Old Testament
Ezekiel 27:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They will shave their heads in grief for you and put on sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguished hearts and bitter mourning.
Compare translations
And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing.
What Ezekiel 27:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a powerful expression of grief and loss. The people are so deeply affected by the downfall of a great city that they engage in traditional mourning practices. Shaving their heads symbolizes their sorrow, while wearing sackcloth represents humility and mourning. Their tears reflect the pain of losing something precious. This scene captures the intensity of their emotions, showing how much they cared for what was lost. Mourning rituals like these highlight the connection between people and their communities. It reminds us that loss can bring people together in shared sorrow, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support during difficult times. The anguish felt here is not just for the city but for the relationships and memories tied to it. This verse invites us to reflect on what we value and how we express our grief when faced with loss, encouraging us to cherish our connections with others and to support one another in times of sorrow. It’s a reminder that mourning is a natural part of life.
How to apply Ezekiel 27:31 to your life
When we experience loss, it's important to allow ourselves to grieve. Sharing our feelings with others can help us heal. Consider reaching out to someone who is mourning and offer your support. Remember that expressing sorrow is a sign of strength, not weakness. Cherish your connections with loved ones during tough times, as they matter most. “,”chapter_summary_teaser”: “This chapter illustrates the profound impact of loss on a community. It highlights the rituals of mourning and
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 27:31
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 27:31
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 27:31 mean?
Ezekiel 27:31 expresses deep grief and mourning for the downfall of a great city. The verse illustrates how the people engage in traditional mourning practices, such as shaving their heads and wearing sackcloth, to show their sorrow and loss.
What is the significance of shaving heads in Ezekiel 27:31?
Shaving heads in Ezekiel 27:31 symbolizes profound sorrow and grief. It is a traditional act of mourning that reflects the intensity of the people's emotions over the loss of the city.
What does sackcloth represent in Ezekiel 27:31?
In Ezekiel 27:31, sackcloth represents humility and mourning. Wearing sackcloth is a way for the people to express their sorrow and show their deep emotional connection to what has been lost.
How can we apply the message of Ezekiel 27:31 in our lives?
The message of Ezekiel 27:31 encourages us to allow ourselves to grieve when we experience loss. It reminds us to support others who are mourning and to cherish our connections with loved ones during difficult times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.