Ezekiel 9:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Six men arrive from the north gate, each armed with a weapon, and one is clothed in linen with a writer's inkhorn.
The Context of Ezekiel 9:2
Divine agents of judgment gather at the Temple to carry out God's purposes.
What Does Ezekiel 9:2 Mean?
Six divine agents appear from the direction of the north gate, the traditional entry point from which judgment comes in Ezekiel's visions. Five carry slaughter weapons, representing the instruments of God's justice. The sixth figure, dressed in linen with an inkhorn, stands apart as a writer or recorder.
The brasen (bronze) altar is the place of sacrifice and atonement in the Temple courtyard. The positioning of these figures there emphasizes that judgment is centered at the sanctuary, the very heart of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
Ezekiel 9:2 in the Original Language
inkhorn (קְסֹתֶ֖ת qesoteth) — a container for writing materials, marking the scribe as a recorder of divine judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 9:2
What does Ezekiel 9:2 mean?
Six men arrive from the north gate, each armed with a weapon, and one is clothed in linen with a writer's inkhorn.
What is the context of Ezekiel 9:2?
Divine agents of judgment gather at the Temple to carry out God's purposes.