I. Prophetic and Divine Communication Terms:;xNLx;;xNLx;Son of Man (e.g., Ezekiel 2:1, 3, 6, 8; 3:1, 3-4, 10, 17, 25; and very frequently throughout as God's address to Ezekiel): This is God's preferred way of addressing the prophet Ezekiel (used over 90 times). While in some other biblical contexts it can have messianic overtones (e.g., Daniel 7:13), in Ezekiel it primarily emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and his status as a mortal representative chosen to deliver God's divine message. It highlights his role as a human intermediary before the awesome majesty of God.;xNLx;Visions of God / Divine Visions (e.g., Ezekiel 1:1; 8:3; 40:2; 43:3): Supernatural revelations or inspired insights given by God to the prophet, often involving complex and symbolic imagery, such as the vision of God's chariot-throne (Ezekiel 1, 10), the abominations in the Temple (Ezekiel 8), and the new Temple (Ezekiel 40-48).;xNLx;The Spirit / Spirit of the LORD (e.g., Ezekiel 2:2; 3:12, 14, 24; 8:3; 11:1, 5, 24; 36:27; 37:1, 14; 39:29; 43:5): The divine power and presence of God that "entered" Ezekiel, "lifted him up," transported him in visions, empowered him to speak, and was promised for the future renewal of Israel.;xNLx;Word of the LORD (Frequently throughout Ezekiel, e.g., Ezekiel 1:3; 3:16; 6:1; 7:1; 11:14; 12:1, 8, 17, 21, 26; etc.): The divine message, command, prophecy, or revelation received by Ezekiel from God, which he was commissioned to deliver authoritatively.;xNLx;Glory of the LORD / Glory of the God of Israel (e.g., Ezekiel 1:28; 3:12, 23; 8:4; 9:3; 10:4, 18-19; 11:22-23; 43:2-5; 44:4): The visible manifestation of God's awesome presence, majesty, power, and holiness. Ezekiel witnesses the departure of God's glory from the Temple in Jerusalem due to the people's sin (chapters 8-11) and its eventual return to the visionary new Temple (chapter 43), signifying God's restored presence with His people.;xNLx;Prophesy / Prophecy (e.g., Ezekiel 4:7; 6:2; 11:4, 13; 12:27-28; 13:2, 16-17; 20:46; 21:2, 9, 14, 28; 25:2; 28:21; 29:2; 30:2; 34:2; 35:2; 36:1, 3, 6; 37:4, 7, 9, 12; 38:2, 14, 17; 39:1): To speak or deliver a message under divine inspiration from God, often foretelling future events but primarily proclaiming God's will, judgment, or promises.;xNLx;Watchman (Ezekiel 3:17-21; 33:1-9): Ezekiel's role as appointed by God to warn the people of Israel of impending danger and judgment. If the watchman faithfully delivered the warning, he was not responsible for the people's response; if he failed to warn, he would be held accountable.;xNLx;Symbolic Act / Sign (e.g., Ezekiel 4:1-17 [siege of Jerusalem portrayed on a brick, lying on his side, defiled bread]; 5:1-17 [shaving head and beard]; 12:1-16 [packing an exile's baggage]; 12:17-20 [eating and drinking with trembling]; 21:18-23 [signposts, clapping hands]; 24:15-27 [Ezekiel's wife's death and his not mourning]; 37:15-28 [two sticks joined]): Actions performed by the prophet at God's command to visually represent and communicate a divine message, often concerning impending judgment or future restoration.;xNLx;Oracle / Pronouncement (Implied by "the word of the LORD came to me" or "thus says the Lord GOD"): A divine utterance or message, often authoritative and decisive.;xNLx;II. Theological Concepts and Covenantal Language:;xNLx;;xNLx;Rebellious House (e.g., Ezekiel 2:3, 5-8; 3:9, 26-27; 12:2-3, 9, 25; 17:12; 24:3; 44:6): A term God frequently uses to describe the people of Israel (and Judah), highlighting their persistent stubbornness, disobedience, and unfaithfulness to the covenant.;xNLx;Abominations / Detestable things (e.g., Ezekiel 5:9, 11; 6:9, 11; 7:3-4, 8-9, 20; Chapter 8 [idolatry in the Temple]; 9:4; 11:18, 21; 12:16; 14:6; 16:2, 22, 36, 43, 47, 50-51, 58; 18:12-13, 24; 20:4, 7-8, 30; 22:2, 11; 23:36; 33:26, 29; 36:31; 37:23; 43:8; 44:6-7, 13): Practices, especially idolatry and severe moral and ritual violations, that are disgusting, offensive, and utterly repugnant to God, defiling His holiness and provoking His wrath.;xNLx;Idolatry / Idols (e.g., Ezekiel 6:4-6, 9, 13; 7:20; 8:3-16; 14:3-7; 16:17-21, 36; 18:6, 12, 15; 20:7-8, 16, 18, 24, 30-32, 39; 22:3-4; 23:7, 30, 37, 39, 49; 30:13; 33:25; 36:18, 25; 37:23; 44:10, 12): The worship of false gods or physical images, a primary sin condemned by Ezekiel as spiritual adultery, a breach of covenant, and a cause of God's judgment.;xNLx;Profane / Defile (e.g., Ezekiel 7:21-22, 24; 13:19; 20:9, 13-14, 16, 21-22, 24, 39; 22:8, 16, 26; 23:38-39; 24:21; 25:3; 28:16, 18; 36:20-23; 39:7, 26; 43:7-8; 44:7, 23): To treat something holy (like God's name, Temple, Sabbath, or sacred things) as common, unclean, or with contempt; to desecrate or pollute.;xNLx;Sanctify / Make Holy / Consecrate (e.g., Ezekiel 20:12, 20, 41; 28:22, 25; 36:23; 37:28; 38:16, 23; 39:27; 44:19, 24; 46:20; 48:11): To set apart as holy, to make sacred, or to demonstrate or vindicate God's holiness. God declares He will sanctify His great name among the nations.;xNLx;High Places (Hebrew: bamot) (e.g., Ezekiel 6:3, 6; 16:16, 39; 20:29; 36:2; 43:7): Localized shrines, often on hilltops, frequently used for idolatrous worship and pagan rituals, which Ezekiel condemns.;xNLx;Covenant (Hebrew: berit) (e.g., Ezekiel 16:8, 59-62; 17:13-19; 20:37; 30:5; 34:25; 37:26; 44:7): The solemn agreement between God and Israel. Ezekiel speaks of Israel breaking the covenant, but also of God establishing an "everlasting covenant" or a "covenant of peace" in the future restoration.;xNLx;Statutes / Rules / Ordinances / Judgments (Hebrew: chuqqim, mishpatim) (e.g., Ezekiel 5:6-7; 11:12, 20; 18:9, 17, 19, 21, 27; 20:11, 13, 16, 18-19, 21, 24-25; 33:15; 36:27; 37:24; 43:11, 18; 44:5, 24; 45:9; 46:14): God's laws, decrees, and legal precepts given to Israel. Obedience to them brings life, while disobedience brings judgment.;xNLx;Righteous / Righteousness (e.g., Ezekiel 3:20-21; 13:22; 14:14, 20; 18:5, 9, 19-27; 21:3-4; 23:45; 33:12-19; 45:9-10): Moral uprightness, conformity to God's law and will. Ezekiel emphasizes individual responsibility: the righteous will live by their righteousness, and the wicked will die for their wickedness, but repentance is possible.;xNLx;Wicked / Wickedness (e.g., Ezekiel 3:18-19; 5:16 [evil arrows]; 7:3, 8, 11, 27; 9:9; 11:2, 6; 13:2, 22; 16:27, 52; 18:10, 13, 18, 20-21, 23-24, 27; 21:3, 24-25, 29; 22:29; 23:19, 21, 27, 29, 35, 44, 48; 28:15-16; 31:11; 33:8-19; 34:10; 35:5, 11; 36:19, 31; 38:10; 39:23-24, 26; 43:9; 45:9): Those who are morally evil, unjust, and rebellious against God. Ezekiel stresses God's desire for the wicked to turn from their ways and live.;xNLx;Sheol / The Pit (e.g., Ezekiel 26:20; 28:8; 31:14-17; 32:18, 21, 23-25, 27, 29-30): The realm of the dead, depicted as a place deep in the earth, often associated with judgment, downfall, and the gathering of defeated nations and rulers.;xNLx;Remnant (e.g., Ezekiel 5:3, 10; 6:8-9; 9:8; 11:13, 16-17; 12:16; 14:22; 20:38 [those who do not enter the land]; 23:25; 36:36): The portion of the people who survive God's judgment, particularly the exile, and through whom God will work His future restoration.;xNLx;Exile / Captivity (The historical context of Ezekiel's ministry, frequently referred to or implied, e.g., Ezekiel 1:1-3; 3:11, 15; 11:24-25; 12:3-16; 25:3; 29:12-16; 33:21; 39:23, 25, 27-28; 40:1): The forced removal of the Judeans from their land to Babylon. Ezekiel prophesied to the exiles.;xNLx;Restoration / Gather (e.g., Ezekiel 11:17; 16:53, 55; 20:34, 38, 41-42; 28:25; 29:13-14; 34:12-13, 16, 23-31; 36:8-12, 24-38; Chapter 37 [valley of dry bones]; 38:8; 39:25, 27-29): God's future act of bringing His people back from exile, purifying them, giving them a new heart and spirit, and re-establishing them in their land under a new Davidic prince, with His presence among them.;xNLx;New Heart / New Spirit (Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31; 36:26-27): God's promise to transform His people inwardly, removing their "heart of stone" and giving them a "heart of flesh" and His Spirit, enabling them to obey His laws.;xNLx;III. Temple Vision and Liturgical Terms (Ezekiel 40-48):;xNLx;This section contains highly detailed architectural and ritual descriptions that can be very specific.;xNLx;;xNLx;Sanctuary / Temple (Ezekiel Chapters 40-48): Ezekiel's vision of a future, perfectly restored and idealized Temple, with detailed measurements, layouts, and regulations for worship. It symbolizes God's purified and ordered presence with His renewed people.;xNLx;Outer Court / Inner Court (e.g., Ezekiel 40:17, 20, 23, 28, 31-32, 34; 42:1, 3, 7-10, 14; 43:5; 44:17, 19, 21, 27; 45:19; 46:1, 20-21): The different courtyards or enclosures within the visionary Temple complex.;xNLx;Gates (of the Temple complex) (e.g., Ezekiel 40:6-46; 42:15; 43:1, 4; 44:1-4; 46:1-3, 8-9, 12, 19; 48:31-34 [city gates]): Various entrances into the Temple courts and the city, with specific orientations (East, North, South) and elaborate designs. The East Gate has special significance.;xNLx;Altar (of burnt offering) (Ezekiel 40:47; 43:13-27; 45:19; 47:1): The central place for sacrifices in the visionary Temple, with detailed specifications for its construction and consecration.;xNLx;Chambers / Rooms (e.g., Ezekiel 40:7, 10, 12-13, 17, 38, 44-46; 41:5-11, 26; 42:1-14; 44:19; 45:5; 46:19-20, 24): Various rooms within the Temple complex for priests, Levites, singers, storage, or sacrificial preparations.;xNLx;Offerings (Sin offering, guilt offering, burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering) (e.g., Ezekiel 40:38-43; 42:13; 43:18-27; 44:11, 15, 27, 29; 45:13-25; 46:2-15, 20, 24): Specific types of sacrifices to be offered in the visionary Temple, with regulations for their presentation.;xNLx;Priests (Sons of Zadok) (e.g., Ezekiel 40:46; 43:19; 44:10-31; 45:4; 46:2, 20; 48:11): In Ezekiel's vision, the priestly duties in the inner sanctuary are restricted to the descendants of Zadok, who remained faithful, while other Levites who had gone astray are assigned lesser duties.;xNLx;Prince (Hebrew: nasi) (e.g., Ezekiel 34:24; 37:25; 44:3; 45:7-22; 46:2-18; 48:21-22): A future Davidic ruler or leader who will have a special role in the restored community and Temple worship, though distinct from the pre-exilic kings and subordinate to God's law.;xNLx;Holy District / Sacred District / Portion (e.g., Ezekiel 45:1-8; 48:8-22): An area of land in the restored Israel specifically set apart for the Temple, the priests, the Levites, and the prince.;xNLx;River (flowing from the Temple) (Ezekiel 47:1-12): A visionary river originating from under the Temple, bringing life, healing, and great fertility to the land, symbolizing the life-giving blessings flowing from God's presence.;xNLx;IV. Other Notable Terms and Imagery:;xNLx;;xNLx;Scroll (Ezekiel 2:9–3:3): Ezekiel is commanded to eat a scroll on which words of lamentation, mourning, and woe were written, symbolizing his internalizing and delivering God's message, even if bitter.;xNLx;Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14): A powerful vision where Ezekiel sees a valley of dry bones that are miraculously brought back to life, symbolizing God's power to restore the nation of Israel from the "death" of exile and bring about a national and spiritual resurrection.;xNLx;Gog of Magog (Ezekiel Chapters 38-39): A mysterious, hostile leader and coalition of nations from the distant north who will attack the restored people of Israel in the latter days, but will be decisively defeated by God, demonstrating God's ultimate sovereignty and protection of His people.;xNLx;Wheels (in the vision of God's chariot-throne) (Ezekiel 1:15-21; 10:2, 6, 9-17, 19): Complex, "wheel within a wheel" structures, full of eyes, associated with the living creatures (cherubim) in Ezekiel's vision of God's mobile glory, symbolizing God's omnipresence, omniscience, and ability to move anywhere.;xNLx;Living Creatures / Cherubim (Ezekiel Chapter 1; 3:13; Chapter 10; 11:22; 41:18-20, 25): Heavenly beings, described with multiple faces (man, lion, ox, eagle) and wings, who support and attend to God's chariot-throne and glory. In chapter 10, they are identified as cherubim.;xNLx;Ephah / Bath / Hin / Homer / Shekel / Gerah (Various chapters, especially in Temple vision, e.g., Ezekiel 4:10-11; 45:10-14; 46:5, 7, 11, 14): Units of dry and liquid measure, and weight (for money), used in daily life and in the regulations for offerings in the visionary Temple. Their precise modern equivalents can be complex, but they represent standardized quantities.;xNLx;This list is intended to help clarify many of the distinctive and challenging terms found in the Book of Ezekiel (ESV). Its highly symbolic and visionary nature requires careful attention to the context and the overarching themes of God's holiness, judgment, and ultimate restoration.