Ezekiel 12:6 Meaning and Explanation
“In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel carries his goods publicly in dim light, covering his face—a visible sign of Israel's coming judgment.
The Context of Ezekiel 12:6
God reveals Ezekiel's purpose as a prophetic sign to Israel.
What Does Ezekiel 12:6 Mean?
The prophet is commanded to bear his belongings on his shoulders—the posture of a captive or refugee burdened by forced removal. He does this 'in their sight' and 'in the twilight,' keeping the sign visible yet shadowed. Covering his face shows the shame and sorrow of exile.
God explicitly states Ezekiel's role: 'I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.' His life is now a living message. Through his obedience to these strange commands, he becomes a communication tool in God's hands, speaking to a people who resist words alone.
Ezekiel 12:6 in the Original Language
siman (סִימָן), 'sign' — a visible token, a mark that points to something beyond itself; here the prophet's actions point to Israel's destined judgment
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 12:6
What does Ezekiel 12:6 mean?
Ezekiel carries his goods publicly in dim light, covering his face—a visible sign of Israel's coming judgment.
What is the context of Ezekiel 12:6?
God reveals Ezekiel's purpose as a prophetic sign to Israel.