Old Testament
Ezekiel 27:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a powerful expression of grief and loss.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
They will shave their heads in grief for you and put on sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguished hearts and bitter mourning.
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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