Ezekiel 21:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel must cry out in anguish because judgment will fall on Israel's people and princes, and he must strike his thigh in grief.
The Context of Ezekiel 21:12
Ezekiel is commanded to vocally and physically express the magnitude of coming judgment.
What Does Ezekiel 21:12 Mean?
The command to 'cry and howl' calls Ezekiel to vocal lament. The people—God's own covenant people—and their rulers ('all the princes of Israel') will all face the terrors of the sword. This judgment is not limited to common folk but includes the leadership.
The instruction to 'smite upon thy thigh' is another physical gesture of extreme grief. Striking one's thigh was a recognized sign of deepest mourning in ancient Near Eastern culture, reinforcing Ezekiel's role as one who embodies the sorrow of God's people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 21:12
What does Ezekiel 21:12 mean?
Ezekiel must cry out in anguish because judgment will fall on Israel's people and princes, and he must strike his thigh in grief.
What is the context of Ezekiel 21:12?
Ezekiel is commanded to vocally and physically express the magnitude of coming judgment.