Ezekiel 4:7
Ezekiel 4:7 in Multiple Translations
You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it.
Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.
And thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, with thine arm uncovered; and thou shalt prophesy against it.
And let your face be turned to where Jerusalem is shut in, with your arm uncovered, and be a prophet against it.
Keep your face towards the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it.
Therefore thou shalt direct thy face towarde the siege of Ierusalem, and thine arme shalbe vncouered, and thou shalt prophesie against it.
'And unto the siege of Jerusalem thou dost prepare thy face, and thine arm [is] uncovered, and thou hast prophesied concerning it.
You shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, with your arm uncovered; and you shall prophesy against it.
Therefore thou shalt set thy face towards the siege of Jerusalem, and thy arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.
And thou shalt turn thy face to the siege of Jerusalem, and thy arm shall be stretched out: and thou shalt prophesy against it.
Turn your face towardthe drawing of Jerusalem and bare your armlike a soldier does who prepares to go into a battle [MTY], and prophesy aboutwhat will happen to the city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 4:7
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 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶל
מְצ֤וֹר
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
תָּכִ֣ין
פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ
וּֽ/זְרֹעֲ/ךָ֖
חֲשׂוּפָ֑ה
וְ/נִבֵּאתָ֖
עָלֶֽי/הָ
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
מְצ֤וֹר
mâtsôwr
H4692
siege
N-ms
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
תָּכִ֣ין
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
פָּנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וּֽ/זְרֹעֲ/ךָ֖
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
Conj | N-cs | Suff
חֲשׂוּפָ֑ה
châsaph
H2834
to strip
V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/נִבֵּאתָ֖
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
עָלֶֽי/הָ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 4:7
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
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.
מְצ֤וֹר
mâtsôwr
H4692
"siege"
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.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
תָּכִ֣ין
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-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.
פָּנֶ֔י/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.
וּֽ/זְרֹעֲ/ךָ֖
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
חֲשׂוּפָ֑ה
châsaph
H2834
"to strip"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To strip means to make something or someone bare, like when God uncovered the sins of Israel in Hosea 7:1.
Definition: 1) to strip, strip off, lay bare, make bare, draw out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strip off 1a2) to strip, lay bare 1a3) to draw (water), skim, take from the surface
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: make bare, clean, discover, draw out, take, uncover. See also: Psalms 29:9; Jeremiah 13:26; Isaiah 20:4.
וְ/נִבֵּאתָ֖
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
Conj | V-Niphal-2ms
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
עָלֶֽי/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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 4:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
- Sermons on Ezekiel 4:7
Context — A Sign of Jerusalem’s Siege
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.
6When you have completed these days, lie down again, but on your right side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah. I have assigned to you 40 days, a day for each year.
7You must turn your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared, and prophesy against it.
8Now behold, I will tie you up with ropes so you cannot turn from side to side until you have finished the days of your siege. 9But take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet, and spelt; put them in a single container and make them into bread for yourself. This is what you are to eat during the 390 days you lie on your side.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 52:10 | The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 21:2 | “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuaries. Prophesy against the land of Israel |
| 3 | Ezekiel 6:2 | “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 4:3 | 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. |
Ezekiel 4:7 Summary
[Ezekiel 4:7 tells us that the prophet Ezekiel was instructed to turn his face toward the siege of Jerusalem and prophesy against it, which means he had to speak God's words of judgment and warning to the city. This was a difficult task, but Ezekiel obeyed God's command, just like we are called to obey God's commands in our own lives, as seen in John 14:15. By baring his arm, Ezekiel was showing that he was ready to act on God's behalf, and we can learn from his example by being ready to serve God in our own ways, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:58.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ezekiel instructed to turn his face toward the siege of Jerusalem?
Ezekiel was instructed to turn his face toward the siege of Jerusalem as a symbolic act of prophesying against the city, signifying God's judgment and displeasure with its sins, as seen in Ezekiel 4:7 and Jeremiah 1:10.
What does it mean to prophesy against Jerusalem?
To prophesy against Jerusalem means to speak God's words of judgment and warning to the city, calling its people to repentance, as seen in Ezekiel 4:7 and Isaiah 1:1-20.
Why did Ezekiel have to bare his arm?
Ezekiel had to bare his arm as a sign of readiness for action and a symbol of God's strength and power, similar to how Moses' arm was strengthened by God in Exodus 4:2-5 and 17:8-13.
Is this prophecy still relevant today?
While the specific prophecy in Ezekiel 4:7 was directed at Jerusalem, its themes of God's judgment and call to repentance are still relevant today, as seen in passages like 2 Peter 3:9-14 and Revelation 2:5.
Reflection Questions
- What sins in my own life am I being called to repent of, and how can I respond to God's call?
- How can I, like Ezekiel, be a faithful messenger of God's words to those around me?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my readiness to serve God, like Ezekiel baring his arm?
- What are some ways I can pray for my city or community, asking for God's mercy and guidance, as Ezekiel did for Jerusalem?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 4:7
Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege at Jerusalem,.... All the while he was lying either on the left side or the right, his face was to be directed to the siege of Jerusalem, portrayed
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 4:7
Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
Therefore, Heb. And, while thou liest on thy side, thou shalt fix thy countenance on the portrait of besieged Jerusalem, with angry and menacing looks. Jerusalem; not which was in the land of Judah, but that described in the tile, the emblem of the other. Thine arm, thy right arm, the stronger and more ready to act, shall be uncovered, naked and stretched out, as being ready to strike and slay. Thou shalt prophesy against it: this very emblem doth threaten, which is a visional prediction, and no doubt Ezekiel unfolded these riddles on just occasions, and this was a prophesying to them, sometimes by signs, and sometimes by words.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
Ezekiel 4:7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm [shall be] uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.Ver. 7. Set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem.] Steel thy countenance, be stern and resolute, to show that the Chaldees should be so. Thus this prophet proceedeth to write, as it were, in hieroglyphics, and to preach in emblems. And thine arm shall be uncovered,] i.e., Thou shalt do thy work bodily; which, when soldiers and servants set themselves to do, they make bare their arms, ut fine expeditiores, for quicker despatch. Even orators also pleaded with their right arm, as Oecolampadius here noteth, stripped up and stretched out. And thou shalt prophesy against it.] By these signs and dumb shows at least. See Ezekiel 3:26.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
(7) Set thy face is a common Scriptural expression for any steadfast purpose. (See Leviticus 17:10; Leviticus 20:3; Leviticus 20:5-6; Leviticus 26:17; 2 Chronicles 20:3, marg., &c.) It is a particularly favourite phrase with Ezekiel (Ezekiel 15:7; Ezekiel 20:46, &c.). Here this steadfastness of purpose was to be exercised “toward the siege of Jerusalem;” there would be no relenting in this matter—God’s purpose of judgment should surely be fulfilled. Further symbolism to the same effect is added, “Thine arm shall be uncovered,” withdrawn from the loose sleeve of the Oriental robe, and made ready for battle. (Comp. Isaiah 52:10.) Withal he is to “prophesy against it,” doubtless by words suited to his actions.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 4:7
7. Therefore thou shalt set] With R.V., and thou shalt set … with thine arm uncovered. In this verse the prophet resumes Ezekiel 4:1-3, representing the besiegers; he sets his face towards the siege, presses it steadily and with determination; his arm is bare—the instrument with which he works unentangled and effective (Isaiah 52:10); and he prophesies against the city, for all that is done to Jerusalem is but the irresistible word of the Lord against it taking effect.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 4:7
Therefore thou shalt set thy face - Or, “And etc.” i. e., direct thy mind to that subject. Thine arm shall be uncovered - A sign of the execution of vengeance Isaiah 52:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 4:7
7. The foregoing calculation makes more dramatic the continuance of the siege. That siege is sure to be successful.
Sermons on Ezekiel 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord, |
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The Power of Gentle Hands by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Isaiah chapter 40 verse 10, which describes the coming of the Lord with a strong hand and His arm ruling for Him. The speaker highlights the |
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A Letter From Luke Howard by Job Scott | Luke Howard addresses a letter to a friend in America, critiquing a posthumous treatise by Job Scott on 'Salvation by Christ.' Howard expresses concerns about Scott's unconventiona |
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The Situation and the Need by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks addresses the profound need for the revealing of the arm of the Lord, emphasizing that God's strength and support are essential in times of spiritual weakness and |