King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 9:4 Mean?

Ezekiel 9:4 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the fo...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. set a mark: Heb. mark a mark”

Ezekiel 9:4 · KJV

Context

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;

4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. set a mark: Heb. mark a mark

5

And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: mine hearing: Heb. mine ears

6

Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. utterly: Heb. to destruction

Read Ezekiel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. Before judgment, God commands marking the righteous remnant. The Hebrew tav (תָּו, "mark") was the last letter of the alphabet, shaped like X or +, signifying ownership and protection. Those who "sigh and cry" (ne'enachim vene'anaqim, נֶאֱנָחִים וְנֶאֱנָקִים) over sin's abominations receive this protective mark. This foreshadows Revelation 7:3-4 where God's servants are sealed before judgment falls. True believers grieve over cultural and personal sin rather than celebrating or ignoring it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The mark distinguished genuine believers from mere temple-attenders. Many Israelites participated in idolatry (Ezekiel 8); only the grieved remnant qualified for protection. When Babylon conquered Jerusalem, some Jews survived through various means—Babylonian protection (Jeremiah 39:11-14), hiding, or providential preservation. The vision explains this selective survival as divine protection of the marked remnant. Post-exilic community emerged from these preserved few who mourned sin rather than tolerating it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sighing and crying over abominations distinguish genuine faith from cultural religion?
  2. What does the protective mark teach about God's knowledge and preservation of His true people?
  3. In what ways should believers today grieve over cultural and ecclesial sin rather than becoming desensitized?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֵלָ֔ו3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבֹר֙4 of 20

“unto him Go through”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בְּתוֹכָֽהּ׃5 of 20

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הָעִ֔יר6 of 20

“of the city”

H5892

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

בְּתוֹכָֽהּ׃7 of 20

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם8 of 20

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְהִתְוִ֨יתָ9 of 20

“and set”

H8427

to mark out, i.e., (primitive) scratch or (definite) imprint

תָּ֜ו10 of 20

“a mark”

H8420

a mark; by implication, a signature

עַל11 of 20
H5921

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

מִצְח֣וֹת12 of 20

“upon the foreheads”

H4696

the forehead (as open and prominent)

הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים13 of 20

“of the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַנֶּֽאֱנָחִים֙14 of 20

“that sigh”

H584

to sigh

וְהַנֶּ֣אֱנָקִ֔ים15 of 20

“and that cry”

H602

to shriek

עַ֚ל16 of 20
H5921

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

כָּל17 of 20
H3605

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

הַתּ֣וֹעֵב֔וֹת18 of 20

“for all the abominations”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הַֽנַּעֲשׂ֖וֹת19 of 20

“that be done”

H6213

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

בְּתוֹכָֽהּ׃20 of 20

“in the midst”

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 9:42 Corinthians 1:22Revelation 14:1Revelation 7:2-3Revelation 20:42 Timothy 2:19

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezekiel 9 →

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