Old Testament

Ezekiel 5:1

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, God instructs Ezekiel to perform a dramatic act using a sharp knife and a barber's razor.

Author: Ezekiel the prophet
Written: Around 590 BC
Genre: Prophecy
Original Audience: Exiled Israelites in Babylon

CBTClear Bible Translation

And you, son of man, take a sharp knife and a barber's razor, and pass them over your head and beard. Then take scales to weigh and divide the hair.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God instructs Ezekiel to perform a dramatic act using a sharp knife and a barber's razor. This symbolizes a significant message about the people of Israel. By shaving his head and beard, Ezekiel is demonstrating the seriousness of their situation. The act of weighing and dividing the hair represents the judgment that is coming upon them. Each part of the hair signifies different groups of people, some who will be spared and others who will face consequences. This vivid imagery is meant to grab attention and provoke thought about their actions and relationship with God. It serves as a wake-up call for the people to recognize the gravity of their choices and the need for repentance. Through this act, Ezekiel becomes a living message, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God and the hope of restoration if they choose to return to Him. The physical act of cutting hair is a powerful reminder of the spiritual state of the nation and the urgency of their situation.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Ezekiel 5:1 to your life

Consider how your actions reflect your relationship with God. Just as Ezekiel's act was a call to awareness, think about what messages your life sends. Are there areas where you need to make changes or seek forgiveness? Embrace the opportunity for growth and renewal in your life today.

Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Ezekiel 5:1 mean?

Ezekiel 5:1 describes God instructing Ezekiel to shave his head and beard, symbolizing the impending judgment on Israel. The act of weighing and dividing the hair represents different groups of people, some who will be spared and others who will face consequences.

What is the significance of the sharp knife and barber's razor in Ezekiel 5:1?

The sharp knife and barber's razor in Ezekiel 5:1 symbolize a drastic action that reflects the seriousness of Israel's situation. This vivid imagery serves to illustrate the judgment that is coming upon the people due to their disobedience.

What does the act of dividing the hair in Ezekiel 5:1 represent?

Dividing the hair in Ezekiel 5:1 represents the separation of different groups within Israel, indicating who will be judged and who may be spared. It emphasizes the consequences of their actions and the need for repentance.

How does Ezekiel 5:1 relate to themes of judgment and repentance?

Ezekiel 5:1 highlights themes of judgment and repentance by using the act of shaving as a call to awareness for the people of Israel. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the hope for restoration through repentance.

Book Summary

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.

Beside each living creature appears a wheel on the earth, and the wheels have the appearance of a wheel within a wheel. Their rims are high and full of eyes all around. When the living creatures move, the wheels move with them, and the spirit of the living creature is in the wheels. Above the heads of the living creatures is the likeness of a firmament like crystal, and above the firmament is the likeness of a throne like a sapphire stone. Upon the throne is the likeness of a man with brightness like fire and a rainbow around him. Ezekiel sees the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD, and when he sees it, he falls upon his face and hears a voice speaking. Ezekiel 2: Son of Man, Stand Upon Your Feet The voice says to him, "Son of man, stand upon your feet, and I will speak unto you." The Spirit enters him and sets him on his feet, and the LORD speaks to him. The LORD says he sends him to the children of Israel, a rebellious nation that has transgressed against Him. Their fathers have rebelled, and they continue in stubbornness and impudence. Ezekiel is sent to speak the LORD's words to them whether they hear or refuse to hear. The LORD tells him they shall know that a prophet has been among them. The LORD warns him not to fear them or their words, though they are like briers and thorns and though he dwells among scorpions. He is not to be afraid of their faces. He must speak the LORD's words to them whether they listen or refuse, for they are most rebellious. The LORD commands him not to be rebellious like that rebellious house. He is told to open his mouth and eat what the LORD gives him. He sees a hand with a scroll written inside and outside with lamentations, mourning, and woe.

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