Ezekiel 9 11

Ezekiel 9:11 kjv

And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.

Ezekiel 9:11 nkjv

Just then, the man clothed with linen, who had the inkhorn at his side, reported back and said, "I have done as You commanded me."

Ezekiel 9:11 niv

Then the man in linen with the writing kit at his side brought back word, saying, "I have done as you commanded."

Ezekiel 9:11 esv

And behold, the man clothed in linen, with the writing case at his waist, brought back word, saying, "I have done as you commanded me."

Ezekiel 9:11 nlt

Then the man in linen clothing, who carried the writer's case, reported back and said, "I have done as you commanded."

Ezekiel 9 verses

Ezekiel 9 11 Meaning

Ezekiel 9:11 describes the culmination of the task assigned to the man clothed in linen. After methodically marking those in Jerusalem who lamented the city's abominations, he reports back to God. His declaration, "I have done as thou hast commanded me," signifies the perfect and complete execution of his divine commission, indicating that the phase of identification and separation of the righteous remnant is finished, paving the way for the subsequent judgment to commence.

Ezekiel 9 11 Context

Ezekiel 9:11 is the concluding verse of a vision in which God orchestrates a precise act of judgment upon Jerusalem for its rampant idolatry and wickedness. In this prophetic revelation given to Ezekiel, six executioners with deadly weapons are sent forth, along with a distinct figure: "a man clothed in linen with a writer's inkhorn at his side." The primary command given to this linen-clad man (in Eze 9:4) was to "go through the midst of the city... and put a mark [Hebrew: tav] on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it." Only after this marking was completed were the six executioners commanded to proceed with the slaughter, beginning at God's sanctuary and sparing no one who did not bear the mark (Eze 9:5-7). Verse 11 signals the completion of this critical act of distinguishing the righteous remnant from the condemned population, ensuring divine order in judgment and upholding God's justice in separating those who lamented sin from those who reveled in it. Historically, this vision portended Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon in 586 BC.

Ezekiel 9 11 Word analysis

• And, behold: Hebrew v'hinnēh (וְהִנֵּה). A common Hebrew interjection in prophetic and narrative literature, used to draw attention to an immediate or climactic event, often a significant turn in the vision or report.
• the man: Hebrew hā'îsh (הָאִישׁ). Referring to a specific, singular figure previously introduced in Ezekiel 9:2 and 9:3, implying his distinct identity and crucial role within the vision.
• clothed in linen: Hebrew lāvûsh babbaddîm (לָבוּשׁ בַּבַּדִּים). This attire signifies purity, sanctity, and often a priestly (Lev 16:4) or angelic role (Dan 10:5). It sets this figure apart from the six executioners, indicating a different, sacred, and authoritative commission.
• which had the inkhorn: Hebrew qeset hassôphēr (קֶסֶת הַסּוֹפֵר). A scribe's inkwell or pen-case, denoting official record-keeping, authorization, and the precise execution of decrees. This implement was for marking the tav (a cross-like character in ancient Hebrew) upon the foreheads.
• by his side: Indicates his readiness and the operational nature of his specialized equipment.
• reported the matter: Hebrew wayyāšhev dāvār (וַיָּשֶׁב דָּבָר). Literally, "he returned a word" or "brought back a report." It implies a formal accounting and the submission of results to the authority that issued the command. This signifies accountability and the structured nature of God's administration.
• saying: Introduces the direct quote of the report.
• I have done: Hebrew ʻāśîthî (עָשִׂיתִי). A concise, emphatic declaration of completed action, emphasizing direct personal agency in the fulfillment of the task.
• as thou hast commanded me: Hebrew kekeol ’ăšer ṣiwwîthānî (כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתָנִי). This phrase affirms total and absolute obedience, with no omissions, alterations, or deviations from the original divine instruction. It highlights the perfect execution of God's will.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "And, behold, the man clothed in linen... reported the matter": This sequence draws attention to the messenger, highlighting his distinguished appearance (linen, inkhorn) which symbolizes a sacred duty of record-keeping or decree. His "reporting the matter" underscores the formal and ordered nature of God's divine government and accountability.
• "I have done as thou hast commanded me": This complete affirmation of perfect obedience serves as the climatic conclusion of the marking phase. It stands in stark contrast to the prevalent disobedience of the people of Judah, showcasing that God's will is ultimately executed perfectly by His chosen agents, regardless of human resistance.

Ezekiel 9 11 Bonus section

• The Identity of the "Man in Linen": While not explicitly named, many theological traditions and scholars interpret this figure as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, the Angel of the Lord, or a high-ranking angelic being due to the purity associated with linen, the sacred nature of the task, and the direct reporting to God. His role in marking those sighing and groaning often connects him to God's compassionate side even amid severe judgment.
• The Symbolism of the Tav: The Hebrew letter tav (ת), which this figure was instructed to mark on foreheads (Eze 9:4), was originally written as a cross-like or "X" symbol in ancient Hebrew script. This has led to interpretations linking it typologically to the cross of Christ, symbolizing salvation, atonement, and belonging to God. It highlights the idea of a distinguishing sign of grace amid judgment.
• God's Meticulous Justice: This vision, concluding with the report of perfect obedience, emphasizes that divine judgment is not chaotic or impulsive but deliberate, precise, and administrative. Every detail, including the identification of the faithful remnant, is executed with absolute precision, reinforcing God's righteous character and His absolute control over unfolding events.

Ezekiel 9 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 9:11 delivers a succinct yet profoundly significant declaration within the context of divine judgment upon Jerusalem. The man clothed in linen, acting as God's specific messenger for discerning and protecting the righteous, formally reports the completion of his task. His words, "I have done as thou hast commanded me," are a testament to perfect obedience, establishing that every soul lamenting the city's abominations has been accurately identified and marked for preservation. This meticulously executed step underscores the orderly and just nature of God's judgment; He does not strike indiscriminately but distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. The verse serves as the final administrative act of mercy and preparation before the executioners proceed, confirming God's ultimate sovereignty and the faithful execution of His decrees. It demonstrates that while judgment is inevitable for persistent sin, there is always a divine provision and separation for those who mourn over spiritual corruption.