Ezekiel 12:4
Ezekiel 12:4 in Multiple Translations
Bring out your baggage for exile by day, as they watch. Then in the evening, as they watch, go out like those who go into exile.
Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.
And thou shalt bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing; and thou shalt go forth thyself at even in their sight, as when men go forth into exile.
By day, before their eyes, take out your vessels like those of one who is taken away: and go out in the evening before their eyes, like those who are taken away as prisoners.
Take your bags out for traveling into exile during the day while they watch. But you yourself are to leave in the evening as they watch, just like someone going into exile.
Then shalt thou bring foorth thy stuffe by day in their sight as the stuffe of him that goeth into captiuitie: and thou shalt go forth at euen in their sight, as they that go foorth into captiuitie.
And thou hast brought forth thy vessels as vessels of removal by day before their eyes, and thou, thou dost go forth at even before their eyes, as the goings forth of a removal.
You shall bring out your baggage by day in their sight, as baggage for moving. You shall go out yourself at evening in their sight, as when men go out into exile.
Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at evening in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.
And thou shalt bring forth thy furniture as the furniture of one that is removing by day in their sight: and thou shalt go forth in the evening in their presence, as one goeth forth that removeth his dwelling.
During the daytime, while they are watching, bring out the things that you want to take and pack them. Then in the evening, while they are watching, do what those who are preparing to go into exile do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 12:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 12:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הוֹצֵאתָ֨
כֵלֶ֜י/ךָ
כִּ/כְלֵ֥י
גוֹלָ֛ה
יוֹמָ֖ם
לְ/עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/אַתָּ֗ה
תֵּצֵ֤א
בָ/עֶ֨רֶב֙
לְ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם
כְּ/מוֹצָאֵ֖י
גּוֹלָֽה
וְ/הוֹצֵאתָ֨
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
כֵלֶ֜י/ךָ
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp | Suff
כִּ/כְלֵ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-mp
גוֹלָ֛ה
gôwlâh
H1473
captivity
N-fs
יוֹמָ֖ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
לְ/עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
וְ/אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
תֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בָ/עֶ֨רֶב֙
ʻereb
H6153
evening
Prep | N-ms
לְ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
כְּ/מוֹצָאֵ֖י
môwtsâʼ
H4161
exit
Prep | N-mp
גּוֹלָֽה
gôwlâh
H1473
captivity
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 12:4
וְ/הוֹצֵאתָ֨
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
כֵלֶ֜י/ךָ
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
כִּ/כְלֵ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
גוֹלָ֛ה
gôwlâh
H1473
"captivity"
N-fs
This word means being taken captive or exile, like when Israel was carried away to Babylon. It refers to a group of people forced to leave their homes. In the Bible, it appears in 2 Kings 25:21.
Definition: 1) exiles, exile, captivity 1a) exiles (coll) 1b) exile, captivity (abstract)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (carried away), captive(-ity), removing. See also: 2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 29:16; Jeremiah 28:6.
יוֹמָ֖ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
לְ/עֵֽינֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
וְ/אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בָ/עֶ֨רֶב֙
ʻereb
H6153
"evening"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means evening or sunset, like when God created daylight and darkness in Genesis. It refers to the time of day, often marking the end of a workday. This word is used in many verses, including Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) evening, night, sunset 1a) evening, sunset 1b) night
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] day, even(-ing, tide), night. See also: Genesis 1:5; Numbers 19:19; Psalms 30:6.
לְ/עֵ֣ינֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
כְּ/מוֹצָאֵ֖י
môwtsâʼ
H4161
"exit"
Prep | N-mp
Exit refers to a way out or a place of departure, like a gate or a door. In 1 Samuel 17:52, it describes the Israelites' escape route from the Philistines. This term can also mean the rising of the sun or the source of a river.
Definition: 1) act or place of going out or forth, issue, export, source, spring 1a) a going forth 1a1) rising (sun), going forth of a command 1a2) goings forth, those going forth 1a3) way out, exit 1b) that which goes forth 1b1) utterance 1b2) export 1c) place of going forth 1c1) source or spring (of water) 1c2) place of departure 1c3) east (of sun) 1c4) mine (of silver)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: brought out, bud, that which came out, east, going forth, goings out, that which (thing that) is gone out, outgoing, proceeded out, spring, vein, (water-) course (springs). See also: Numbers 30:13; Psalms 75:7; Psalms 19:7.
גּוֹלָֽה
gôwlâh
H1473
"captivity"
N-fs
This word means being taken captive or exile, like when Israel was carried away to Babylon. It refers to a group of people forced to leave their homes. In the Bible, it appears in 2 Kings 25:21.
Definition: 1) exiles, exile, captivity 1a) exiles (coll) 1b) exile, captivity (abstract)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (carried away), captive(-ity), removing. See also: 2 Kings 24:14; Jeremiah 29:16; Jeremiah 28:6.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 12:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 12:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 12:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 12:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 12:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 12:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:4
Context — Signs of the Coming Captivity
2“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.
3Therefore, son of man, pack your bags for exile. In broad daylight, set out from your place and go to another as they watch. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious house.
4Bring out your baggage for exile by day, as they watch. Then in the evening, as they watch, go out like those who go into exile.
5As they watch, dig through the wall and carry your belongings out through it. 6And as they watch, lift your bags to your shoulder and take them out at dusk; cover your face so that you cannot see the land. For I have made you a sign to the house of Israel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 39:4 | When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 12:12 | And at dusk the prince among them will lift his bags to his shoulder and go out. They will dig through the wall to bring him out. He will cover his face so he cannot see the land. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 25:4 | Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, |
| 4 | Jeremiah 52:7 | Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled the city by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, |
Ezekiel 12:4 Summary
[Ezekiel 12:4 tells us that God instructed Ezekiel to pack his bags and move out of his home, but to do it in a way that would be a sign to the people of Israel. This means that Ezekiel's actions were not just about him, but about pointing to a bigger truth. By day, Ezekiel was to bring out his baggage for exile as the people watched, and then in the evening, he was to go out like those who go into exile, also as they watched. This was a powerful reminder that God is in control, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, as we see in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Ezekiel to pack his bags for exile in the daytime and then leave in the evening?
God gave Ezekiel these instructions to serve as a sign to the rebellious house of Israel, illustrating the exile they would soon experience, as prophesied in Ezekiel 12:4 and supported by Deuteronomy 28:36, which warns of exile for disobedience.
What is the significance of Ezekiel carrying his belongings out through a hole in the wall?
This action, described in Ezekiel 12:5, symbolizes the secret and stealthy manner in which the Israelites would be taken into exile, much like the prophet's own actions, as a sign of the judgment to come, echoing the warnings in Jeremiah 25:11.
How does Ezekiel's role as a sign to the house of Israel relate to the broader context of the Bible?
Ezekiel's actions and prophecies, including those in Ezekiel 12:4, serve as a reminder of God's judgment and redemption, themes that are woven throughout the Bible, from the early warnings in Genesis 12:3 to the ultimate redemption in Revelation 21:1-4.
What can we learn from Ezekiel's obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem unusual or difficult?
Ezekiel's obedience, as seen in Ezekiel 12:4 and the surrounding verses, demonstrates trust in God's sovereignty and plan, and serves as an example for believers, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Ezekiel, be a faithful sign of God's love and redemption to those around me, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways I can apply the principles of obedience and trust, as demonstrated by Ezekiel, to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I use my own experiences and challenges as opportunities to point others to God's sovereignty and plan, just as Ezekiel used his exile as a sign to the house of Israel?
- How can I balance the need to trust and obey God with the desire to understand and make sense of His instructions, especially when they seem unusual or difficult?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 12:4
Then shall thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight,.... Bring it forth, that they may be spectators of it; and "by day", that it might be manifest to them what was carried out; and this day
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 12:4
Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:4
Having made all ready, as , thou shalt proceed to bear it away; not employ servants and laboureth to do it. but thou thyself shalt do it. By day: see . As stuff for removing: see . At even: this circumstance, added to what was , speaks the secrecy and shame, with the danger of their coming out; in the evening, in the dark, when night may soon conceal them, and they gain a night’ s journey before the enemy hath notice to pursue. In their sight; before it is quite night, that they, who should learn by this sign, may see it and consider it.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:4
Ezekiel 12:4 Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity.Ver. 4. Thou shalt bring forth thy stuff.] Arma viatoria; travelling bags for an ocular demonstration. What surer than sight? Go forth at even.] The king and his men of war were glad to do so, but it would not do.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 12:4
4. Then shalt thou bring] And thou shalt. The prophet is to bring forth the articles which he had prepared, depositing them in some convenient place in readiness to carry with him when he escapes. and thou shalt go forth] Possibly: and thou shalt go forth thyself, as R.V. The second half of Eze 12:4 is to be connected with Ezekiel 12:5, describing the prophet’s action so far as it symbolizes what refers to the persons of the fugitives.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 12:4
The particulars which Ezekiel here foretold actually occurred (compare 2 Kings 25:4; Jeremiah 39:4); but at this time Zedekiah seemed to be prosperous, and the Jews at Jerusalem expected, it is
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 12:4
4. And thou shalt go forth at even — Literally, but thou thyself shalt, etc. The few necessary things for flight can be prepared in the daytime behind the city walls, but the escape from the city can only be attempted at night.