King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 24:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 24:4 in the King James Version says “Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones. — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.

Ezekiel 24:4 · King James Version


Context

2

Son of man, write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day.

3

And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:

4

Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.

5

Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein. burn: or, heap

6

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones details the pot being loaded with choice meat—the best cuts. This represents Jerusalem's population, particularly the elite who remained after the 597 BC deportation. Fill it with the choice bones indicates the city full of valuable people. The imagery begins positively—a pot of good ingredients—but will turn dark as the cooking becomes burning. What seems favorable (a full pot) becomes judgment (contents destroyed by fire). Prosperity becomes the instrument of judgment when accompanied by unrepentance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After the first deportation (597 BC), Jerusalem's remaining population included many nobles, priests, and craftsmen whom Nebuchadnezzar had left to maintain the land. Jeremiah and Ezekiel prophesied to both groups—exiles and those remaining—with different messages. Those in Jerusalem falsely thought themselves favored, the 'good figs' remaining in the land.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can apparent favor become the context for judgment?
  2. Why do we often misinterpret temporary prosperity as divine approval?
  3. What does it mean that the choicest pieces are destroyed along with the rest?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֱסֹ֤ף1 of 11

Gather

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

נֵ֥תַח2 of 11

piece

H5409

a fragment

אֵלֶ֔יהָ3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל4 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נֵ֥תַח5 of 11

piece

H5409

a fragment

ט֖וֹב6 of 11

thereof into it even every good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

יָרֵ֣ךְ7 of 11

the thigh

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

וְכָתֵ֑ף8 of 11

and the 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

מִבְחַ֥ר9 of 11

it with the choice

H4005

select, i.e., best

עֲצָמִ֖ים10 of 11

bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

מַלֵּֽא׃11 of 11

fill

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)


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 24:4 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 24:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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