word. Priests in exile retained their spiritual calling, and Ezekiel's appointment demonstrates that God's purposes extend beyond any single place or circumstance.
Ezekiel 1:3 in the Original Language
dabhar (דָּבָר), 'word' — a unit of speech or divine utterance; here specifically 'came expressly,' emphasizing the direct and unambiguous nature of God's communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 1:3
What does Ezekiel 1:3 mean?
God's word comes to Ezekiel the priest with specific authority and power.
What is the context of Ezekiel 1:3?
Ezekiel's prophetic authority is established through direct divine commission and the hand of God resting upon him.