Ezekiel 5:2
Ezekiel 5:2 in Multiple Translations
When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn up a third of the hair inside the city; you are also to take a third and slash it with the sword all around the city; and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them.
Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.
A third part shalt thou burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled; and thou shalt take a third part, and smite with the sword round about it; and a third part thou shalt scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them.
You are to have a third part burned with fire inside the town, when the days of the attack are ended; and a third part you are to take and give blows with the sword round about it; and give a third part for the wind to take away, and let loose a sword after them.
Once the days of the siege have finished, burn up one third of the hair inside the city; slash at another third with a sword around the city; and scatter another third in the wind. I will let loose a sword behind them to chase them.
Thou shalt burne with fire the thirde part in the middes of the citie, when the dayes of the siege are fulfilled, and thou shalt take the other thirde part, and smite about it with a knife, and the last thirde part thou shalt scatter in the winde, and I will drawe out a sworde after them.
A third part with fire thou dost burn in the midst of the city, at the fulness of the days of the siege; and thou hast taken the third part, thou dost smite with a weapon round about it; and the third part thou dost scatter to the wind, and a weapon I draw out after them.
A third part you shall burn in the fire in the middle of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled. You shall take a third part, and strike with the sword around it. A third part you shall scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them.
Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.
A third part thou shalt burn with fire in the midst of the city, according to the fulfilling of the days of the siege: and thou shalt take a third part, and cut it in pieces with the knife all round about: and the other third part thou shalt scatter in the wind, and I will draw out the sword after them.
When the time during whichyou will symbolize that the city will be surroundedby enemy troops ends, put a third of the hair inside thedrawing of the city and burn it. Take another third of the hair, scatter it all aroundthe drawing of the city, and then strike it with your sword. That will symbolize that I will strike the people of Jerusalem withtheir enemies’ swords. Then allow the wind to scatter the other third of the hair. That will symbolize thateven if they flee from the city, I will stillcause their enemies to pursue them and attack them with swords.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 5:2
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 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שְׁלִשִׁ֗ית
בָּ/א֤וּר
תַּבְעִיר֙
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
הָ/עִ֔יר
כִּ/מְלֹ֖את
יְמֵ֣י
הַ/מָּצ֑וֹר
וְ/לָֽקַחְתָּ֣
אֶת
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁ֗ית
תַּכֶּ֤ה
בַ/חֶ֨רֶב֙
סְבִ֣יבוֹתֶ֔י/הָ
וְ/הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁית֙
תִּזְרֶ֣ה
לָ/ר֔וּחַ
וְ/חֶ֖רֶב
אָרִ֥יק
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
שְׁלִשִׁ֗ית
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Adj
בָּ/א֤וּר
ʼûwr
H217
flame
Prep | N-ms
תַּבְעִיר֙
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
כִּ/מְלֹ֖את
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יְמֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
הַ/מָּצ֑וֹר
mâtsôwr
H4692
siege
Art | N-ms
וְ/לָֽקַחְתָּ֣
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁ֗ית
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Art | N-fs
תַּכֶּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
בַ/חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
סְבִ֣יבוֹתֶ֔י/הָ
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
וְ/הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁית֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
third
Conj | Art | N-fs
תִּזְרֶ֣ה
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ/ר֔וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Prep | N-cs
וְ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Conj | N-fs
אָרִ֥יק
rûwq
H7324
to empty
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 5:2
שְׁלִשִׁ֗ית
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
בָּ/א֤וּר
ʼûwr
H217
"flame"
Prep | N-ms
This word means flame or fire, and also refers to the East as a region of light. In the Bible, it appears in books like Isaiah and Job, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. Light is a powerful symbol in scripture.
Definition: flame, light of fire
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: fire, light. See also H224 (אוּרִים). See also: Isaiah 24:15; Isaiah 47:14; Isaiah 31:9.
תַּבְעִיר֙
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
כִּ/מְלֹ֖את
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
יְמֵ֣י
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.
הַ/מָּצ֑וֹר
mâtsôwr
H4692
"siege"
Art | N-ms
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.
וְ/לָֽקַחְתָּ֣
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁ֗ית
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
תַּכֶּ֤ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
בַ/חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
סְבִ֣יבוֹתֶ֔י/הָ
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/הַ/שְּׁלִשִׁית֙
shᵉlîyshîy
H7992
"third"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
תִּזְרֶ֣ה
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
לָ/ר֔וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וְ/חֶ֖רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Conj | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
אָרִ֥יק
rûwq
H7324
"to empty"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To empty or pour out, whether physically or figuratively, as in the pouring out of one's heart to God in Psalm 62:8. This verb can also mean to keep something empty or to cast something out. It is often used to describe a sense of abandonment or rejection.
Definition: 1) to make empty, empty out 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to empty, keep empty or hungry 1a2) to pour out or down 1a3) to empty out 1b) (Hophal) to be emptied out
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arm, cast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out). See also: Genesis 14:14; Jeremiah 48:11; Psalms 18:43.
אַחֲרֵי/הֶֽם
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 5:2
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- Ezekiel 5:2 Summary
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- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 5:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 5:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
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- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 5:2
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- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
- Sermons on Ezekiel 5:2
Context — The Razor of Judgment
1“As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword, use it as a barber’s razor, and shave your head and beard. Then take a set of scales and divide the hair.
2When the days of the siege have ended, you are to burn up a third of the hair inside the city; you are also to take a third and slash it with the sword all around the city; and you are to scatter a third to the wind. For I will unleash a sword behind them.
3But you are to take a few strands of hair and secure them in the folds of your garment. 4Again, take a few of these, throw them into the fire, and burn them. From there a fire will spread to the whole house of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 5:12 | A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them. |
| 2 | Leviticus 26:33 | But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 4:1–8 | “Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem. Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides. Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel. Then lie down on your left side and place the iniquity of the house of Israel upon yourself. You are to bear their iniquity for the number of days you lie on your side. For I have assigned to you 390 days, according to the number of years of their iniquity. So you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. When 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. You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it. 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. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 15:2 | If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword; those destined for famine, to famine; and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’ |
| 5 | Jeremiah 9:16 | I will scatter them among the nations that neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send a sword after them until I have finished them off.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 12:14 | And I will scatter to every wind all the attendants around him and all his troops, and I will draw a sword to chase after them. |
| 7 | Amos 9:2–3 | Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down. Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 9:21–22 | For death has climbed in through our windows; it has entered our fortresses to cut off the children from the streets, the young men from the town squares. Declare that this is what the LORD says: “The corpses of men will fall like dung upon the open field, like newly cut grain behind the reaper, with no one to gather it.” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 38:2 | “This is what the LORD says: Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever surrenders to the Chaldeans will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war, and he will live. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 24:10 | And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” |
Ezekiel 5:2 Summary
Ezekiel 5:2 is a prophecy about the judgment that will come upon the people of Israel. The hair that Ezekiel is instructed to burn, slash, and scatter represents the different fates that the people will experience. This verse shows us that God is serious about sin and will bring judgment on those who disobey Him, as seen in Romans 6:23. However, it also reminds us that God is a God of mercy and love, and He calls us to repentance and faith, as seen in Ezekiel 18:32 and John 3:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the hair in Ezekiel 5:2 represent?
The hair in this verse represents the people of Israel, and the different ways it is treated symbolize the various fates that will befall them, as seen in Ezekiel 5:2-4 and supported by Ezekiel 4:1-3, which describes the siege of Jerusalem.
Why does God instruct Ezekiel to burn, slash, and scatter the hair?
God gives these instructions to Ezekiel to illustrate the severe judgment He will bring upon the people of Israel for their sins, as stated in Ezekiel 5:2 and also in Jeremiah 25:29, which says that God will bring judgment on all nations, including Israel.
What does the sword unleashed behind them signify?
The sword unleashed behind them signifies the judgment and destruction that will come upon the people of Israel, as mentioned in Ezekiel 5:2 and also in Leviticus 26:33, which warns of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
How does this verse relate to the broader message of the book of Ezekiel?
This verse is part of a larger series of prophetic messages in the book of Ezekiel, which calls the people of Israel to repentance and warns them of the consequences of their sins, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30-32 and Ezekiel 33:11.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Ezekiel's obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem strange or difficult?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's judgment and mercy?
- In what ways can I apply the lessons of Ezekiel 5:2 to my own life, particularly in terms of responding to God's warnings and calls to repentance?
- What does this verse reveal about the character of God, and how can I deepen my understanding of His nature and ways?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 5:2
Thou, shall burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city,.... Of Jerusalem, as portrayed upon the tile, Ezekiel 4:1; or the prophet was now in Chaldea.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 5:2
Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
This verse tells you into how many parts the hair was to be divided, and how to be disposed of, and so plain it needs little explication. With fire; so either pestilence, or famine, with the displeasure of God, and the burning of the city and of the citizens, is noted. The city, described on the tile, , a type of what should be done in Jerusalem. When the days of the siege are fulfilled; when the three hundred and ninety days of thy lying against the portrayed city shall be ended; for when Jerusalem shall be taken at the end of the siege, the city shall be burnt; and who can say that none of the inhabitants were burnt, as the two false prophets Ahab and Zedekiah? . To be sure many that hid themselves under ground, in vaults and cellars, were burnt with the burning of the city. A third part; it is not necessary this part should be equal to the former, if it be proportional it is enough; perhaps it might be somewhat less then the first third. Smite about it with a knife; for these were such as fell, in either defending the walls, or sallying out during the siege, or were found in arms when the city was taken, or were overtaken in their flight with their most unhappy king or by law martial were adjudged to die by the conqueror. These many, yet weak ones, women and children, which died in the siege by famine and pestilence, might be a greater third. A third part; those that fell to the Chaldeans, or fled to Egypt, or other countries, though they escape somewhat longer, yet carrying like sins are at last overtaken with like evils. Thou shalt scatter; though these disposed of themselves, yet there was God’ s hand also in it; he scattered those that of their own accord did flee.
In the wind; violent, uncertain, and troublesome should their enemies prove to them. I will draw out; God will pursue them. A sword; figuratively it is wasting punishment, literally it was fulfilled, ,17,22 43:10,11 44:27. Thereof, i.e. of the last third which were to be dispersed. A few, or small quantity. In number; or, by number, as it may be read; tell out a small parcel of the hair. Bind them in thy skirts; as men tie up in a handkerchief, or in the skirt of their garment, what they would not lose. So some few shall be kept, God will not cut off the whole house of Israel, but reserves a remnant.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
Ezekiel 5:2 Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, [and] smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.Ver. 2. Thou shalt burn with fire a third part,] i.e., With famine, pestilence, and other mischiefs, during the siege of Jerusalem. Pythagoras gave this precept among others, Unguium, criniumque praesegmina ne contemnito. But God findeth so little worth in wicked people that he regardeth them not, but casteth them as excrements to the dunghill, yea, to hell. And smite about it with a knife.] They shall be slain with that sharp knife or sword, after that the city is taken. Thou shalt scatter in the wind.] Sundry of them shall flee for their lives; but in running from death they shall but run to it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
(2) Burn with fire a third art in the midst of the city.—It is better to suppose this done only in description than to imagine that the prophet carried it out in act upon the tile on which the city (Jerusalem) was portrayed. The meaning of this verse is explained in Ezekiel 5:12, and is made plainer by translating the same word uniformly “sword,” instead of changing to “knife.” The third, which is scattered, plainly signifies the small part of the people who, escaping destruction, shall be scattered among the heathen. A similar prophecy, referring however to a later time, may be found in Zechariah 13:8-9. The expression, “when the days of the siege are fulfilled,” of course refers to the symbolic siege of the prophet. The words, “I will draw out a sword after them,” are taken from Leviticus 26:33, and are repeated in Ezekiel 5:12, and again in Ezekiel 12:14. The suffering from the Divine judgments should still follow them in their exile. Plain prophecy is here mixed with the symbolism.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
Verse 2. See Clarke on Ezekiel 5:1.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 5:2
2. third part in the midst of the city] If we could suppose that the prophet were strict in his symbolism the “city” here would be that graven upon the brick (ch. Ezekiel 4:1). There is no reason to suppose that he has this in his mind. smite about it with a knife] Rather: and smite it with the sword round about it, i.e. around the city (Ezekiel 5:12). This is the fate of many of those who seek to escape before and after the capture of the city. draw out a sword] Comp. Jeremiah 9:16, “I will scatter them among the heathen … and will send the sword after them.” Lamentations 1:3, “Judah dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest; all her pursuers overtook her between the straits.” The phrase again Leviticus 26:33.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 5:2
“The third part burnt in the midst of the city” represents those who perished within the city during the siege; “the third part smitten about it” (the city) “with” the sword, those who were killed
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:2
2. Burn… when the days of the siege are fulfilled — This would indicate that, although so closely following the command to lie upon his side (Ezekiel 4:4, etc.), the acting out of this symbolic
Sermons on Ezekiel 5:2
| Sermon | Description | |
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Daniel 9:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Daniel's prayer, rooted in his understanding of God's Word and the fulfillment of God's promises. Daniel's confession of Israel's sins an |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 3 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker begins by suggesting a method for the audience to better engage with the message. He then provides a broad outline of the book being discussed, acknowle |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of a watchman's role in understanding and proclaiming God's message. He explains that there are three key elements to this rol |
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The First Open-Air Sermon by Gawin Kirkham | Gawin Kirkham preaches on the searching question asked by God in Genesis 3:9, 'Where art thou?' highlighting how man has been hiding from God out of fear since Adam and Eve's time |
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Fear and Folly by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the consequences of sin as seen in Adam's fear and folly after disobeying God in the Garden of Eden. Sin leads to guilt, fear, and ultimately folly, causing |
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De Vitis Patrum, Book Ix by Heribert Rosweyde | Heribert Rosweyde preaches on the lives of devout men, like Jacobus of Nisibis, who embraced a solitary life in pursuit of virtue and wisdom, demonstrating through their actions th |