Ezekiel 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jerusalem's population will be divided into three equal parts, each suffering different judgment: pestilence, sword, and scattering.
The Context of Ezekiel 5:12
The three-fold judgment is now explicitly numbered: pestilence/famine, sword, and exile—with pursuit into exile.
What Does Ezekiel 5:12 Mean?
This verse returns to and elaborates the three-fold division symbolized by the divided hair in verse 2. One third dies from pestilence and famine inside the city during the siege. One third falls by the sword in battles around the city's perimeter. One third is scattered into exile but remains under divine pursuit. The repeated 'third part' (Hebrew 'shlishi') creates a framework of precise, measured judgment.
The final phrase—'I will draw out a sword after them'—means that even those scattered in exile will not find safety or escape. The sword of judgment follows the exiles wherever they go. This tripartite division makes clear that Jerusalem faces judgment that is universal (it touches everyone) and comprehensive (it comes by multiple means). None of the three groups escapes consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 5:12
What does Ezekiel 5:12 mean?
Jerusalem's population will be divided into three equal parts, each suffering different judgment: pestilence, sword, and scattering.
What is the context of Ezekiel 5:12?
The three-fold judgment is now explicitly numbered: pestilence/famine, sword, and exile—with pursuit into exile.