King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:6 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:6 in the King James Version says “In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, tha... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Ezekiel 12:6 · KJV


Context

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

8

And in the morning came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." Ezekiel must carry baggage on shoulders with covered face "in twilight"—depicting shameful, furtive departure. Covering the face represents disgrace and inability to see where going—exile strips dignity and certainty. The final phrase "I have set thee for a sign" (mofet netatikha, מוֹפֵת נְתַתִּיךָ) designates Ezekiel's entire person as living prophetic symbol. His actions embody Israel's coming experience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The covered face specifically foreshadowed Zedekiah's fate—captured during escape attempt, he witnessed his sons' execution before Babylonians blinded him (2 Kings 25:7; Ezekiel 12:13). He literally couldn't see the ground as led captive to Babylon. Ezekiel's prophecy predicted with uncanny precision the king's tragic end, demonstrating divine foreknowledge and prophetic accuracy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the covered face symbolize the shame and blindness of judgment?
  2. What does being 'set as a sign' teach about prophetic ministry embodying God's message?
  3. In what ways should Christian living serve as living sign pointing others to gospel truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
לְעֵ֨ינֵיהֶ֜ם1 of 17

In their sight

H5869

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

עַל2 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּתֵ֤ף3 of 17

it upon thy shoulders

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

תִּשָּׂא֙4 of 17

shalt thou bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בָּעֲלָטָ֣ה5 of 17

in the twilight

H5939

dusk

תוֹצִ֔יא6 of 17

and carry it forth

H3318

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

פָּנֶ֣יךָ7 of 17

thy face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תְכַסֶּ֔ה8 of 17

thou shalt cover

H3680

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

וְלֹ֥א9 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִרְאֶ֖ה10 of 17

that thou see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת11 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֑רֶץ12 of 17

not the ground

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּֽי13 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מוֹפֵ֥ת14 of 17

thee for a sign

H4159

a miracle; by implication, a token or omen

נְתַתִּ֖יךָ15 of 17

for I have set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְבֵ֥ית16 of 17

unto the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 12:6 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 12:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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