Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A Hebrew prophet: A major prophet in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament who lived in the 6th century BC. He was among the Israelites exiled to Babylon in 587 BC and received prophetic visions there.
   • A book of the Bible: The Old Testament book that contains the prophecies, visions, and symbolic acts attributed to the prophet Ezekiel.

Usage

• As a person's name (the prophet):
  • Ezechiel prophesied about the fall of Jerusalem.
  • The visions of Ezechiel are complex and symbolic.
• As a book title:
  • The Book of Ezechiel contains 48 chapters.
  • We studied the prophecies in Ezechiel.

Advanced Usage

• "Ezekielian" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the prophet Ezekiel or his writings. (Note: This is a derived scholarly term, not the target word itself).
  • The Ezekielian vision of the divine chariot is famous.

Variants and Related Words

• Ezekiel: This is the more common modern English spelling of the same name and book. "Ezechiel" is an alternate, chiefly historical spelling.
• Book of Ezekiel: The full title of the biblical book.

Synonyms

• The Prophet (when context is clear in biblical discussion).
• The Book (when context is clear in biblical discussion).

Notes on Meaning

The word "Ezechiel" refers specifically to two inseparable concepts in a religious and historical context: the individual prophet and the biblical text bearing his name. It is not used in general modern language outside of these references. The primary distinction in usage is whether the speaker is referring to the person or the text.

Noun

1. an Old Testament book containing Ezekiel's prophecies of the downfall of Jerusalem and Judah and their subsequent restoration
2. a Hebrew prophet of the 6th century BC who was exiled to Babylon in 587 BC