Ezekiel 6:5
Ezekiel 6:5 in Multiple Translations
I will lay the corpses of the Israelites before their idols and scatter your bones around your altars.
And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.
And I will lay the dead bodies of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.
And I will put the dead bodies of the children of Israel in front of their images, sending your bones in all directions about your altars.
I will put the dead bodies of you Israelites in front of your idols and scatter your bones around your altars.
And I will lay the dead carkeises of the children of Israel before their idoles, and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.
And put the carcases of the sons of Israel before their idols, And scattered your bones round about your altars.
I will lay the dead bodies of the children of Israel before their idols. I will scatter your bones around your altars.
And I will lay the dead carcasses of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones about your altars.
And I will lay the dead carcasses of the children of Israel before your idols: and I will scatter Sour bones round about your altars,
Their corpses will lie in front of their idols, and their bones will be scattered around their altars.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 6:5
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 6:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָתַתִּ֗י
אֶת
פִּגְרֵי֙
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
גִּלּֽוּלֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/זֵרִיתִי֙
אֶת
עַצְמ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם
סְבִיב֖וֹת
מִזְבְּחוֹתֵי/כֶֽם
וְ/נָתַתִּ֗י
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פִּגְרֵי֙
peger
H6297
corpse
N-mp
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
גִּלּֽוּלֵי/הֶ֑ם
gillûwl
H1544
idol
N-mp | Suff
וְ/זֵרִיתִי֙
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַצְמ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
N-fp | Suff
סְבִיב֖וֹת
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp
מִזְבְּחוֹתֵי/כֶֽם
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 6:5
וְ/נָתַתִּ֗י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
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.
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.
פִּגְרֵי֙
peger
H6297
"corpse"
N-mp
A dead body, either human or animal, as seen in the story of the death of Saul in 1 Samuel 31:8-13. It can also refer to an idol or image that is lifeless and useless.
Definition: 1) corpse, carcass, monument, stela 1a) corpse (of man) 1b) carcass (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: carcase, corpse, dead body. See also: Genesis 15:11; Isaiah 34:3; Isaiah 14:19.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
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.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
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.
גִּלּֽוּלֵי/הֶ֑ם
gillûwl
H1544
"idol"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an idol, which is an object worshipped as a god. It literally means a log or a round piece of wood, but it's used to describe false gods and idols in the Bible. It's often used in a negative sense to criticize idol worship.
Definition: idols
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: idol. See also: Leviticus 26:30; Ezekiel 18:12; Jeremiah 50:2.
וְ/זֵרִיתִי֙
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Piel-1cs
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
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.
עַצְמ֣וֹתֵי/כֶ֔ם
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
N-fp | Suff
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.
סְבִיב֖וֹת
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
מִזְבְּחוֹתֵי/כֶֽם
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp | Suff
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 6:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 6:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 6:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 6:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 6:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
- Sermons on Ezekiel 6:5
Context — Judgment against Idolatry
3You are to say: ‘O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD! This is what the Lord GOD says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places.
4Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will cast down your slain before your idols.
5I will lay the corpses of the Israelites before their idols and scatter your bones around your altars.
6Wherever you live, the cities will be laid waste and the high places will be demolished, so that your altars will be laid waste and desecrated, your idols smashed and obliterated, your incense altars cut down, and your works blotted out. 7The slain will fall among you, and you will know that I am the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 23:16 | And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the hillside, and he sent someone to take the bones out of the tombs, and he burned them on the altar to defile it, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by the man of God who had foretold these things. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 8:1–2 | “At that time,” declares the LORD, “the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of the officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem will be removed from their graves. They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 23:14 | He smashed the sacred pillars to pieces, cut down the Asherah poles, and covered the sites with human bones. |
Ezekiel 6:5 Summary
This verse, Ezekiel 6:5, is a warning from God to the people of Israel about the consequences of worshiping idols. God is saying that He will judge them for their sin, and that their idols will not be able to protect them (as seen in Isaiah 45:20). Instead, God will scatter their bones around the altars where they worshiped these false gods, as a sign of His displeasure. This teaches us that God is a holy God who demands our exclusive worship, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5, and that we should prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of laying corpses before idols in Ezekiel 6:5?
This act is a symbol of God's judgment on Israel's idolatry, as seen in Ezekiel 6:5, and is also referenced in Deuteronomy 28:26, where it is described as a curse for disobedience.
Why does God scatter the bones of the Israelites around their altars?
God scatters their bones as a sign of His displeasure with their idolatrous practices, similar to what is described in Leviticus 26:30, where God promises to destroy the high places and altars of the idols.
Is this verse a prediction of a specific event in Israel's history?
Yes, this verse is part of a series of prophecies in Ezekiel 6, which foretell the destruction of Israel and the scattering of its people, as also seen in Ezekiel 12:15 and Leviticus 26:33.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals God's holiness and His hatred for idolatry, as seen in Exodus 20:3-5, where God commands the Israelites not to worship other gods, and in Deuteronomy 4:24, where God is described as a consuming fire.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse make me think about my own relationship with God and the things I prioritize in my life?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Ezekiel 6:5 to my own life, avoiding the temptation to worship idols or prioritize other things above God?
- What does it mean for me to truly worship God, and how can I ensure that I am not guilty of idolatry in my own heart?
- How can I use this verse to share the message of God's holiness and love with others, and to warn them of the dangers of idolatry?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 6:5
And I will lay the dead carcasses of the children of Israel before their idols,.... Which is repeated for the confirmation of it: and I will scatter your bones round about your altars: which were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 6:5
And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
Lay before their idols; expose to open shame, while the carcasses of idolaters recall to mind their shameful folly and sin. Carcasses; either of such as are newly slain, or such as the Chaldeans did dig out of their graves, in spite, contempt, or covetousness, hoping to find some costly ornaments buried with them. So God fulfills that of . I will scatter your bones, as unworthy to be laid up in earth, who had so highly provoked the God of heaven; they are made dung who served dunghill gods. You shall thus be a defilement to your supposed sacred altars and worship, and an abhorrence to beholders.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
Ezekiel 6:5 And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.Ver. 5. And I will lay the dead carcases of the children of Israel, &c.] That in the very places where they have sinned there they may suffer. So in the valley of Hinnom, and at Pilate’ s praetorium, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
Verse 5. Will scatter your bones round about your altars.] This was literally fulfilled by the Chaldeans. According to Baruch, Baruch 2:24, 25, they opened the sepulchres of the principal people, and threw the bones about on every side.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 6:5
5. The same had already been threatened by Jeremiah 8:1-2.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 6:5
5. They will die in their idolatry, and their high places “will be deserted.” Their wooden dolls will not be able even to protect their own altars from the pollution of dead men’s bones.
Sermons on Ezekiel 6:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
False Religion and Its Doom. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar warns against the dangers of false religion, emphasizing that God demands truth and sincerity in worship. He explains that false religion, regardless of its zeal, is |