Ezekiel 4:8
Ezekiel 4:8 in Multiple Translations
Now behold, I will tie you up with ropes so you cannot turn from side to side until you have finished the days of your siege.
And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.
And, behold, I lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to the other, till thou hast accomplished the days of thy siege.
And see, I will put bands on you; and you will be stretched out without turning from one side to the other till the days of your attack are ended.
Be ready, because now I'm going to tie you up with ropes so you can't move from side to side until the days of your siege are over.
And beholde, I will lay bands vpon thee, and thou shalt not turne thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the dayes of thy siege.
And lo, I have put on thee thick bands, and thou dost not turn from side to side till thy completing the days of thy siege.
Behold, I put ropes on you, and you shall not turn yourself from one side to the other, until you have accomplished the days of your siege.
And behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.
Behold I have encompassed thee with bands: and thou shalt not turn thyself from one side to the other, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.
You will not be able to move; it will be as though I have tied you with ropes in order that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have finishedsymbolizing how many years the city will be ◄besieged/surrounded by enemy soldiers►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:8
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 4:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
נָתַ֥תִּי
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
עֲבוֹתִ֑ים
וְ/לֹֽא
תֵהָפֵ֤ךְ
מִֽ/צִּדְּ/ךָ֙
אֶל
צִדֶּ֔/ךָ
עַד
כַּלּוֹתְ/ךָ֖
יְמֵ֥י
מְצוּרֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
נָתַ֥תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עֲבוֹתִ֑ים
ʻăbôth
H5688
cord
N-cp
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תֵהָפֵ֤ךְ
hâphak
H2015
to overturn
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
מִֽ/צִּדְּ/ךָ֙
tsad
H6654
side
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
צִדֶּ֔/ךָ
tsad
H6654
side
N-ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
כַּלּוֹתְ/ךָ֖
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
יְמֵ֥י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
מְצוּרֶֽ/ךָ
mâtsôwr
H4692
siege
N-ms | 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 4:8
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
נָתַ֥תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עָלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֲבוֹתִ֑ים
ʻăbôth
H5688
"cord"
N-cp
A cord or rope, often made from intertwined threads. In the Bible, it can also describe a wreath or chain, like the ones used in Ezekiel 7:23.
Definition: 1) cord, rope, cordage, foliage, interwoven foliage 1a) cord, rope, cordage, chain 1b) interwoven foliage
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain). See also: Exodus 28:14; Job 39:10; Psalms 2:3.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵהָפֵ֤ךְ
hâphak
H2015
"to overturn"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.
Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.
מִֽ/צִּדְּ/ךָ֙
tsad
H6654
"side"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the side of something, like the side of a building or a person's side. It can also mean an enemy or adversary, like someone who opposes you. It is used in the Bible to describe locations or relationships.
Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
צִדֶּ֔/ךָ
tsad
H6654
"side"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the side of something, like the side of a building or a person's side. It can also mean an enemy or adversary, like someone who opposes you. It is used in the Bible to describe locations or relationships.
Definition: side Aramaic equivalent: tsad (צַד "side" H6655)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: (be-) side. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 6:8; Psalms 91:7.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
כַּלּוֹתְ/ךָ֖
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
יְמֵ֥י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מְצוּרֶֽ/ךָ
mâtsôwr
H4692
"siege"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a siege or a place of entrenchment, like a fortress or stronghold. It's used in the Bible to describe a city under attack, such as in 2 Kings 17:5. It can also mean a defense or bulwark.
Definition: 1) siege-enclosure, siege, entrenchment, siege works 1a) siege 1b) enclosure, siege-works, rampart
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: besieged, bulwark, defence, fenced, fortress, siege, strong (hold), tower. See also: Deuteronomy 20:19; Jeremiah 19:9; Psalms 31:22.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:8
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
Context — A Sign of Jerusalem’s Siege
6When you have completed these days, lie down again, but on your right side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah. I have assigned to you 40 days, a day for each year.
7You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it.
8Now behold, I will tie you up with ropes so you cannot turn from side to side until you have finished the days of your siege.
9But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them in a single container and make them into bread for yourself. This is what you are to eat during the 390 days you lie on your side. 10You are to weigh out twenty shekels of food to eat each day, and you are to eat it at set times.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 3:25 | And you, son of man, they will tie with ropes, and you will be bound so that you cannot go out among the people. |
Ezekiel 4:8 Summary
[In Ezekiel 4:8, God tells Ezekiel that He will tie him up with ropes so that he cannot turn from side to side, symbolizing the siege of Jerusalem and the inability of the people to escape God's judgment. This verse shows us that sometimes God restricts our movement or actions in order to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. We can learn from Ezekiel's obedience to trust in God's plan and wait on Him, even when things seem difficult or unclear, as supported by Psalm 27:14 and Isaiah 30:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God tell Ezekiel that He will tie him up with ropes?
God tells Ezekiel that He will tie him up with ropes so that Ezekiel will be unable to move or turn from side to side, symbolizing the siege of Jerusalem and the inability of the people to escape God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 4:8 and supported by Jeremiah 52:4-5.
What is the significance of Ezekiel being tied up with ropes?
The ropes signify Ezekiel's restriction and inability to move, representing the restrictive nature of God's judgment on Jerusalem, similar to the way God restricted the movements of the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Numbers 14:26-35.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?
This verse is a part of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, where he is called to prophesy against Jerusalem and the nations, as seen in Ezekiel 2:3-4 and Ezekiel 3:17, and it serves as a visual representation of the judgment that God will bring upon the city.
What can we learn from Ezekiel's obedience to God's instructions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem difficult or restrictive, as seen in Ezekiel 4:8 and supported by Deuteronomy 11:1 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of restricted movement in my own life, and what are some areas where I need to be still and wait on God?
- In what ways can I use my own life and circumstances to prophesy to others about God's judgment and mercy, as Ezekiel did?
- What are some ways that God may be calling me to be still and wait on Him, and how can I respond in obedience to His call?
- How can I balance the need for action and movement in my life with the need for stillness and waiting on God, as seen in Psalm 46:10 and Isaiah 40:31?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:8
And, behold, I will lay hands upon thee,.... Representing either the besieged, signifying that they should be taken and bound as he was; or rather the besiegers, the Chaldean army, which should be so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:8
And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege. I will lay bands upon thee - (Ezekiel 3:25) i:e., a constraint or restriction.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
Whoever were the persons that laid bonds on Ezekiel, in , here it is plain that the Lord doth it. If the prophet represent the besieged citizens who must be captives in bonds, then it is likely these bonds were visible and material, that they might be a teaching sign and admonition, that as they saw the prophet in them, so certainly he should see that come to pass which was signified by them. If he represent the Chaldeans, as those who were by Divine power as fast bound to this siege, till the city be taken, as he was tied to the place whence he could not stir a foot, then invisible bonds, which none feel or see but the prophet, may suffice these, assuring him that those could move no more from the siege than he from that side he lay on. And though the Egyptian army make some diversion, yet it is very like the siege was not quite raised, but they kept the city blocked up, whilst the gross of the army drew off to fight Pharaoh’ s army, according to that , the Chaldeans shall not depart. Thy siege, Heb. plural, sieges, either because it was like two sieges by that little interruption of three or four months, or else because of the length and soreness thereof.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
Ezekiel 4:8 And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.Ver. 8. And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee.] To show that he was unchangeably resolved to ruin Judah, whom the prophet here personateth. Some make the sense to be this, I will give thee strength to hold out in that thy long lying on one side till the city be taken. Of a nobleman of Louvain it is told, that he lay sixteen years in one posture - viz., with his face upwards. And Pradus saith he saw a madman who had lain upon one side fifteen years. Pertinacis poenae simulachrum est. - Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
(8) I will lay bands upon thee.—See on Ezekiel 3:25. This is a fresh feature of the unrelenting character of the judgment foretold: God’s power should interpose to keep the prophet to his work. Not only pity, but even human weakness and weariness, should be excluded from interfering. The prophet is spoken of as besieging the city, because he is doing so in figure.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:8
8. from one side to another] lit. from thy side to thy side. Here the prophet represents those pressed by the rigours of the siege, as in Ezekiel 4:4-6. The “days of thy siege” most naturally means the days of thy suffering siege (ch. Ezekiel 5:2).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:8
I will lay bands upon thee - Contrast margin reference. The Lord will put constraint upon him, to cause him to exercise his office.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:8
8. To have turned from one side to the other during the continuance of this tableau would have ruined its symbolic reference to Israel and Judah (Ezekiel 4:4; Ezekiel 4:6).