Ezekiel 6:12
Ezekiel 6:12 in Multiple Translations
He who is far off will die by the plague, he who is near will fall by the sword, and he who remains will die by famine. So I will vent My fury upon them.
He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.
He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my wrath upon them.
He who is far away will come to his death by disease; he who is near will be put to the sword; he who is shut up will come to his death through need of food; and I will give full effect to my passion against them.
Those living far away will die from disease, those who are close by will be killed by the sword, and those who are left will die of starvation. This is how I will express my anger towards them.
He that is farre off, shall dye of the pestilence, and he that is neere, shall fall by the sword, and hee that remaineth and is besieged, shall dye by the famine: thus will I accomplish my wrath vpon them.
The far-off by pestilence dieth, And the near by sword falleth, And the left and the besieged by famine dieth, And I have completed my fury upon them.
He who is far off will die of the pestilence. He who is near will fall by the sword. He who remains and is besieged will die by the famine. Thus I will accomplish my wrath on them.
He that is far off shall die by the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.
He that is far off shall die of the pestilence: and he that is near, shall fall by the sword: and he that remaineth, and is besieged, shall die by the famine: and I will accomplish my indignation upon them.
Those who are far from Jerusalem will die from plagues, those who are close to Jerusalem will be killed by their enemies’ swords, and those who are still alive will die from hunger. That is how I will punish [MTY] them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 6:12
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 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָ/רָח֞וֹק
בַּ/דֶּ֣בֶר
יָמ֗וּת
וְ/הַ/קָּרוֹב֙
בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב
יִפּ֔וֹל
וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁאָר֙
וְ/הַ/נָּצ֔וּר
בָּ/רָעָ֖ב
יָמ֑וּת
וְ/כִלֵּיתִ֥י
חֲמָתִ֖/י
בָּֽ/ם
הָ/רָח֞וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
distant
Art | Adj
בַּ/דֶּ֣בֶר
deber
H1698
pestilence
Prep | N-ms
יָמ֗וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הַ/קָּרוֹב֙
qârôwb
H7138
near
Conj | Art | Adj
בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
יִפּ֔וֹל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁאָר֙
shâʼar
H7604
to remain
Conj | Art | V-Niphal
וְ/הַ/נָּצ֔וּר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
Conj | Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
בָּ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Prep | N-ms
יָמ֑וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/כִלֵּיתִ֥י
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
חֲמָתִ֖/י
chêmâh
H2534
rage
N-fs | Suff
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | 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 6:12
הָ/רָח֞וֹק
râchôwq
H7350
"distant"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is far away, either physically or in time. It is often used to describe distant lands or events that happened long ago. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: adj 1) remote, far, distant, distant lands, distant ones 1a) of distance, time n m 2) distance 2a) from a distance (with prep) Aramaic equivalent: ra.chiq (רְחִיק "far" H7352)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: (a-) far (abroad, off), long ago, of old, space, great while to come. See also: Genesis 22:4; Psalms 65:6; Psalms 10:1.
בַּ/דֶּ֣בֶר
deber
H1698
"pestilence"
Prep | N-ms
A plague or pestilence, like a disease that affects people or animals, as seen in Exodus 9:3 where God sends a pestilence on the Egyptians.
Definition: 1) pestilence, plague 2) murrain, cattle disease, cattle-plague
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: murrain, pestilence, plague. See also: Exodus 5:3; Jeremiah 28:8; Psalms 78:50.
יָמ֗וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/הַ/קָּרוֹב֙
qârôwb
H7138
"near"
Conj | Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
בַּ/חֶ֣רֶב
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.
יִפּ֔וֹל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
וְ/הַ/נִּשְׁאָר֙
shâʼar
H7604
"to remain"
Conj | Art | V-Niphal
To remain or be left over, as in Joshua 10:20. It can also mean to spare or reserve something, like God sparing Noah in Genesis 7:23. This word is used to describe the remnant of Israel.
Definition: 1) to remain, be left over, be left behind 1a) (Qal) to remain 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be left over, be left alive, survive 1b1a) remainder, remnant (participle) 1b2) to be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, spare 1c2) to leave or keep over 1c3) to have left 1c4) to leave (as a gift)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: leave, (be) left, let, remain, remnant, reserve, the rest. See also: Genesis 7:23; 1 Kings 22:47; Isaiah 4:3.
וְ/הַ/נָּצ֔וּר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
Conj | Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
בָּ/רָעָ֖ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Prep | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
יָמ֑וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/כִלֵּיתִ֥י
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
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.
חֲמָתִ֖/י
chêmâh
H2534
"rage"
N-fs | Suff
This word means intense anger or rage, like a burning fire. It's used in the Bible to describe God's wrath and human anger, often warning against the dangers of unchecked emotions. In Proverbs and Psalms, it cautions against the destructive power of anger and rage.
Definition: 1) heat, rage, hot displeasure, indignation, anger, wrath, poison, bottles 1a) heat 1a1) fever 1a2) venom, poison (fig.) 1b) burning anger, rage Aramaic equivalent: che.ma (חֱמָא "rage" H2528)
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: anger, bottles, hot displeasure, furious(-ly, -ry), heat, indignation, poison, rage, wrath(-ful). See H2529 (חֶמְאָה). See also: Genesis 27:44; Isaiah 63:5; Psalms 6:2.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Ezekiel 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 6:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 6:12
Context — A Remnant to Be Blessed
10And they will know that I am the LORD; I did not declare in vain that I would bring this calamity upon them.
11This is what the Lord GOD says: Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and cry out “Alas!” because of all the wicked abominations of the house of Israel, who will fall by sword and famine and plague.
12He who is far off will die by the plague, he who is near will fall by the sword, and he who remains will die by famine. So I will vent My fury upon them.
13Then you will know that I am the LORD, when their slain lie among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the mountaintops, and under every green tree and leafy oak—the places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols. 14I will stretch out My hand against them, and wherever they live I will make the land a desolate waste, from the wilderness to Diblah. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 5:13 | And when My anger is spent and I have vented My wrath against them, I will be appeased. And when I have spent My wrath on them, they will know that I, the LORD, in My zeal have spoken. |
| 2 | Daniel 9:7 | To You, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but this day we are covered with shame—the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and all Israel near and far, in all the countries to which You have driven us because of our unfaithfulness to You. |
| 3 | Lamentations 4:22 | O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins. |
| 4 | Lamentations 4:11 | The LORD has exhausted His wrath; He has poured out His fierce anger; He has kindled a fire in Zion, and it has consumed her foundations. |
| 5 | Isaiah 40:2 | “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” |
Ezekiel 6:12 Summary
Ezekiel 6:12 is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance. God promises to judge those who are far off, near, and remaining, using plague, sword, and famine, as a demonstration of His justice and holiness, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Jeremiah 25:32-33. This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and lives, to seek forgiveness and cleansing, and to live in obedience to God's commands, as spoken of in 1 John 1:9 and Matthew 22:37-40. By doing so, we can avoid the judgment that is coming and instead experience the love and mercy of God, as seen in Romans 5:8 and 1 John 4:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'far off' or 'near' in Ezekiel 6:12?
In this context, being 'far off' or 'near' likely refers to the proximity of the people to the judgment of God, with those far off dying by plague and those near falling by the sword, as seen in Ezekiel 6:12, and as spoken of in similar judgments in Deuteronomy 28:21-22 and Jeremiah 14:12.
Why does God promise to 'vent My fury upon them' in Ezekiel 6:12?
God's fury is a response to the wickedness and idolatry of the people, as mentioned in Ezekiel 6:11, and is a demonstration of His justice and holiness, as seen in Isaiah 34:2 and Romans 1:18.
Is this judgment only for the people of Israel, or does it have broader implications?
While the immediate context of Ezekiel 6:12 is a judgment on the house of Israel, the principles of God's justice and holiness are applicable to all people, as seen in Acts 17:30-31 and Revelation 20:12-15.
How can we apply the warning of Ezekiel 6:12 to our own lives?
We can apply this warning by recognizing the seriousness of sin and the importance of repentance, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19, and by seeking to live in obedience to God's commands, as spoken of in John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can examine my own heart and life to ensure that I am not harboring any 'wicked abominations' that could invite God's judgment?
- How can I balance the reality of God's justice and fury with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8?
- In what ways can I be a witness to the reality of God's judgment and the importance of repentance in a world that often rejects these truths, as spoken of in 2 Timothy 4:2 and Jude 1:23?
- What are some practical steps that I can take to 'clap my hands, stomp my feet, and cry out' against the wickedness and injustice in the world around me, as seen in Ezekiel 6:11 and Proverbs 24:23-25?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the holiness and justice of God, and allow that appreciation to shape my thoughts, words, and actions, as spoken of in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Revelation 4:8-11?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 6:12
He that is far off shall die of the pestilence,.... That flies from the enemy into the wilderness, or into other countries, thinking himself safe there, the plague shall seize him, and he shall die
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 6:12
He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
Far off; either by his early and voluntary flight from his own country; or, he that is carried away captive, and sent by the enemy into a far country. Pestilence; the arrow I will shoot after them. He that is near; who stays in his own country, or dwells near to Jerusalem, or would retire to it when the Babylonians approach, but is taken before he can get thither. He that remaineth; that surviveth those slain, but is shut up and besieged where he sought safety. I will accomplish my fury; I will satisfy my just displeasure, and give them full measures of punishment; I will fulfil my threats.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
Ezekiel 6:12 He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.Ver. 12. He that is far off shall die of the pestilence.] Pluribus verbis hunc locum tractat. Ointments must not only be laid upon the part that acheth, but also robbed and chafed in; so must menaces and promises, that they may soak and sink into the soul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
(12) That is far off . . . that is near.—That is, all, wherever they may be, shall be reached and overwhelmed by the coming judgments; yet not in such wise that we are to think of one kind of judgment as especially reserved for one class, and another kind for another. The different forms of punishment shall all fall upon the people; and they that escape one shall fall by another.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 6:12
12. and is besieged] and he that is besieged. In LXX. the previous “he that remaineth” is wanting. With this omission “he that is besieged” might stand, cf. ch. Ezekiel 7:15, “he that is in the city, famine shall devour him.” Otherwise the sense seems rather as in R.V. marg. preserved, as Isaiah 49:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:12
12. Kautzsch and R.V. read “preserved” and “saved” instead of besieged.
Sermons on Ezekiel 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Man God Hates by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the book of Ezekiel, focusing on the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's wickedness and departure from God's laws. It emphasizes the impo |
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Attributes of God - Holiness Righteousness and Soveriegnty by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of beauty and how it is often used to judge people's worth. He emphasizes that Jesus, despite not having physical beauty, came in |
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A Due Consideration of God Necessary by John Owen | John Owen emphasizes the necessity of a proper understanding of God as the ultimate judge in relation to the doctrine of justification. He argues that recognizing God's greatness, |
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The Ministerial Commission, a Trust From Christ for the Benefit of His People by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches about the strength of the Church of God in times of trial, emphasizing the importance of humbly acknowledging sins and imperfections while also firmly relying |
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Inseparable Companions by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the undeniable connection between sin and punishment, warning that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions. He references Galatians 6:7 to illu |
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Jehovah's Prerogative, and His Alone, to Put Away the Sins of His People. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that it is solely God's prerogative to forgive the sins of His people, as illustrated in the story of David and Nathan. He highlights the depth of human sinful |