Ezekiel 9 5

Ezekiel 9:5 kjv

And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

Ezekiel 9:5 nkjv

To the others He said in my hearing, "Go after him through the city and kill; do not let your eye spare, nor have any pity.

Ezekiel 9:5 niv

As I listened, he said to the others, "Follow him through the city and kill, without showing pity or compassion.

Ezekiel 9:5 esv

And to the others he said in my hearing, "Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity.

Ezekiel 9:5 nlt

Then I heard the LORD say to the other men, "Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity!

Ezekiel 9 verses

Ezekiel 9 5 Meaning

The verse describes a divine judgment, where the person marked with ink was instructed to pass through the city and strike those who did not have the mark on their foreheads. This act of judgment specifically targeted the disobedient and idolatrous, sparing those who were faithful. The mark serves as a sign of preservation amidst destruction, distinguishing the righteous from the wicked.

Ezekiel 9 5 Context

This verse appears in Ezekiel chapter 9, following a vision where Ezekiel witnesses a horrific scene of judgment against Jerusalem. The prophet has seen the glory of the Lord depart from the Temple due to the people's pervasive sin and idolatry. In this chapter, divine agents are sent to execute a purifying judgment. The preceding verses describe the celestial warrior with writing implements who is commanded to mark the foreheads of those who grieve over the city's wickedness. This mark is a sign of divine protection amidst the coming destruction of those who had forsaken God.

Ezekiel 9 5 Word Analysis

• וְעָבַר (v'avar): "And he shall pass." This emphasizes a deliberate movement and the commencement of the action.

• בְּתוֹךְ (betoch): "within" or "through the midst of." This highlights the thoroughness of the judgment – it penetrates the very heart of the city.

• הָעִיר (ha'ir): "the city." Refers specifically to Jerusalem, the object of God's judgment.

• וּבִקְצָפְךָ (uviktzafcha): "and in your anger." Connects the execution of judgment directly to God's righteous wrath against sin. The divine "you" refers to the agent executing the judgment, empowered by God.

• תִּמְחֹץ (timchotz): "you shall strike" or "you shall smite." A forceful verb indicating severe punitive action.

• אֶת־הַמַּכּוֹת (et-hamachot): "the smitten ones" or "the wounded ones." Refers to those who will be struck down.

• לֹא־תְחוֹס (lo-techos): "you shall not pity." This signifies the absence of mercy for the unrepentant; judgment must be carried out completely.

• וְעַל־הַנּוֹתָרִים (v'al-hanotarim): "and upon the remaining ones." Refers to those who are left in the city, highlighting the continuation of the destructive work.

• בַּנּוֹתָרִים (banotarim): "among the remaining" or "of the remainder." Reinforces the scope of the judgment among those who survive the initial phase.

• Word Groups:

  • "Pass through the midst of the city... and strike": This phrase underscores the methodical and widespread nature of the divine judgment.
  • "You shall not pity, nor spare": This conveys the unwavering severity and thoroughness of God's retribution on the wicked.
  • "You shall strike the ones smitten... upon the remaining": This sequence clearly distinguishes between those already marked for destruction and those who might yet be spared if marked.

Ezekiel 9 5 Bonus Section

The act of marking with ink or a seal is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing ownership, protection, and authentication. In the Old Testament, the blood of the Passover lamb served as a mark for protection (Exodus 12). In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is described as a seal or mark of ownership on believers (Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:22). Ezekiel 9’s marked individuals are a precursor to the redeemed, distinguished from those under judgment, echoing the New Testament concept of being sealed for salvation. The meticulous description of the divine agents and their actions highlights God's perfect knowledge and control over His judgments, leaving no room for error or favoritism.

Ezekiel 9 5 Commentary

This verse depicts a crucial stage in God's judgment upon Jerusalem. The striking six figures, led by one dressed in linen with a writing kit, are instruments of divine wrath. The primary focus of their action is to execute judgment, distinguishing the righteous from the unrighteous. The individual with the inkhorn's task, as detailed in the previous verses, is to "mark" those who mourn for the city's sins. This marked group is to be preserved. The command to the striking figures is absolute: to strike "the ones smitten" and to show no pity or mercy. This reflects God's ultimate sovereignty and the unyielding nature of His justice against persistent sin. The "remaining" who are not marked are to be smitten, ensuring the complete purification of the city and the cleansing of the land from its abominations. This judgment foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, but it also carries eschatological weight, pointing to a final judgment where the faithful are preserved.