Ezekiel 40:1 Meaning and Explanation
“In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's hand comes upon Ezekiel during the exile and brings him to a vision.
The Context of Ezekiel 40:1
Ezekiel begins a detailed vision of a rebuilt temple while in exile.
What Does Ezekiel 40:1 Mean?
The time is the 25th year of Judah's captivity in Babylon (around 573 BC), marking the 14th year since Jerusalem fell. Ezekiel experiences God's power directly ('the hand of the LORD was upon me') in a visionary state.
This divine touch transports Ezekiel to witness something significant. The specificity of the date underscores that this is a real, documented spiritual encounter given to God's prophet during Israel's darkest hour.
Ezekiel 40:1 in the Original Language
yad (יַד), 'hand' — metaphor for God's power or control, often used to show divine action upon a person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 40:1
What does Ezekiel 40:1 mean?
God's hand comes upon Ezekiel during the exile and brings him to a vision.
What is the context of Ezekiel 40:1?
Ezekiel begins a detailed vision of a rebuilt temple while in exile.