King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 12:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 12:7 in the King James Version says “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 throu...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 12:7 · KJV

Context

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,

9

Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, What doest thou?

Read Ezekiel 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"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." Ezekiel's obedience report demonstrates faithful execution of difficult commands. Despite personal cost (damaging his house, public humiliation), the prophet obeys precisely. This models prophetic faithfulness—delivering God's message regardless of personal consequences or popular reception. The phrase "as I was commanded" emphasizes that prophets serve God's agenda, not their own comfort or reputation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel's obedience to perform embarrassing, costly sign-acts authenticated his message. True prophets submitted to divine directives even when difficult; false prophets spoke only comfortable messages from their own imagination (Jeremiah 23:16-22). The physical effort (digging walls, carrying baggage publicly) demonstrated commitment to faithfully proclaiming God's word regardless of personal cost. This prepared exiles to trust later restoration promises from the same faithful prophet.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ezekiel's costly obedience model faithful prophetic ministry?
  2. What does willingness to endure embarrassment for God's message teach about authentic ministry?
  3. In what ways are we called to costly obedience in proclaiming biblical truth today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וָאַ֣עַשׂ1 of 20

“And I did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵּן֮2 of 20
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר3 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צֻוֵּיתִי֒4 of 20

“so as I was commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

כִּכְלֵ֤י5 of 20

“as stuff”

H3627

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

הוֹצֵ֛אתִי6 of 20

“I brought forth”

H3318

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

כִּכְלֵ֤י7 of 20

“as stuff”

H3627

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

גוֹלָה֙8 of 20

“for captivity”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

יוֹמָ֔ם9 of 20

“by day”

H3119

daily

וּבָעֶ֛רֶב10 of 20

“and in the even”

H6153

dusk

חָתַֽרְתִּי11 of 20

“I digged”

H2864

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

לִ֥י12 of 20
H0
בַקִּ֖יר13 of 20

“through the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

בְּיָ֑ד14 of 20

“with mine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בָּעֲלָטָ֥ה15 of 20

“in the twilight”

H5939

dusk

הוֹצֵ֛אתִי16 of 20

“I brought forth”

H3318

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

עַל17 of 20
H5921

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

כָּתֵ֥ף18 of 20

“it upon my shoulder”

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

נָשָׂ֖אתִי19 of 20

“and I bare”

H5375

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

לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃20 of 20

“in their sight”

H5869

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

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 12:7 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 12:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 24:18Ezekiel 37:10Ezekiel 37:7John 15:14Mark 14:16Matthew 21:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Ezekiel 12 with CommentaryAll Ezekiel ChaptersComplete Ezekiel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes