Ezekiel 4:3
Ezekiel 4:3 in Multiple Translations
Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.
Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.
And take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face toward it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.
And take a flat iron plate, and put it for a wall of iron between you and the town: and let your face be turned to it, and it will be shut in and you will make an attack on it. This will be a sign to the children of Israel.
Put an iron plate between yourself and the city so it's like an iron wall. Face the city and demonstrate that it's under siege, and that you are the one attacking it. This is a symbolic warning to the people of Israel.
Moreouer, take an yron pan, and set it for a wall of yron betweene thee and the citie, and direct thy face towarde it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it: this shall be a signe vnto the house of Israel.
And thou, take to thee an iron pan, and thou hast made it a wall of iron between thee and the city; and thou hast prepared thy face against it, and it hath been in a siege, yea, thou hast laid siege against it. A sign it [is] to the house of Israel.
Take for yourself an iron pan and set it for a wall of iron between you and the city. Then set your face toward it. It will be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.
Moreover take thou to thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.
And take unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face resolutely against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it: it is a sign to the house of Israel.
Then take an iron pan, and place it to be like an iron wall between you andthe drawing of the city. Then turn your face toward the drawing. It will symbolize thatenemy troops will surround the city to attack it. That will be a warning to the Israeli people [MTY].
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:3
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 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַתָּ֤ה
קַח
לְ/ךָ֙
מַחֲבַ֣ת
בַּרְזֶ֔ל
וְ/נָתַתָּ֤ה
אוֹתָ/הּ֙
קִ֣יר
בַּרְזֶ֔ל
בֵּינְ/ךָ֖
וּ/בֵ֣ין
הָ/עִ֑יר
וַ/הֲכִינֹתָה֩
אֶת
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ
אֵלֶ֜י/הָ
וְ/הָיְתָ֤ה
בַ/מָּצוֹר֙
וְ/צַרְתָּ֣
עָלֶ֔י/הָ
א֥וֹת
הִ֖יא
לְ/בֵ֥ית
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
קַח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
מַחֲבַ֣ת
machăbath
H4227
griddle
N-fs
בַּרְזֶ֔ל
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
וְ/נָתַתָּ֤ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אוֹתָ/הּ֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
קִ֣יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
N-ms
בַּרְזֶ֔ל
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
בֵּינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Suff
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וַ/הֲכִינֹתָה֩
kûwn
H3559
to establish
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
אֵלֶ֜י/הָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/הָיְתָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
בַ/מָּצוֹר֙
mâtsôwr
H4692
siege
Prep | N-ms
וְ/צַרְתָּ֣
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
עָלֶ֔י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
א֥וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
sign
N-cs
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:3
וְ/אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
קַח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
מַחֲבַ֣ת
machăbath
H4227
"griddle"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a flat pan used for baking, like a griddle. It appears in Leviticus 2:5 and 7:9, describing food offerings. The KJV translates it as 'pan'.
Definition: 1) flat plate, pan, griddle 1a) for baking
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: pan. See also: Leviticus 2:5; Leviticus 7:9; Ezekiel 4:3.
בַּרְזֶ֔ל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
וְ/נָתַתָּ֤ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אוֹתָ/הּ֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קִ֣יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
בַּרְזֶ֔ל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
בֵּינְ/ךָ֖
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Suff
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הָ/עִ֑יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וַ/הֲכִינֹתָה֩
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנֶ֨י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֵלֶ֜י/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.
וְ/הָיְתָ֤ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בַ/מָּצוֹר֙
mâtsôwr
H4692
"siege"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a siege or a place of entrenchment, like a fortress or stronghold. It's used in the Bible to describe a city under attack, such as in 2 Kings 17:5. It can also mean a defense or bulwark.
Definition: 1) siege-enclosure, siege, entrenchment, siege works 1a) siege 1b) enclosure, siege-works, rampart
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: besieged, bulwark, defence, fenced, fortress, siege, strong (hold), tower. See also: Deuteronomy 20:19; Jeremiah 19:9; Psalms 31:22.
וְ/צַרְתָּ֣
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
עָלֶ֔י/הָ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
א֥וֹת
ʼôwth
H226
"sign"
N-cs
A miraculous sign or wonder, like a beacon or monument. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It means a signal or token of God's power.
Definition: : miraculous 1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proof
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: mark, miracle, (en-) sign, token. See also: Genesis 1:14; Joshua 2:12; Psalms 65:9.
הִ֖יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:3
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 4:3
Context — A Sign of Jerusalem’s Siege
1“Now you, son of man, take a brick, place it before you, and draw on it the city of Jerusalem.
2Then lay siege against it: Construct a siege wall, build a ramp to it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams around it on all sides.
3Then take an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between yourself and the city. Turn your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.
4Then lie down on your left side and place the iniquity of the house of Israel upon yourself. You are to bear their iniquity for the number of days you lie on your side. 5For I have assigned to you 390 days, according to the number of years of their iniquity. So you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 12:6 | And as they watch, lift your bags to your shoulder and take them out at dusk; cover your face so that you cannot see the land. For I have made you a sign to the house of Israel.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 8:18 | Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. |
| 3 | Isaiah 20:3 | Then the LORD said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has gone naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush, |
| 4 | Ezekiel 12:11 | You are to say, ‘I am a sign to you.’ Just as it happened here, so will it be done to them; they will go into exile as captives. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 24:24–27 | ‘Thus Ezekiel will be a sign for you; you will do everything that he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’ And you, son of man, know that on the day I take away their stronghold, their pride and joy—the desire of their eyes which uplifted their souls—and their sons and daughters as well, on that day a fugitive will come and tell you the news. On that day your mouth will be opened to him who has escaped; you will speak and no longer be mute. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.” |
| 6 | Hebrews 2:4 | and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. |
| 7 | Leviticus 2:5 | If your offering is a grain offering prepared on a griddle, it must be unleavened bread made of fine flour mixed with oil. |
| 8 | Luke 2:34 | Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, |
| 9 | Jeremiah 39:1 | In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army and laid siege to the city. |
Ezekiel 4:3 Summary
In Ezekiel 4:3, God instructs Ezekiel to set up an iron plate as a wall between himself and the city of Jerusalem, symbolizing God's judgment and separation from the sinful city. This sign is meant to convey to the house of Israel that they are under God's judgment and siege, and that their sins have led to their current state of captivity and separation from God (as seen in Jeremiah 2:13). Just as Ezekiel was called to be a sign to the house of Israel, we too can be a sign to those around us of God's love and judgment, and we can experience restoration and reconciliation with Him through repentance and faith (as promised in 1 John 1:9). By following God's instructions and surrendering to His will, we can demonstrate our love and obedience to Him, just as Ezekiel did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the iron plate in Ezekiel 4:3?
The iron plate represents a strong barrier between God's prophet, Ezekiel, and the city of Jerusalem, signifying God's judgment and separation from the sinful city, as also seen in Jeremiah 15:1, where God's presence is withheld from the people due to their iniquity.
Why is Ezekiel instructed to turn his face toward the city?
Ezekiel is instructed to turn his face toward the city to symbolize God's attention and judgment on Jerusalem, much like in Isaiah 1:3, where God's people have forgotten their Lord, and He is calling them to return to Him.
What does the iron wall signify in this context?
The iron wall signifies a strong and impenetrable barrier, representing God's firm judgment and resolve to punish the house of Israel for their sins, as also mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:52, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience.
How does this sign relate to the house of Israel?
This sign is meant to convey to the house of Israel that they are under God's judgment and siege, and that their sins have led to their current state of captivity and separation from God, as prophesied in Leviticus 26:17, where God warns of the consequences of disobedience and rebellion.
Reflection Questions
- What are the barriers in my life that prevent me from fully surrendering to God's will, and how can I allow Him to break them down?
- In what ways can I, like Ezekiel, be a sign to those around me of God's love and judgment, and how can I use my life to point others to Him?
- What are the sins in my life that are causing separation from God, and how can I, through repentance and faith, experience restoration and reconciliation with Him?
- How can I, in my own life, demonstrate the same kind of obedience and faithfulness that Ezekiel showed in following God's instructions, even when they seemed difficult or unusual?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:3
Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan,.... Which Kimchi thinks, for its metal, represented the hardness of the hearts of the people of Israel; and, for its colour, the blackness of their sins:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:3
Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
An iron pan, to signify the hardness and obstinacy of the besiegers; probably a frying-pan, on the plain part of which the the bearing the portrait of Jerusalem lying, the iron edges or brims compassed it round about, as a line drawn round a besieged city, out of which the distressed could not flee, into which no relief could be brought. It plainly noted the cruelty of the Chaldeans and future tortures of the Jews, who were like to be fried or broiled in this iron pan, as ; /APC . Set it for a wall of iron; that it may resemble a wall of iron; for as impregnable as such a wall should the courage, resolution, and patience of the Chaldeans be attacking it. Set thy face against it; fix thy displeased countenance against it, in token of my displeasure. Thou shalt lay siege: if the prophet do represent him that sent him, then it speaks God’ s appearing against these wicked ones. This shall be a sign; all these things are signs and emblems usual with all, most usual with this prophet, who in this hieroglyphic foreshows the state of those that lived at Jerusalem.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
Ezekiel 4:3 Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it [for] a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This [shall be] a sign to the house of Israel.Ver. 3. Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan.] Sartaginem ferream, in token of God’ s hard and inflexible hatred bent against so hard-hearted a people; whom he will therefore fry as in a pan, and seethe as in a pot, so that they shall "pine away in their iniquities." Set thy face against it, and thou shalt lay siege.] This the prophet was to do in the name and person of God and his soldiers, the Chaldeans. Hard hearts make hard times, yea, they make Deum, natura sua mollem, misericordem, et melleum, durum esse et ferreum, as one saith - God to harden his hand, and hasten men’ s destruction.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
(3) An iron pan.—The margin gives the sense more accurately, a flat plate. It was used for baking cakes (see Leviticus 2:5, marg.). This was to be set for a wall of iron between the prophet (representing the besiegers) and the city, doubtless as symbolical of the strength of the besiegers’ lines, and of the impossibility there would be of an escape from the city by a sally. Their foes should be made too strong for them defensively as well as offensively. A sign to the house of Israel.—As already said, the tribe of Judah, with the associated remnants of the other tribes, is considered as representing the whole nation after the Assyrian captivity, and is spoken of as “the house of Israel” except when there is occasion to distinguish especially between the two parts of the nation. (See Ezekiel 3:7; Ezekiel 3:17; Ezekiel 5:4; Ezekiel 8:6; 2 Chronicles 21:2; 2 Chronicles 28:27, &c.) The prophecy would have been equally effective whether seen as a symbolic act or only related.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
Verse 3. Take thou unto thee an iron pan] מחבת machabath, a flat plate or slice, as the margin properly renders it: such as are used in some countries to bake bread on, called a griddle or girdle, being suspended above the fire, and kept in a proper degree of heat for the purpose. A plate like this, stuck perpendicularly in the earth, would show the nature of a wall much better than any pan could do. The Chaldeans threw such a wall round Jerusalem, to prevent the besieged from receiving any succours, and from escaping from the city. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.] This shall be an emblematical representation of what shall actually take place.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:3
3. an iron pan] As marg. plate, i.e. griddle on which cakes were fired (Leviticus 2:5). This common article the prophet is to set up between him and the city to represent an iron wall. As the plate is said to be an iron wall between him and the city it is most natural to interpret it of the powerful fortifications of Jerusalem (Ew.). It might, however, be a symbol of the implacable and iron severity of the siege, which itself but shews the inexorable grasp which the judgment of God has taken of the city. The word it in the end of the verse refers to the city; and the prophet plays the rôle of besieger. All this is a sign to the house of Israel of what shall come to pass. Comp. ch. Ezekiel 12:11.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:3
An iron pan - Another figure in the coming siege. On Assyrian sculptures from Nimroud and Kouyunjik there are sieges of cities with “forts, mounts, and rams;” and together with these we see a kind of
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:3
3. An iron pan — This expression probably refers to the machines used by the Babylonians and Assyrians behind which the archers stood, shooting through a hole or window.
Sermons on Ezekiel 4:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and work of God in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God is working to reproduce the image of Christ in every believer th |
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The Voice of Ezekiel (Continued) Ii by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks delves into the profound significance of God incarnating truth in His messengers, making them the message itself. He emphasizes the close identity between the pers |
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Set "For a Sign" by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that true consecration to God involves becoming a sign of His wisdom and power to the world. He illustrates that just as Moses was a sign to the Israeli |
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The Divine Reaction by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the crisis faced by the early church as Paul prepares to depart, leaving Timothy and others to uphold the truth amidst moral laxity and spiritual declin |
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Love Never Faileth by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth and wisdom in our inner being. He quotes from Psalm 51, where David asks God to purify him and make him clean. The sp |
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Isaiah Chapter 6 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a vision of the Lord in order to find strength and hope in discouraging times. The vision of the Lord is described |
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Hebrews Sin Dealt With by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not weakening the gospel by leaving out the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross and the giving of his blood. The sermon |