King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 9:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 9:1 in the King James Version says “He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.”

Ezekiel 9:1 · KJV

Context

1

He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.

2

And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. which lieth: Heb. which is turned a slaughter: Heb. a weapon of his breaking in pieces by his: Heb. upon his loins

3

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

Read Ezekiel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. This begins Ezekiel's terrifying vision of Jerusalem's destruction. The loud divine cry summons executioners with "destroying weapons" (keli mashchito, כְּלִי מַשְׁחִתוֹ)—instruments of slaughter. These angelic agents execute God's judgment on the defiled city. The vision graphically portrays what will occur literally when Babylon conquers Jerusalem—divine orchestration of historical catastrophe. God doesn't passively allow destruction; He actively commands it against persistent covenant violation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This vision (circa 592 BC) preceded Jerusalem's fall by six years, giving prophetic preview of coming judgment. The 'charge over the city' refers to angelic guardians or executioners implementing divine decree. Ancient Near Eastern theology recognized celestial beings executing divine will (2 Kings 19:35; Daniel 10:13, 20). When Babylon actually destroyed Jerusalem (586 BC), Ezekiel's vision was vindicated—what seemed symbolic horror became literal history, confirming God's word through His prophet.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God commanding destruction challenge views that He merely permits evil without active involvement?
  2. What does angelic execution of judgment teach about God using both spiritual and human instruments?
  3. In what ways should prophetic visions of judgment shape our urgency in evangelism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקְרָ֣א1 of 12

“He cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְאָזְנַ֗י2 of 12

“also in mine ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

ק֤וֹל3 of 12

“voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

גָּדוֹל֙4 of 12

“with a loud”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 12

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

קָרְב֖וּ6 of 12

“to draw near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

פְּקֻדּ֣וֹת7 of 12

“Cause them that have charge”

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

הָעִ֑יר8 of 12

“over the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וְאִ֛ישׁ9 of 12

“even every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּלִ֥י10 of 12

“weapon”

H3627

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

מַשְׁחֵת֖וֹ11 of 12

“with his destroying”

H4892

destruction

בְּיָדֽוֹ׃12 of 12

“in his 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

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 9:1 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 9:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 6:8Ezekiel 43:6-7Revelation 1:10-11Revelation 14:7Amos 3:7-81 Chronicles 21:15