Ezekiel 5:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The hair is divided into three parts, each destroyed differently: burned, struck with a knife, and scattered to the wind.
The Context of Ezekiel 5:2
The three-fold division shows Jerusalem's punishment manifesting in three ways: internal destruction, battle losses, and exile.
What Does Ezekiel 5:2 Mean?
Each portion of hair represents a portion of Jerusalem's population and their fate. One third is burned with fire in the midst of the city, representing those who die in the siege—by starvation, thirst, and disease within Jerusalem's walls. The destruction by fire symbolizes the intense suffering during the siege.
The second third is struck with a knife, representing those killed in battle around the city's perimeter. The final third is scattered in the wind, representing those taken into exile. The Lord adds that He will pursue the scattered ones with His sword, showing that exile brings no escape from divine judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 5:2
What does Ezekiel 5:2 mean?
The hair is divided into three parts, each destroyed differently: burned, struck with a knife, and scattered to the wind.
What is the context of Ezekiel 5:2?
The three-fold division shows Jerusalem's punishment manifesting in three ways: internal destruction, battle losses, and exile.