Yehezkel

Yehezkel is the Hebrew form of Ezekiel, the name of a prophet whose book is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The given name derives from Hebrew elements meaning “God” (El) and “to strengthen” (hazak), and is commonly interpreted as “God strengthens” or “God will strengthen.” In the biblical narrative, Yehezkel is a prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the early 6th century BCE, traditionally regarded as the author of the Book of Ezekiel. The book features visionary and symbolic material, including the vision of the divine chariot (merkavah) and the valley of dry bones, and it deals with themes of judgment, personal responsibility, and the restoration of Israel after exile.

Yehezkel is regarded as a major prophetic figure in both Jewish and Christian canons, and the book of Ezekiel occupies a central place in discussions of prophecy, apocalyptic imagery, and the nature of divine sovereignty. The text’s complex allegory and its emphasis on individual accountability and future renewal have influenced theological and literary traditions.

In modern use, Yehezkel remains a common given name in Hebrew-speaking communities. It is frequently transliterated as Yehezkel, Yeheskel, or similar variants and is encountered in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. The name also appears in contemporary literature and media, reflecting its ongoing cultural presence.

See also: Ezekiel (name); Ezekiel, the biblical figure.