King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:4 in the King James Version says “Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in t...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity. as they: Heb. as the goings forth of captivity”

Ezekiel 12:4 · KJV

Context

2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

3

Therefore, thou son of man, prepare thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house. stuff: or, instruments

4

Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity. as they: Heb. as the goings forth of captivity

5

Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby. Dig: Heb. Dig for thee

6

In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.

Read Ezekiel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity." Ezekiel must publicly pack and depart, mimicking exiles' actions. The timing ("by day...at even") suggests full-day performance creating maximum visibility. "As stuff for removing" and "as they that go forth into captivity" emphasize exile's reality—not hypothetical threat but certain future. The enacted prophecy makes abstract warnings concrete and unavoidable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

When Jerusalem fell (586 BC), this exact scenario occurred—residents packed minimal belongings and departed into captivity. King Zedekiah attempted escape by night (2 Kings 25:4) but was captured, fulfilling Ezekiel's specific prophecy (12:12-13). The sign-act's literal fulfillment within years vindicated Ezekiel's prophetic credentials, teaching that God's word always proves true.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does enacted prophecy make abstract truths concrete and unavoidable?
  2. What does the specific timing and actions reveal about prophecy's precision?
  3. In what ways should biblical warnings be made tangible in our ministry and witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
תֵּצֵ֤א1 of 12

“Then shalt thou bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

כִּכְלֵ֥י2 of 12

“as stuff”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

כִּכְלֵ֥י3 of 12

“as stuff”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

גּוֹלָֽה׃4 of 12

“for removing”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

יוֹמָ֖ם5 of 12

“by day”

H3119

daily

לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 12

“in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְאַתָּ֗ה7 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תֵּצֵ֤א8 of 12

“Then shalt thou bring forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בָעֶ֙רֶב֙9 of 12

“at even”

H6153

dusk

לְעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם10 of 12

“in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כְּמוֹצָאֵ֖י11 of 12

“as they that go forth”

H4161

a going forth, i.e., (the act) an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn, the rising of the sun (the east), ex

גּוֹלָֽה׃12 of 12

“for removing”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 12:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 12:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 39:4Ezekiel 12:122 Kings 25:4Jeremiah 52:7

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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