Ezekiel 20:49 Meaning and Explanation
“Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel expresses concern that his symbolic prophecies are not being understood as messages of judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 20:49
Ezekiel worries that his metaphorical prophecies are not being understood as God's judgment.
What Does Ezekiel 20:49 Mean?
Ezekiel's response shows sensitivity to his audience. The parables and metaphors—the forest fire, the wood and stone—are not being received as serious warnings but are being dismissed or misunderstood. The people are treating prophetic words as riddles or stories rather than as genuine warnings of coming judgment. Ezekiel feels the burden of a prophet whose message is not penetrating.
This concern is not about Ezekiel's technique but about receptivity. Judgment that is metaphorically described is not less real; indeed, metaphor sometimes communicates more deeply than direct statement. Yet if the audience refuses to hear even poetic prophecy as God's word, no form of communication will succeed. The lament hints at the hardness of hearts Ezekiel faces.
Ezekiel 20:49 in the Original Language
mashal (מָשָׁל), 'parable' — a comparison, saying, or riddle. Ezekiel's symbolic actions and metaphorical speech are sometimes dismissed as merely literary rather than literal warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 20:49
What does Ezekiel 20:49 mean?
Ezekiel expresses concern that his symbolic prophecies are not being understood as messages of judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 20:49?
Ezekiel worries that his metaphorical prophecies are not being understood as God's judgment.