Ezekiel 20:46 Meaning and Explanation
“Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy judgment toward the southern forest region.
The Context of Ezekiel 20:46
Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy judgment against the southern region.
What Does Ezekiel 20:46 Mean?
Ezekiel is given a physical direction: face south and prophesy. The 'forest of the south' is a metaphor for the southern kingdom and its people, using vegetation imagery to suggest abundance and yet also a place vulnerable to fire. The south refers to Judah and the southern territories. 'Drop thy word' suggests prophetic words falling like rain or flame.
The command to face a direction and prophesy emphasizes the prophet's role as God's mouthpiece directed toward specific audiences. Ezekiel is not speaking from his own perspective but from God's, directed by divine command toward the judgment of the south.
Ezekiel 20:46 in the Original Language
nataph (נָטַף), 'drop' — literally to let drip or flow. The image suggests prophetic words flowing like water or falling like rain, with power and inevitability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 20:46
What does Ezekiel 20:46 mean?
Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy judgment toward the southern forest region.
What is the context of Ezekiel 20:46?
Ezekiel is commanded to prophesy judgment against the southern region.