Ezekiel 24:4
Ezekiel 24:4 in Multiple Translations
Put in the pieces of meat, every good piece— thigh and shoulder— fill it with choice bones.
Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.
gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.
And get the bits together, the fat tail, every good part, the leg and the top part of it: make it full of the best bones.
Fill it with some good cuts of meat from the thigh and the shoulder. Put in the best bones.
Gather the pieces thereof into it, euen euery good piece, as the thigh and the shoulder, and fill it with the chiefe bones.
To gather its pieces unto it, every good piece, Thigh and shoulder, the choice of the bones to fill in.
Gather its pieces into it, even every good piece: the thigh and the shoulder. Fill it with the choice bones.
Gather its pieces into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.
Heap together into if the pieces thereof, every good piece, the thigh and the shoulder, choice pieces and full of bones.
Put into the pot some pieces of meatfrom one of your best sheep: Put in the leg and shoulder, which are the best pieces. Then fill the rest of the pot with the best bones.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 24:4
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 24:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱסֹ֤ף
נְתָחֶ֨י/הָ֙
אֵלֶ֔י/הָ
כָּל
נֵ֥תַח
ט֖וֹב
יָרֵ֣ךְ
וְ/כָתֵ֑ף
מִבְחַ֥ר
עֲצָמִ֖ים
מַלֵּֽא
אֱסֹ֤ף
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נְתָחֶ֨י/הָ֙
nêthach
H5409
piece
N-mp | Suff
אֵלֶ֔י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
נֵ֥תַח
nêthach
H5409
piece
N-ms
ט֖וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יָרֵ֣ךְ
yârêk
H3409
thigh
N-fs
וְ/כָתֵ֑ף
kâthêph
H3802
shoulder
Conj | N-fs
מִבְחַ֥ר
mibchâr
H4005
best
N-ms
עֲצָמִ֖ים
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp
מַלֵּֽא
mâlêʼ
H4390
to fill
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
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 24:4
אֱסֹ֤ף
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
נְתָחֶ֨י/הָ֙
nêthach
H5409
"piece"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a piece or fragment of something, like a piece of meat or a part of an animal. It is used in Leviticus 22:22, where the Bible talks about an animal that is cut into pieces for a sacrifice. The word can also mean a portion or share.
Definition: piece, a piece of flesh or meat
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: part, piece. See also: Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 8:20; Ezekiel 24:6.
אֵלֶ֔י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נֵ֥תַח
nêthach
H5409
"piece"
N-ms
This word refers to a piece or fragment of something, like a piece of meat or a part of an animal. It is used in Leviticus 22:22, where the Bible talks about an animal that is cut into pieces for a sacrifice. The word can also mean a portion or share.
Definition: piece, a piece of flesh or meat
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: part, piece. See also: Exodus 29:17; Leviticus 8:20; Ezekiel 24:6.
ט֖וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יָרֵ֣ךְ
yârêk
H3409
"thigh"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the thigh or the side of something, and can also symbolize strength or power. It is used to describe where a sword is worn, and also represents the loins as the seat of procreative power.
Definition: 1) thigh, side, loin, base 1a) thigh 1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn) 1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power) 1b) side (flank) (of object) 1c) base
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] body, loins, shaft, side, thigh. See also: Genesis 24:2; Numbers 3:35; Psalms 45:4.
וְ/כָתֵ֑ף
kâthêph
H3802
"shoulder"
Conj | N-fs
The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.
Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.
מִבְחַ֥ר
mibchâr
H4005
"best"
N-ms
This word means best or choicest, describing something of the highest quality. It is used to describe God's chosen people in the Bible.
Definition: choicest, best Also means: miv.chor (מִבְחוֹר "choice" H4004)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: choice(-st), chosen. See also: Genesis 23:6; Jeremiah 22:7; Isaiah 22:7.
עֲצָמִ֖ים
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
מַלֵּֽא
mâlêʼ
H4390
"to fill"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 24:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 24:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 24:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 24:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 24:4
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 24:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
- Sermons on Ezekiel 24:4
Context — The Parable of the Cooking Pot
2“Son of man, write down today’s date, for on this very day the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem.
3Now speak a parable to this rebellious house and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Put the pot on the fire; put it on and pour in the water.
4Put in the pieces of meat, every good piece— thigh and shoulder— fill it with choice bones.
5Take the choicest of the flock and pile the fuel beneath it. Bring it to a boil and cook the bones in it.’ 6Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, to the pot now rusted, whose rust will not come off! Empty it piece by piece; cast no lots for its contents.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 3:2–3 | You hate good and love evil. You tear the skin from my people and strip the flesh from their bones. You eat the flesh of my people after stripping off their skin and breaking their bones. You chop them up like flesh for the cooking pot, like meat in a cauldron.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 22:18–22 | “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me. All of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are but the dross of silver. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem. Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to melt with a fiery blast, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, leave you there, and melt you. Yes, I will gather you together and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you will be melted within the city. As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted within the city. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have poured out My wrath upon you.’” |
| 3 | Matthew 7:2 | For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. |
Ezekiel 24:4 Summary
[Ezekiel 24:4 is a powerful verse that shows us how God is preparing to judge the city of Jerusalem, using the image of a pot filled with the best pieces of meat. This represents God's selection of the strongest and finest elements of the city to face His judgment. Just like a pot is filled with choice ingredients to create a nourishing meal, God is filling the pot with the best of Jerusalem to refine and purify it, as seen in similar verses like Isaiah 48:10 and Zechariah 13:9. As we reflect on this verse, we can apply the principle of God's refining fire to our own lives, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom, even in difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the pot and the meat in Ezekiel 24:4?
The pot and the meat in Ezekiel 24:4 symbolize the city of Jerusalem and its people, who are about to face God's judgment, as mentioned in Ezekiel 24:3 and Deuteronomy 28:49-52. This judgment is a result of the city's rebellion against God.
Why are the choice bones and the best pieces of meat used in the pot?
The use of the best pieces of meat and choice bones represents the selection of the finest and strongest elements of Jerusalem, which will be consumed by God's judgment, as seen in Ezekiel 24:4-5 and Isaiah 30:27-30. This emphasizes the severity of God's judgment.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's wrath?
Ezekiel 24:4 illustrates God's wrath and judgment on sin, as He prepares to pour out His anger on Jerusalem, similar to what is described in Romans 1:18 and Revelation 6:16-17. This serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and obedience to God's will.
What can we learn from the imagery of the pot and the fire in this verse?
The pot and the fire in Ezekiel 24:4 teach us about the refining and purifying nature of God's judgment, as also seen in Malachi 3:2-3 and 1 Peter 1:7. This process, though difficult, is necessary for spiritual growth and the removal of sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'good pieces' in my life that I am holding onto, and how might God be calling me to surrender them to His refining fire?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of God's judgment and refinement in my own life, as illustrated in Ezekiel 24:4?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, even when faced with difficult circumstances or judgments, like the ones described in this verse?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to allow God to 'fill' me with His choice 'bones' and 'meat', symbolizing spiritual nourishment and strength?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 24:4
Gather the pieces thereof into it,.... fire being made, and the pot set on, and water poured into it, the next thing is, to put in the pieces that are to be boiled; and these are to be gathered;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 24:4
Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones. Gather the pieces thereof into it - "the pieces thereof" - i:e., those which properly belong to it as its own.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
The pieces; which are to put into this pot. Every good piece, i.e. all the chief of the inhabitants of the land, the wealthiest, who in the time of this invasion will flee from their country-houses to live in safety in Jerusalem. The most warlike, who will betake themselves to Jerusalem for its defence. The thigh, and the shoulder; as these are the principal parts for support, motion, defence, and strength; so those citizens, soldiers, rulers, that are the strength, defence, and glory of this people, are here signified by those parts. Fill it; fill the pot, Jerusalem, let no place be empty. With the choice bones; with those pieces that are biggest, fattest, fullest of marrow, and which are divided according to the bones; these are the principal members of this Jewish state, king, princes, priests, magistrates, and wealthy citizens.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
Ezekiel 24:4 Gather the pieces thereof into it, [even] every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill [it] with the choice bones.Ver. 4. Gather the pieces thereof into it.] Let people of all sorts flock into the city for safety sake, that there, as in a pot, they may be boiled by a long siege, and have sorrow enough.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
(4) The pieces thereof.—Literally, its pieces, the pieces which pertain to the cauldron, the Jews, whose centre and capital is Jerusalem. This was the natural effect of Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign; the people from every side sought refuge in the city. (Comp. Jeremiah 35:11.) The mention of the “good piece,” “the choice bones,” and “the choice of the flock” (Ezekiel 24:5), is not for the purpose of designating any particular class, but only to emphasise that all, even the best, are to be included.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 24:4
4. the pieces thereof] those belonging to the caldron, which are to be boiled in it.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 24:4
The pieces thereof - Or, that belong to it; i. e., the pieces which are designed for the caldron, and belong to it as the inhabitants belong to the city. The choice pieces are the choice members of the community Ezekiel 11:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 24:4
4. Every good piece… the choice bones — The nobles and princes of the people. (See Ezekiel 11:3.)
Sermons on Ezekiel 24:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Seven Levels of Judgment - Improper Response Part 3 by Dan Biser | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding properly to God's call, highlighting the consequences of improper responses seen in various biblical examples. It discusses the |
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Dvd 15 the Mystery of Israel - Part 1 by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the profound themes of the faith, focusing on the intertwining of the cross of Christ, the centrality of the nation of Israel, and the last days' revelation |
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The Life of Christ, for Family Devotions - September by F. L. Mortimer | F. L. Mortimer preaches a powerful sermon denouncing the hypocrisy and pride of the Pharisees, warning against false teachings and the dangers of seeking worldly recognition over g |
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The Sacrifice That Is Pleasing to God by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of God's second chance. He highlights that after death, there is no second chance, but in life, God gives us the opportunity to c |
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Be a Blessing by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promises made by God to Abraham in Genesis. The four promises mentioned are: making Abraham into a great nation, blessing him, making his |
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Beatitudes - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a woman named Mrs. Crook who shares some distressing news. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God and trustin |
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When You Pray by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prayer and the kingdom of God. He begins by sharing a parable from Matthew 18, where Jesus illustrates the concept of forg |