Ezekiel 9 4

Ezekiel 9:4 kjv

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 9:4 nkjv

and the LORD said to him, "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it."

Ezekiel 9:4 niv

and said to him, "Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it."

Ezekiel 9:4 esv

And the LORD said to him, "Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it."

Ezekiel 9:4 nlt

He said to him, "Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city."

Ezekiel 9 verses

Ezekiel 9 4 Meaning

Ezekiel 9:4 describes a divine directive from Yahweh, the Lord, to an angelic figure to traverse the city of Jerusalem. The purpose is to identify and physically mark a distinct group of individuals. These are the ones who express deep sorrow and moral indignation over the pervasive idolatry and wickedness prevalent within the city. This mark serves as a sign of divine protection, distinguishing them from those who are to face God's imminent judgment. It signifies God's justice in separating the righteous remnant from the unrighteous majority.

Ezekiel 9 4 Context

Ezekiel chapter 9 immediately follows Ezekiel's vision in chapter 8, which details the horrific idolatry and abominations practiced within the Temple precincts of Jerusalem. This desecration, witnessed by the prophet, underscores why God's glory must depart and judgment must fall. Chapter 9 presents the divine command for this impending judgment, depicting six executioners (each with a slaughter weapon) and one man clothed in linen with a writing case. Before the general execution of judgment begins, especially starting "at my sanctuary," a specific group is to be spared. Verse 4 isolates these righteous individuals who lament the widespread wickedness. The broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy is during the Babylonian exile (around 593-571 BCE), explaining God's impending severe judgment upon Jerusalem (which would culminate in its destruction in 586 BCE) and its inhabitants for their persistent unfaithfulness and rebellion against the covenant.

Ezekiel 9 4 Word analysis

• And the LORD (יהוה - YHWH): Refers to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. His direct instruction underscores divine sovereignty and justice, acting as both judge and preserver.
• said unto him: "Him" refers to the man clothed in linen, who carries a writer's inkhorn (Eze 9:2). This figure likely represents an angelic being or a pre-incarnate divine messenger, distinguishing those who fear God from the corrupt. His attire symbolizes purity or a priestly role, while the inkhorn denotes a scribal, administrative task of recording and marking.
• Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem: The repetition emphasizes a comprehensive and thorough inspection of the entire city. No corner or individual is to be missed, signifying God's omniscience and detailed discernment.
• and set a mark (תָּו - tav): "Tav" is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. In ancient Paleo-Hebrew script, the 'tav' often resembled a cross (like an 'X' or '+'). It simply means "mark" or "sign," but its form has held theological significance for some, anticipating a cross. The mark is a visible identifier of protection and belonging.
• upon the foreheads: The forehead is a prominent and visible part of the body. This public placement indicates an undeniable identification and open declaration of one's allegiance to God, distinguishing them before all onlookers and the divine executioners. It signifies divine ownership and protection, much like a seal.
• of the men that sigh (הַנֶּאֱנָחִים - hanne'enahim) and that cry (וְהַנִּצְבָּלִים - v'hannitzbalim, though some mss and common understanding connects to groan/cry - וְהַנִּנְאַהֲדִים - w'hannin'aḥadîm or similar for deep sorrow): These are strong Hebrew words denoting profound grief, deep lamentation, sorrow, and perhaps even righteous indignation. It's not passive disapproval but an active, heartfelt sorrow over the moral decay. They are not merely observing but are internally distraught, displaying spiritual sensitivity to sin.
• for all the abominations (תּוֹעֵבוֹת - to'evot): "To'evot" refers to things detestable or abhorrent to God, frequently used in Ezekiel for the idolatry, child sacrifice, sexual perversion, and injustice prevalent in Jerusalem (e.g., Eze 8:6, 9, 13, 15). These acts provoked God's wrath and defiled His temple and land.
• that be done in the midst thereof: This phrase highlights the pervasive, public, and entrenched nature of sin within the very heart of the holy city, demonstrating a complete disregard for God's law and presence.

• "Go through the midst of the city... set a mark": This phrase indicates a divine commission for a specific, focused mission. It’s an act of careful discernment within an indiscriminate, upcoming judgment. God ensures that not all are swept away in the same destruction.
• "a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry": This establishes a clear criteria for distinction. The mark is tied directly to the individual’s internal disposition towards sin. Those who actively grieve over wickedness are singled out for salvation, emphasizing an inner spiritual condition recognized by God.
• "for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof": This grouping specifies the reason for their grief, identifying them as righteous individuals sensitive to God's holiness and deeply distressed by the moral depravity of their society. Their sorrow confirms their separation from the prevalent corruption.

Ezekiel 9 4 Bonus section

The 'tav' (תָּו) mark has been a subject of deeper theological reflection. In some early Jewish and Christian traditions, its ancient cross-like shape was interpreted prophetically, sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of the cross of Christ, signifying salvation through the shed blood and sacrificial work of Jesus. While this interpretation moves beyond the immediate Old Testament context, it illustrates how believers historically found profound layers of meaning in Scripture. The emphasis on "sighing and crying" also highlights a spiritual discipline often overlooked: true faith is not indifferent to the world's sin but is deeply grieved by it, moving the believer to intercession and longing for God's righteousness to prevail. This lament serves as an indicator of spiritual health, drawing a clear line between the apathetic and the truly devout, preparing them for divine deliverance in the midst of societal collapse.

Ezekiel 9 4 Commentary

Ezekiel 9:4 encapsulates a crucial principle of divine justice: that in moments of widespread corporate sin and impending judgment, God faithfully preserves a remnant. This remnant is identified not by their lineage or social status, but by their spiritual response to the prevalent evil. Their "sighing and crying" signifies a profound empathy with God's holiness, a heart broken over the desecration of His covenant, and an active internal protest against sin. The mark itself is an external sign of an internal spiritual reality, a public declaration of private faith and spiritual distinction. It ensures that divine wrath, while necessary, is precisely targeted, sparing those who have remained loyal and sensitive to God's ways. This verse stands as a testament to God's discerning eye, His mercy within judgment, and the ultimate accountability of individuals for their stance concerning righteousness and sin.