King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 5:3 Mean?

Ezekiel 5:3 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. skirts: Heb. wings” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. skirts: Heb. wings”

Ezekiel 5:3 · KJV

Context

1

And thou, son of man, take thee a sharp knife, take thee a barber's razor, and cause it to pass upon thine head and upon thy beard: then take thee balances to weigh, and divide the hair.

2

Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.

3

Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. skirts: Heb. wings

4

Then take of them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; for thereof shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel.

5

Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts. Within the comprehensive judgment, grace appears—"a few in number" (me'at be-mispar, מְעַט בְּמִסְפָּר) will be preserved. The Hebrew me'at emphasizes smallness, yet the phrase "in number" (be-mispar) indicates precise counting—God knows exactly how many will survive. "Bind them in thy skirts" (vetzartam bi-khenafekha, וְצַרְתָּם בִּכְנָפֶיךָ) pictures securing the hairs in garment folds, symbolizing divine protection and preservation.

This verse introduces the remnant theology central to prophetic literature. Though judgment is comprehensive, God always preserves a faithful remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:1-5). The remnant's survival isn't due to superior righteousness but sovereign grace—God chooses to preserve some for His purposes. The bound hairs in Ezekiel's garment represent those whom God keeps secure through judgment's worst devastations.

The imagery of binding in skirts/wings recalls Ruth finding refuge under Boaz's wing (Ruth 3:9) and God's protective wings (Psalm 91:4). Despite executing severe judgment, God simultaneously shelters those He chooses to preserve. This dual reality—wrath and mercy operating simultaneously—reaches its fullness at the cross, where God's judgment fell on Christ while mercy flowed to believers (Romans 3:25-26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

History confirms this remnant principle. Though Jerusalem suffered catastrophic losses, a remnant survived the siege, exile, and subsequent trials. Some were protected by Babylonian officials (Jeremiah 39:11-14; 40:1-6), others maintained faithfulness in exile (Daniel and friends), and eventually a remnant returned to rebuild Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 1-2).

The 'few in number' proved crucial for covenant continuity. From this preserved remnant came post-exilic Judaism, the restored temple, the completed Old Testament canon, and ultimately the Messiah's genealogical line. God's preservation of the few ensured His redemptive purposes continued despite deserved judgment against the many.

This pattern repeats throughout Scripture. Noah's family (8 people) survived the flood preserving humanity. Abraham and Sarah produced Isaac when both were past childbearing years. A remnant returned from Egyptian slavery. Jesus chose twelve apostles to launch the church. God's saving purposes often work through small, preserved remnants rather than large, compromised multitudes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'few in number' challenge our tendency to equate numerical size with spiritual success?
  2. What does God's precise counting of the remnant teach about His sovereign, particular election?
  3. In what ways does the binding in skirts/wings provide comfort for believers facing trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְלָקַחְתָּ֥1 of 7

“Thou shalt also take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִשָּׁ֖ם2 of 7
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

מְעַ֣ט3 of 7

“thereof a few”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

בְּמִסְפָּ֑ר4 of 7

“in number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

וְצַרְתָּ֥5 of 7

“and bind”

H6696

to cramp, i.e., confine (in many applications, literally and figuratively, formative or hostile)

אוֹתָ֖ם6 of 7
H853

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

בִּכְנָפֶֽיךָ׃7 of 7

“them in thy skirts”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

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 5:3 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 5:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 40:6Jeremiah 52:16Jeremiah 39:10Matthew 7:141 Peter 4:182 Kings 25:12

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