Ezekiel 17:2

Translations

Modern

“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel

Traditional

Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

Literal

“Son of man, pose a riddle and present a parable to the house of Israel,

Latin

Fili hominis, propone ænigma, et narra parabolam ad domum Israël,

Original

Hebrew

English

“Son of man, pose a riddle; speak a parable to the house of Israel

Notes

Ezekiel 17:1–24

This chapter includes a riddle. A riddle is a type of metaphorical speech (language that uses pictures and comparisons). It both hides and shows the meaning at the same time.

The chapter is also a fable. A fable is a story that teaches a moral lesson. It often tells the lesson through plants or animals instead of people.

This creative setting creates distance between the story and real life. That distance helps the listener receive the message. It lowers resistance to a message that may be hard or unpleasant to hear.

Ezekiel 15:1–24:14

This section includes eight metaphors, each showing from a different angle the certainty of Jerusalem's upcoming judgment. The images are of:

a worthless vine (Ezekiel 15);
a faithless wife (Ezekiel 16);
a vine and two eagles (Ezekiel 17);
Sour grapes (Ezekiel 18);
a lion and her cubs (Ezekiel 19);
a sword (Ezekiel 21);
two corrupt sisters (Ezekiel 23); and
a cooking pot (Ezekiel 24).

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Ezekiel 20:49
Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’”
Matthew 13:35
So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
Ezekiel 24:3
Now speak a parable to this rebellious house and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Put the pot on the fire; put it on and pour in the water.
2 Samuel 12:1–4
Then the LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he arrived, he said, “There were two men in a certain city, one rich and the other poor.
Hosea 12:10
I spoke through the prophets and multiplied their visions; I gave parables through the prophets.
Judges 14:12–19
“Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can solve it for me within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.
Mark 4:33–34
With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand.
Matthew 13:13–14
This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Judges 9:8–15
One day the trees set out to anoint a king for themselves. They said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us.’

Parallels

Matthew 13:24–30

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Alliance Ezekiel, Book of Hosea, Book of Riddle

Topics

Babylon: Revolt of the Jews From, and Their Punishment Illustrated Church: Extent of, Predicted Ezekiel: Teaches by Pantomime: Prophesies by Parable of an Eagle Prophets: Frequently Spoke in Parables and Riddles

Ezekiel 17:2

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