Old Testament

Ezekiel 6:11

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

This is what the Lord GOD says: Strike with your hand and stomp with your foot, and say, 'Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel!' For they will fall by the sword, by famine, and by plague.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

What Ezekiel 6:11 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this passage, God is expressing deep sorrow over the wrongdoings of the people of Israel. He instructs the prophet to show his grief physically by striking his hand and stomping his foot. This act symbolizes the seriousness of their actions and the consequences that will follow. The people have committed many wrongs, and God warns them that they will face dire outcomes: death by sword, starvation, and disease. This message serves as a wake-up call, urging the people to recognize the severity of their situation. It highlights the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and the need for repentance. God’s desire is for His people to turn away from their harmful ways and seek a better path. The physical gestures are meant to convey urgency and the weight of their choices. Ultimately, this passage reflects God's justice and the consequences of turning away from Him, reminding us that our actions have significant repercussions in our lives and communities. It’s a call to reflect on our own lives and the impact of our choices.

How to apply Ezekiel 6:11 to your life

This passage encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their impact on ourselves and others. Just as the people of Israel faced consequences for their wrongs, we too must consider how our choices affect our lives. It’s a reminder to seek change and make amends where necessary, fostering a path toward healing and growth. Taking responsibility for our actions can lead to positive transformation in our lives and communities.

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.

A painting of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt

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

Walls uncovered by archaeologists on the mound of Tell es-Sultan, with palm trees in the distance.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Ezekiel 6:11

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 6:11

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 6:11 mean?

Ezekiel 6:11 conveys God's sorrow over the sins of Israel. He instructs the prophet to express grief through physical gestures, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions. The verse warns that the people will face severe consequences, including death by sword, famine, and plague, highlighting the need for repentance and acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Why does God ask Ezekiel to strike his hand and stomp his foot?

God asks Ezekiel to strike his hand and stomp his foot as a physical expression of grief and urgency. These actions symbolize the seriousness of Israel's sins and serve as a wake-up call for the people to recognize the gravity of their situation and the impending consequences of their actions.

What are the consequences mentioned in Ezekiel 6:11?

The consequences mentioned in Ezekiel 6:11 include falling by the sword, famine, and plague. These outcomes serve as a warning to the people of Israel about the dire repercussions of their evil abominations and the importance of turning away from their harmful ways.

How can we apply the message of Ezekiel 6:11 to our lives today?

We can apply the message of Ezekiel 6:11 by reflecting on our own actions and their impact on ourselves and others. It encourages us to take responsibility for our choices, seek repentance, and strive for positive change in our lives and communities, recognizing that our actions have significant consequences.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.