Ezekiel 4:12
Ezekiel 4:12 in Multiple Translations
And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.”
And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight.
And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it in their sight with dung that cometh out of man.
And let your food be barley cakes, cooking it before their eyes with the waste which comes out of a man.
You are to eat the bread as you would a barley loaf. You are to bake it over a fire burning dried human excrement as everyone watches.”
And thou shalt eate it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it in the dongue that commeth out of man, in their sight.
A barley-cake thou dost eat it, and it with dung — the filth of man — thou dost bake before their eyes.
You shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it in their sight with dung that comes out of man.”
And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with human excrement in their sight.
And thou shalt eat it as barley bread baked under the ashes: and thou shalt cover it, in their sight, with the dung that cometh out of a man.
Eat that bread like you would eat a loaf of barley bread. But use your own dried dung for fuel to bake the bread while people are watching.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:12
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 4:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עֻגַ֥ת
שְׂעֹרִ֖ים
תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֑/נָּה
וְ/הִ֗יא
בְּ/גֶֽלְלֵי֙
צֵאַ֣ת
הָֽ/אָדָ֔ם
תְּעֻגֶ֖/נָה
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/עֻגַ֥ת
ʻuggâh
H5692
bun
Conj | N-fs
שְׂעֹרִ֖ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
barley
N-fp
תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֑/נָּה
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
וְ/הִ֗יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
בְּ/גֶֽלְלֵי֙
gêlel
H1561
dung
Prep | N-mp
צֵאַ֣ת
tsâʼâh
H6627
excrement
N-fs
הָֽ/אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
תְּעֻגֶ֖/נָה
ʻûwg
H5746
to bake
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:12
וְ/עֻגַ֥ת
ʻuggâh
H5692
"bun"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a round bread cake, often baked on hot stones. It was a common food in ancient times, like a flatbread or pancake. The KJV translates it as 'cake upon the hearth'.
Definition: 1) disc or cake (of bread) 1a) cake of hot stones (cake baked on hot stones)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: cake (upon the hearth). See also: Genesis 18:6; 1 Kings 17:13; Hosea 7:8.
שְׂעֹרִ֖ים
sᵉʻôrâh
H8184
"barley"
N-fp
This word refers to barley, a type of grain that was commonly eaten in ancient Israel. Barley was a staple food in the biblical world. It's mentioned in the story of Ruth.
Definition: 1) barley 1a) barley (of the plant) 1b) barley (of the meal or grain)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: barley. See also: Exodus 9:31; 2 Kings 7:1; Isaiah 28:25.
תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֑/נָּה
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
וְ/הִ֗יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְּ/גֶֽלְלֵי֙
gêlel
H1561
"dung"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word refers to dung or a ball of dung, often used as fertilizer. It is mentioned in the Bible as something unclean and worthless, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: dung, ball of dung
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dung. See also: Job 20:7; Ezekiel 4:15; Zephaniah 1:17.
צֵאַ֣ת
tsâʼâh
H6627
"excrement"
N-fs
This word refers to human waste or excrement, and is used to describe something that is filthy or unclean. It is used in a few places in the Bible to convey a sense of disgust or impurity.
Definition: filth, human excrement, excrement, faeces
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: that (which) cometh from (out). See also: Deuteronomy 23:14; Ezekiel 4:12.
הָֽ/אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
תְּעֻגֶ֖/נָה
ʻûwg
H5746
"to bake"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to bake, specifically round cakes on a hearth, and is used in various books of the Bible. It refers to the act of cooking bread in ancient times. The word is used to describe everyday life.
Definition: (Qal) to bake, bake a cake
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: bake. See also: Ezekiel 4:12.
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 4:12
Context — The Defiled Bread
10You are to weigh out twenty shekels of food to eat each day, and you are to eat it at set times.
11You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times.
12And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.”
13Then the LORD said, “This is how the Israelites will eat their defiled bread among the nations to which I will banish them.” 14“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 36:12 | But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?” |
| 2 | Genesis 18:6 | So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” |
Ezekiel 4:12 Summary
In Ezekiel 4:12, God instructs Ezekiel to bake his food over dried human excrement, which is a symbol of the defilement and uncleanness of the Israelites' actions. This action is meant to foreshadow the Israelites' future exile and suffering, as mentioned in Ezekiel 4:13. Just like Ezekiel, we are called to obey God, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, and to trust in His plan for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By obeying God and seeking to maintain spiritual purity, we can demonstrate our love and commitment to Him, as seen in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Ezekiel to bake his food over dried human excrement?
God instructed Ezekiel to do this to symbolize the defilement and uncleanness of the Israelites' actions, as seen in Ezekiel 4:12, and to foreshadow their future exile and suffering, as mentioned in Ezekiel 4:13 and Deuteronomy 28:53-57.
Is this verse meant to be taken literally, or is it symbolic?
While Ezekiel was literally instructed to bake his food over dried human excrement, the action is also symbolic of the spiritual defilement of the Israelites, as seen in Ezekiel 4:13 and Isaiah 6:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual purity?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual purity, as seen in 2 Corinthians 7:1, and demonstrates how God's people can become defiled through disobedience and sin, as mentioned in Ezekiel 4:13 and Romans 6:16.
What can we learn from Ezekiel's obedience to this difficult command?
Ezekiel's obedience to God's command, despite its difficulty and unpleasantness, demonstrates the importance of trusting and obeying God, even when we do not understand the reasons behind His commands, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 11:8.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God asks me to do something difficult or uncomfortable, and what can I learn from Ezekiel's example?
- In what ways can I become 'defiled' through my actions or associations, and how can I maintain spiritual purity in my daily life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of sacrifice and self-denial, and what am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of my relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 16:24-25?
- What can I learn from Ezekiel's experience about the importance of obedience, even when it is difficult or unpopular, and how can I apply this to my own life, as seen in Acts 5:29?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:12
And thou shalt eat it [as] barley cakes,.... That is, the bread made of wheat, barley, beans, lentiles, millet, and fitches, was to be made in the form of barley cakes, and to be baked as they; not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:12
And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight. Thou shalt bake it with dung - as fuel; so the Arabs use beasts' dung, wood-fuel being scarce.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
As barley cakes: these were delicacies with them when they could temper and make them right, but now these pitiful things should be to these half-starved bodies as delicates, Or rather, because they were greedy, and could not stay till they were baked. Or, lest any should take it from them. Or, because they never had enough to make a loaf with, they eat them as barley cakes. With dung; there would be no wood left for such necessary uses, nor yet dung of other creatures, they would be all consumed by the length of the siege too. What loathsome food was this! yet in this straitness of the siege they are brought to it. In their sight; openly, that any might see it. From this passage some conclude this was actually done, and not only represented in a vision.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
Ezekiel 4:12 And thou shalt eat it [as] barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight.Ver. 12. And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes.] Baked on coals made of homely fuel, man’ s dung burnt. And thou shalt bake it with dung.] For want of wood. To the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. In their sight.] This, then, was more than a vision. Panem exhibuit Papa non ad purum ignem, sed ad oleta Quaestionariorum, Sorbonistarum, et Canonicorum coctum. - Pol.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
(12) As barley cakes.—These were commonly cooked in the hot ashes, hence the especial defilement caused by the fuel required to be used. Against this the prophet pleads, not merely as revolting in itself, but as ceremonially polluting (Ezekiel 4:14; see Leviticus 5:3; Leviticus 7:21), and a mitigation of the requirement is granted to him (Ezekiel 4:15). In their sight—This is still a part of the vision. The words have been thought to determine that the whole transaction was an actual symbolic act and not a vision; but this does not follow. It need only have been a part of the vision that what was done was done publicly.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
Verse 12. Thou shalt bake it with dung] Dried ox and cow dung is a common fuel in the east; and with this, for want of wood and coals, they are obliged to prepare their food. Indeed, dried excrement of every kind is gathered. Here, the prophet is to prepare his bread with dry human excrement. And when we know that this did not come in contact with the bread, and was only used to warm the plate, (see Ezekiel 4:3,) on which the bread was laid over the fire, it removes all the horror and much of the disgust. This was required to show the extreme degree of wretchedness to which they should be exposed; for, not being able to leave the city to collect the dried excrements of beasts, the inhabitants during the siege would be obliged, literally, to use dried human ordure for fuel. The very circumstances show that this was the plain fact of the case. However, we find that the prophet was relieved from using this kind of fuel, for cow's dung was substituted at his request. See Ezekiel 4:15.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:12
12. It was customary in the East to use the dung of animals when perfectly dried as fuel. The hot ashes remaining from it are perfectly clean, and retaining their glow for a considerable time were used for firing cakes upon or under. See Wetzstein in Del. Job, p. 261 (Trans. i. p. 377). Whether the Hebrews would have considered such fuel unclean is not certain (cf. Leviticus 5:3; Leviticus 7:21; Deuteronomy 23:13); the material for firing which the prophet is commanded to use would certainly be unclean (Deuteronomy 23:13) as well as loathsome. The command is explained in Ezekiel 4:13.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:12
In eastern countries where fuel is scarce the want is supplied by dried cow-dung laid up for the winter. Barley cakes were (and are) baked under hot ashes without an oven.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:12
12. The supply of wood in a besieged city must soon give out. Camels’ and asses’ dung, which is the ordinary fuel for poor people in Egypt and Palestine even to this day, could not be used because the beasts were all dead.
Sermons on Ezekiel 4:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had of four living creatures. These creatures had the appearance of a man but each had four faces and four |
|
Misunderstood Texts of the Bible by Robert Anderson | Robert Anderson preaches about the misunderstood texts of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of looking intensely at the words of God to understand His divine scheme and purpose |
|
1 Peter 3:6 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the example of Sarah's obedience to Abraham as a model for women, illustrating her faithfulness in following him and fulfilling her role with respect and honor |