Ezekiel 5:3
Ezekiel 5:3 in Multiple Translations
But you are to take a few strands of hair and secure them in the folds of your garment.
Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.
And thou shalt take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.
And take from them a small number of hairs, folding them in your skirts.
Take just a few hairs and tuck them into the hem of your clothes.
Thou shalt also take thereof a fewe in nomber, and binde them in thy lappe.
And thou hast taken thence a few in number — and hast bound them in thy skirts;
You shall take a small number of these and bind them in the folds of your robe.
Thou shalt also take of them a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.
And thou shalt take thereof a small number: and shalt bind them in the skirt of thy cloak.
Take a few of your hairs and tuck them into the folds of your robe.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 5:3
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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
מְעַ֣ט
בְּ/מִסְפָּ֑ר
וְ/צַרְתָּ֥
אוֹתָ֖/ם
בִּ/כְנָפֶֽי/ךָ
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
מְעַ֣ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
N-ms
בְּ/מִסְפָּ֑ר
miçpâr
H4557
number
Prep | N-ms
וְ/צַרְתָּ֥
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בִּ/כְנָפֶֽי/ךָ
kânâph
H3671
wing
Prep | N-fd | 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 5:3
וְ/לָקַחְתָּ֥
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.
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
מְעַ֣ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
בְּ/מִסְפָּ֑ר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
וְ/צַרְתָּ֥
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
בִּ/כְנָפֶֽי/ךָ
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 5:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 5:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 5:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 5:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 5:3
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 5:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 5:3
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. 5This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘This is Jerusalem, which I have set in the center of the nations, with countries all around her.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 52:16 | But Nebuzaradan captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest of the land to tend the vineyards and fields. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 40:6 | So Jeremiah went to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah and stayed with him among the people who were left in the land. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 39:10 | But Nebuzaradan left behind in the land of Judah some of the poor people who had no property, and at that time he gave them vineyards and fields. |
| 4 | Matthew 7:14 | But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 25:12 | But the captain of the guard left behind some of the poorest of the land to tend the vineyards and fields. |
| 6 | Luke 13:23–24 | “Lord,” someone asked Him, “will only a few people be saved?” Jesus answered, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 4:18 | And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” |
Ezekiel 5:3 Summary
[Ezekiel 5:3 shows us that even in the midst of judgment, God always preserves a remnant of people who are faithful to Him, similar to the concept seen in Jeremiah 23:3 and Romans 9:27. This is a reminder of His mercy and love, as described in Psalm 86:15 and Lamentations 3:22-23. By taking a few strands of hair and securing them in his garment, Ezekiel is acting out a prophecy that illustrates God's heart to spare and protect His people, as supported by verses like Genesis 19:29 and Exodus 2:25. This verse encourages us to trust in God's goodness and mercy, even when things seem uncertain, reflecting on passages like Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of taking a few strands of hair and securing them in the folds of Ezekiel's garment?
This act symbolizes God's mercy and preservation of a remnant of His people, as seen in Ezekiel 5:3, similar to the principle of sparing a few for the sake of the righteous, as in Genesis 18:32 and Jeremiah 5:1.
How does this action relate to the rest of the prophecy in Ezekiel 5?
The securing of a few strands of hair is part of a larger prophetic act that illustrates the judgment and dispersion of Israel, with some being burned, some slashed by the sword, and others scattered, as described in Ezekiel 5:2 and Ezekiel 5:4.
Is this act a command for believers today to literally take hair and secure it in their garments?
No, this is a prophetic act specific to Ezekiel's time and ministry, meant to convey a spiritual message, not a literal command for believers, as supported by the context of Ezekiel 5 and the nature of prophetic symbolism in the Bible, such as in Isaiah 20:2-3.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse shows God's heart of mercy and desire to preserve a remnant, as seen in Ezekiel 5:3, reflecting His nature as described in Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103:8, where He is merciful, gracious, and abounding in love and faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach me about the balance between God's judgment and mercy?
- How can I apply the principle of preserving a remnant in my own life and community, as hinted at in Ezekiel 5:3 and supported by verses like Matthew 1:21 and Romans 11:5?
- What does the action of securing a few strands of hair in the folds of Ezekiel's garment symbolize about my own spiritual journey and relationship with God?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and mercy, as demonstrated in this verse, during times of uncertainty or hardship, reflecting on passages like Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 46:10?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 5:3
Thou shall also take thereof a few in number,.... These are they that were left in the land of Judea by Nebuzaradan, for vinedressers and husbandmen, and such as returned out of Egypt into the land
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 5:3
Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
Thereof, i.e. of the last third which were to be dispersed. A few, or small quantity. In number; or, by number, as 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 5:3
Ezekiel 5:3 Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.Ver. 3. Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number.] A remnant is still reserved, "that the Lord God may dwell among men." See Jeremiah 44:28 2 Kings 25:12 Isaiah 1:9; Isaiah 6:10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
(3) A few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.—A small remnant of the people was still left in the land after the great captivity (2 Kings 25:22); but even of these some were to perish by violence (“cast them into the midst of the fire”) in the disorders which arose, and from this “shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel.” (See Jeremiah 40, 41) The ultimate result was the expatriation of all that remained in Judæa, and the entire emptying of the land of the chosen people. At this point the use of symbolism ceases for a while, and the prophet now, for the first time, begins to utter his prophecies in plain language. Accordingly, he changes his style from prose to the more ordinary form of prophetic utterance in parallelisms, which constitute the distinctive feature of Hebrew poetry, and this continues until another vision begins with Ezekiel 8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
Verse 3. See Clarke on Ezekiel 5:1.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 5:3
3. few in number] Or, “by number,”—accurately numbering them. (Isaiah 40:26.) Of those dispersed a few shall meantime be preserved.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 5:3
Of the third part a few are yet to be taken and kept in the fold of the garment (representing those still to remain in their native land), and yet even of those few some are to be cast into the fire.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 5:3
3, 4. To take a few hairs “by number,” and preserve them thus carefully only emphasizes the fate of the mass; but even of this remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Isaiah 11:11; Ezekiel 6:8-9), flying into
Sermons on Ezekiel 5:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Fury of Fire) 05 - Will of God - Sanctification by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages the audience to listen to the entire series of t |
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The Street Meetings of God (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the narrow path that leads to life and the importance of accepting Jesus as the savior. He highlights that salvation comes through the blood |
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(Texas 2009) the Holy Spirit Brings Heaven Into Us by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of Christendom today and how the enemy has influenced it. He emphasizes the importance of repentance, which he believes is missing |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 11-12 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting and believing in God's word without questioning or arguing with it. He highlights the humility and submission tha |
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01 New Wine in New Wineskins the Difference Between the Old and the New by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and living in a way that glorifies Him. It discusses the need for a new heart, filled with the Holy Spirit, to overcom |
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Few Be That Find Life by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of true discipleship, highlighting the need for believers to have a genuine relationship with God, to obey His commands, and to have a deep ha |
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New Covenant - Overcoming Temptation - Part 5 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverencing God and seeking His secrets for godly living. It highlights the need to overcome temptations by relying on the power of the Hol |