King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:5 in the King James Version says “Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby. Dig: Heb. Dig for thee — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Ezekiel 12:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought it forth in the twilight, and I bare it upon my shoulder in their sight. digged: Heb. digged for me


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby." Ezekiel must dig through his house wall and exit through the hole—symbolizing escape attempts during siege. This dramatic action would be shocking and memorable. The wall-digging represents desperate measures during Jerusalem's siege when trapped residents tried breaching walls to escape. The public performance ("in their sight") ensures the message isn't missed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During Babylon's siege, Jerusalem's desperate population attempted escape through various means. King Zedekiah and his army tried escaping through a breach in the wall by night (2 Kings 25:4). Ezekiel's wall-digging prophecy specifically foreshadowed this futile escape attempt. The prophecy's literal fulfillment proved God knew future events precisely and revealed them through His prophet.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the wall-digging symbolize human attempts to escape divine judgment?
  2. What does the futility of escape teach about judgment's inevitability?
  3. In what ways do people today try to 'dig through walls' to avoid facing God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לְעֵינֵיהֶ֖ם1 of 6

in their sight

H5869

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

חֲתָר2 of 6

Dig

H2864

to force a passage, as by burglary; figuratively, with oars

לְךָ֣3 of 6
H0
בַקִּ֑יר4 of 6

thou through the wall

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְהוֹצֵאתָ֖5 of 6

and carry out

H3318

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

בּֽוֹ׃6 of 6
H0

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 12:5 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 12:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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