Ezekiel 9:4

Ezekiel 9:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The Lord said to him, Go through the town, through the middle of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the brows of the men who are sorrowing and crying for all the disgusting things which are done in it.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Go through the whole the city of Jerusalem and place a mark on the foreheads of those who sighing and mourning at all the disgusting sins that are done there.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord said vnto him, Goe through the middes of the citie, euen through the middes of Ierusalem and set a marke vpon the foreheads of them that mourne, and cry for all the abominations that be done in the middes thereof.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And He calleth unto the man who is clothed with linen, who hath the scribe's inkhorn at his loins, and Jehovah saith unto him, 'Pass on into the midst of the city, into the midst of Jerusalem, and thou hast made a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and who are groaning for all the abominations that are done in its midst.'

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to him, “Go through the middle of the city, through the middle of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst of it.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to him: Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem: and mark Thau upon the foreheads of the men that sigh, and mourn for all the abominations that are committed in the midst thereof.

Translation for Translators T4T

and said to him, “Go throughout Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who are very sad [DOU] because of the detestable things that are being done inside the city.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 9:4

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 9:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אל/ו אֵלָ֔י/ו עֲבֹר֙ בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ הָ/עִ֔יר בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם וְ/הִתְוִ֨יתָ תָּ֜ו עַל מִצְח֣וֹת הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים הַ/נֶּֽאֱנָחִים֙ וְ/הַ/נֶּ֣אֱנָקִ֔ים עַ֚ל כָּל הַ/תּ֣וֹעֵב֔וֹת הַֽ/נַּעֲשׂ֖וֹת בְּ/תוֹכָֽ/הּ

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אל/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

עֲבֹר֙ ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Impv-2ms

בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

הָ/עִ֔יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fs

בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

וְ/הִתְוִ֨יתָ tâvâh H8427 to mark Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

תָּ֜ו tâv H8420 mark N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

מִצְח֣וֹת mêtsach H4696 forehead N-mp

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-mp

הַ/נֶּֽאֱנָחִים֙ ʼânach H584 to sigh Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

וְ/הַ/נֶּ֣אֱנָקִ֔ים ʼânaq H602 to groan Conj | Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/תּ֣וֹעֵב֔וֹת tôwʻêbah H8441 abomination Art | N-fp

הַֽ/נַּעֲשׂ֖וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 to make Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

בְּ/תוֹכָֽ/הּ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 9:4

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אל/ו 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.

אֵלָ֔י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

עֲבֹר֙ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

הָ/עִ֔יר 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.

בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם 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.

וְ/הִתְוִ֨יתָ tâvâh H8427 "to mark" Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms

This verb means to mark or scratch something, like leaving a sign or imprint. It is used in Job 37:11 to describe how God marks out the path of a storm. The Israelites used it to set boundaries.

Definition: 1) to scrabble, limit, mark, make or set a mark 1a) (Piel) to mark 1b) (Hiphil) to set a mark

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: scrabble, set (a mark). See also: 1 Samuel 21:14; Ezekiel 9:4.

תָּ֜ו tâv H8420 "mark" N-ms

This word means a sign or mark, like a signature. In the Bible, it is used to describe a mark of ownership or a sign of God's protection, as in Ezekiel where it talks about marking the foreheads of the righteous.

Definition: 1) desire, mark 1a) mark (as a sign of exemption from judgment)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: desire, mark. See also: Job 31:35; Ezekiel 9:4; Ezekiel 9:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

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.

מִצְח֣וֹת mêtsach H4696 "forehead" N-mp

The Hebrew word for forehead, referring to the open and prominent part of the face. In the Bible, it is used to describe the forehead of humans, like in Ezekiel 3:8-9. It represents the front of a person.

Definition: brow, forehead

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: brow, forehead, [phrase] impudent. See also: Exodus 28:38; Jeremiah 3:3; Isaiah 48:4.

הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֗ים ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

הַ/נֶּֽאֱנָחִים֙ ʼânach H584 "to sigh" Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

To sigh means to groan or mourn in pain or grief, like an animal moaning, and is used to express deep emotional distress in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Niphal) sigh, groan (in pain or grief), gasp 1a) moan (of cattle)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: groan, mourn, sigh. See also: Exodus 2:23; Lamentations 1:11; Proverbs 29:2.

וְ/הַ/נֶּ֣אֱנָקִ֔ים ʼânaq H602 "to groan" Conj | Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

To groan means to cry out in pain or lament, as seen in the Bible where people express sorrow and grief. It involves making a loud, sorrowful sound.

Definition: 1) to cry, groan 1a) (Qal) to cry, lament 1b) (Niphal) to make lamentation

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: cry, groan. See also: Jeremiah 51:52; Ezekiel 24:17; Ezekiel 26:15.

עַ֚ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

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.

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.

הַ/תּ֣וֹעֵב֔וֹת tôwʻêbah H8441 "abomination" Art | N-fp

The Hebrew word for abomination refers to something disgusting, like idolatry or unclean food, and is often used to describe wickedness in the Bible.

Definition: 1) a disgusting thing, abomination, abominable 1a) in ritual sense (of unclean food, idols, mixed marriages) 1b) in ethical sense (of wickedness etc)

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: abominable (custom, thing), abomination. See also: Genesis 43:32; Proverbs 26:25; Psalms 88:9.

הַֽ/נַּעֲשׂ֖וֹת ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Art | V-Niphal-Inf-c

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

בְּ/תוֹכָֽ/הּ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Study Notes — Ezekiel 9:4

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Context
Cross References
Ezekiel 9:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 9:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 9:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 9:4
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 9:4
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4
Sermons on Ezekiel 9:4

Context — Execution of the Idolaters

2And I saw six men coming from the direction of the Upper Gate, which faces north, each with a weapon of slaughter in his hand. With them was another man clothed in linen who had a writing kit at his side. And they came in and stood beside the bronze altar. 3Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side.

4“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”

5And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! 6Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 9:4	They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
2	2 Corinthians 1:22	placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.
3	Revelation 14:1	Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
4	Revelation 7:2–3	And I saw another angel ascending from the east, with the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.”
5	Revelation 20:4	Then I saw the thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image, and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
6	2 Timothy 2:19	Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
7	Psalms 119:136	My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
8	Ephesians 4:30	And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
9	Jeremiah 13:17	But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.
10	Exodus 12:13	The blood on the houses where you are staying will distinguish them; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will fall on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 9:4 Summary

[This verse shows that God is looking for people who are sad about the bad things happening around them, and He wants to protect and save those people. This is similar to what we see in Revelation 7:3, where God seals His servants on their foreheads. In Ezekiel 9:4, God tells the man in linen to mark the people who are grieving over the sins of Jerusalem, so they will be spared from the coming judgment. This reminds us that God is always looking for people who are faithful and obedient, and He wants to bless and protect them, just like He did with the Israelites in Exodus 12:13 when He spared their firstborn sons.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the mark on the foreheads of the men in Ezekiel 9:4?

The mark is a sign of God's protection and mercy, as seen in other scriptures like Revelation 7:3, where a seal is placed on the foreheads of the servants of God, and Exodus 12:13, where the blood on the doorposts saves the firstborn from the angel of death.

Who are the men sighing and groaning over the abominations in Ezekiel 9:4?

These men are likely the faithful remnant in Jerusalem, who are grieved by the sins of the city, similar to the prophets who wept over the sins of Israel, like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 9:1 and Ezekiel himself in Ezekiel 9:8.

What is the relationship between this verse and the concept of the 'remnant' in the Bible?

The men marked in Ezekiel 9:4 are part of the remnant that God promises to preserve and protect, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 1:9 and Romans 11:5, where a remnant is chosen by God's grace.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment and mercy?

Ezekiel 9:4 shows that even in the midst of judgment, God's mercy is present, as He spares those who are faithful and grieve over the sins of the city, much like in Genesis 18:23-33, where Abraham intercedes for Sodom and God spares Lot and his family.

Reflection Questions

What are the things in my life and community that I should be sighing and groaning over, and how can I express my grief to God?
How can I be like the men in Ezekiel 9:4, faithful and obedient to God's commands, even in the face of overwhelming evil?
What does it mean for me to be 'marked' by God, and how can I live in a way that reflects my identity as a child of God?
In what ways can I be an intercessor for my community, praying for God's mercy and protection, like the prophets in the Bible?

Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 9:4

And the Lord said unto him,.... This shows that a divine Person is meant by the glory of the God of Israel: go through the midst of the city; that is, as it is next explained, through the midst of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 9:4

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4

The Lord said, spake from the midst of that glory, . Unto him, the man clothed in linen, i.e. to Christ. Go through; pass through as men use to go who keep an even, steady pace. The midst of the city; the chief street of the city. Set a mark: it is too curious, and as useless, to inquire what mark this was. It is groundless to confine it to the sign of the cross, whatever some discourse of the antique form of the letter Thau. It is sufficient that, after the manner of man’ s speaking, the Lord assures us his remnant are safe, as what is under a seal, which none can or dare break open. Upon the foreheads, as the faithful servants of God, in allusion perhaps to the custom in the East, that servants wore their master’ s name in their foreheads, or to let us know that now this deliverance would be not as in Egypt by whole families, but by single and selected persons. That sigh, out of inward grief for other men’ s sins and sorrows. That cry; express their grief by vocal lamentations, who dare openly bewail the abominations of this wicked city, and so bear their testimony against it. For all the abominations; not as if these mourners knew every particular abomination, but they mourned for all the kinds of wickedness which they knew of.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4

Ezekiel 9:4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.Ver. 4. And the Lord.] That great Imperator, General. Go through the midst.] Discriminate; make a difference; "take out the precious from the vile." God will sever his saints from others in common calamities, and deliver them, if not from the common destruction, yet from the common distraction. And set a mark upon the foreheads.] Vulgate, Et signa Thau. Whatever this mark was, it was signum salutare. The letter Tau some think it was, as part of the word Tichieh - i.e., Thou shalt live; according to that, "The just shall live by his faith." Or as part of the word Torah - i.e., The law, to show that these had the law of God written in their hearts, and this made them mourn to see it so little set by. Howsoever, it is not the sign of the cross, as Papists would have it, but rather the blood of the cross, wherewith, when believers are sprinkled from an evil conscience, as the houses of the Israelites in Goshen were with the blood of the paschal lamb, they are sure of safety here and salvation hereafter. The election of God is sure, and hath this seal, "The Lord knoweth who are his," and it shall appear by them. Tau is the basis of the Hebrew alphabet, saith one, and marking by Christ is the basis of all true comfort and sound profession. Tau endeth and closeth up the alphabet, saith another; so he who persevereth to the end shall be saved. The mark here mentioned was not corporal but spiritual, even the merit and spirit of Christ, the value and virtue of his death and sufferings. Of the men that sigh and cry.] That sigh deeply and cry out bitterly for their own and other men’ s sins and miseries, and this out of piety and pity. These are not many, yet some such are found in all ages. Inter vepres rosa nascitur, et inter feras nonnullae mitescunt. Let us mourn in time of sinning: so shall we be marked in times of punishing. Ammian.

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4

(4) Set a mark upon the foreheads.—The word for mark is literally a Tau, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This, in many of the ancient alphabets, and especially in that in use among the Hebrews up to this time, and long retained upon their coins, was in the form of a cross—X or +. Much stress was laid upon this use of the sign of the cross as the mark for the Divine mercy by the older Christian writers, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, and Jerome. This marking was done, it is true, in vision, but the symbolism is taken from such passages as Genesis 4:15; Exodus 12:7; Exodus 12:13; Exodus 28:36; and it is used several times in the Apocalypse (Ezekiel 7:3; Ezekiel 9:4; Ezekiel 14:1). Such marks may be necessary for the guidance of the angelic executors of God’s commands, and at all events, the symbolism is of value to the human mind. It is with reference to such Scriptural instances of marking, doubtless, that the Church has provided for the signing of the baptized with the sign of the cross. It is to be observed here that the distinction of the marking has reference wholly and only to character. No regard is paid to birth or position; they and they only are marked who mourned for the prevailing sinfulness, and kept themselves apart from it.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4

Verse 4. Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh] This is in allusion to the ancient every-where-used custom of setting marks on servants and slaves, to distinguish them from others. It was also common for the worshippers of particular idols to have their idol's mark upon their foreheads, arms, c. These are called sectarian marks to the present day among the Hindoos and others in India. Hence by this mark we can easily know who is a follower of Vishnoo, who of Siva, who of Bramah, &c. The original words, והתוית תו vehithvitha tau, have been translated by the Vulgate, et signa thau, "and mark thou tau on the foreheads," &c. St. Jerome and many others have thought that the letter tau was that which was ordered to be placed on the foreheads of those mourners and Jerome says, that this Hebrew letter ת tau was formerly written like a cross. So then the people were to be signed with the sign of the cross! It is certain that on the ancient Samaritan coins, which are yet extant, the letter tau is in the form +, which is what we term St. Andrew's cross. The sense derived from this by many commentators is, that God, having ordered those penitents to be marked with this figure, which is the sign of the cross, intimated that there is no redemption nor saving of life but by the cross of Christ, and that this will avail none but the real penitent. All this is true in itself, but it is not true in respect to this place. The Hebrew words signify literally, thou shalt make a mark, or sign a sign, but give no intimation what that mark or sign was. It was intended here to be what the sprinkling of the blood of the paschal lamb on the lintels and door-posts of the Israelites was, namely, a notice to the destroying angel what house he should spare. As the whole of this matter only passed in vision we are bound to neither letter, nor any other kind of figure. The symbolical action teaches us that God, in general judgments, will make a distinction between the innocent and the guilty, between the penitent and the hardened sinner.

Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 9:4

4–7. Command to seal those to be spared, and to slay without distinction all others 4. set a mark] The word is Tav, the last letter of the alphabet, the old form of which was a cross. The term is used here as in Job 31:35, of a mark in general, though perhaps the Tav or cross was the simplest form the mark could take. The passage is imitated, Revelation 7, though the mark there is the name of God. All who mourned over the abominations done in Jerusalem were to be thus sealed and spared.

Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 9:4

mercy precedes judgment. So in the case of Sodom Gen. 19, and in the last day Luke 21:18, Luke 21:28; Revelation 7:1.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 9:4

4. Set a mark upon the foreheads — Literally, set a tau (T) upon the foreheads. Tau was the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which in ancient times had the form of a cross.

Sermons on Ezekiel 9:4

	Sermon	Description
	Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God
	The Glory of God and the Image of Jealousy by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher warns the congregation about the dangers of turning away from God and indulging in sinful behavior. He emphasizes that those who take pleasure in wicke
	The Touch of God - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a man of prayer and brokenness. He shares his own journey of spiritual laziness and how he had to make a decision to
	Church History - Session 8 (The Book of Revelation) by Edgar F. Parkyns	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Revelation 13 and the rise of the beast from the sea. The beast is described as having seven heads and ten horns, with the dragon giving it
	(Timeless Doctrines) Revelation's Timeless Doctrines - Part 4 by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself to face persecution and potential martyrdom for the sake of their faith in God. He urges the audience to
	(Audio Sermon) Freedom From Denominationalism by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the need to break free from denominationalism and focus on building solid local churches where genuine concern, weeping, and groaning over the spiritual cond
	Marked Men #2 by Gareth Evans	In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that illustrate the brokenness and suffering in the world. The first story is about a missionary in Haiti who brings doctors