Ezekiel 9:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The scribe is commanded to mark the foreheads of those who grieve over Jerusalem's wickedness.
The Context of Ezekiel 9:4
Before judgment falls, God marks the righteous for protection.
What Does Ezekiel 9:4 Mean?
The scribe is sent to walk through Jerusalem with a specific task: to place a mark on the foreheads of the righteous—those who sigh and cry over the abominations committed in the city. These are people who refuse to accept the idolatry and injustice around them, whose consciences are troubled by the city's corruption.
This mark of protection anticipates the slaughter to come. Those who maintain covenant fidelity and moral sensitivity, even in a corrupted community, will be preserved. The mark shows that God's judgment, though severe, is discriminating; He takes account of the faithful few.
Ezekiel 9:4 in the Original Language
mark (תָּ֕ו taw) — the letter Taw, meaning a sign or seal, placed on the forehead to set apart the faithful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 9:4
What does Ezekiel 9:4 mean?
The scribe is commanded to mark the foreheads of those who grieve over Jerusalem's wickedness.
What is the context of Ezekiel 9:4?
Before judgment falls, God marks the righteous for protection.