Ezekiel 4:5

KJV

For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I have laid {H5414} upon thee the years {H8141} of their iniquity {H5771}, according to the number {H4557} of the days {H3117}, three {H7969} hundred {H3967} and ninety {H8673} days {H3117}: so shalt thou bear {H5375} the iniquity {H5771} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I am assigning you one day for each year of their guilt; thus you are to bear the guilt of the house of Isra'el for 390 days.

Berean Standard Bible

For I have assigned to you 390 days, according to the number of years of their iniquity. So you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.

American Standard Version

For I have appointed the years of their iniquity to be unto thee a number of days, even three hundred and ninety days: so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 4:5 details a profound symbolic act commanded by God to the prophet Ezekiel, where he is instructed to lie on his left side for 390 days. This act serves as a vivid, living parable, representing the cumulative "years of iniquity" of the northern kingdom of Israel. Through this physically demanding and prolonged posture, Ezekiel was to visually embody the immense burden of Israel's persistent rebellion and the precise divine reckoning for their sin, foreshadowing the inevitable judgment and exile that would befall God's people due to their long history of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 4:5 is an integral part of a series of dramatic, symbolic actions God commands Ezekiel to perform in [Ezekiel chapters 4 and 5](/ezekiel/4 "Ezekiel 4 & 5 - Symbolic Acts of Judgment"). These acts are not mere illustrations but prophetic enactments designed to convey the certainty and severity of Jerusalem's impending siege and destruction to a skeptical and rebellious audience. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 4:1-4) describe Ezekiel drawing a map of Jerusalem on a brick and lying on his left side, symbolizing the siege. Verse 5 specifically details the duration of this symbolic posture—390 days—and explicitly links it to the "iniquity of the house of Israel." This period for Israel is immediately followed by a separate, shorter period for Judah in [Ezekiel 4:6](/ezekiel/4-6 "Ezekiel 4:6 - 40 Days for Judah"), highlighting God's distinct but related judgments upon both kingdoms. The entire sequence underscores God's meticulous accounting of sin and the prophetic burden placed upon Ezekiel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel was among the second wave of Jewish exiles deported to Babylon in 597 BC, following King Jehoiachin's surrender to Nebuchadnezzar (cf. [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "2 Kings 24:10-16 - Jehoiachin's Exile")). He ministered to a community clinging to false hopes of a swift return to Jerusalem and an unbroken covenant with God, often denying the severity of their national sin. Meanwhile, Jerusalem itself, though under Babylonian vassalage, remained defiant, believing its temple and God's presence guaranteed its safety. Ezekiel's symbolic acts, performed publicly in the sight of the exiles, were designed to shatter these illusions. The "house of Israel" refers primarily to the Northern Kingdom, which had a history of idolatry and rebellion dating back to the schism after Solomon's reign (cf. [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Division of the Kingdom")). The 390 days likely represent a cumulative period of their apostasy, a divine reckoning of their persistent unfaithfulness before their eventual Assyrian exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, demonstrating God's precise and just response to prolonged national sin. The specific numerical duration (390 days) underscores that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a measured consequence of accumulated iniquity. Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Symbolism and Embodiment**, as Ezekiel himself becomes a living, suffering sign, bearing the weight of Israel's sin in a tangible, physically demanding manner. This theme is central to Ezekiel's ministry, where his life often mirrored the message he proclaimed. Thirdly, the concept of **The Burden of Iniquity** is prominent; the phrase "so shalt thou bear the iniquity" illustrates the heavy spiritual and national consequences of persistent disobedience, a burden that ultimately leads to exile and suffering. Finally, the long period of sin implicitly speaks to God's **Patience and Warning**, showing that judgment only comes after extensive opportunities for repentance have been ignored, reinforcing the principle found in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience for Repentance") that God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laid (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb (H5414) means "to give, put, make," but in this context, it signifies God's active imposition or assignment of a task or burden upon Ezekiel. It underscores the divine origin and authority behind the command, indicating that Ezekiel's suffering is not self-imposed but divinely ordained as a prophetic act. God is the one who "puts" or "lays" this specific duration and symbolic burden upon His prophet.
* **iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻâvôn'_):** The term (H5771) carries a rich and sobering meaning: "perversity, moral evil, fault, sin," but also importantly, "punishment (of iniquity)." This dual aspect is critical. Ezekiel is not merely bearing the abstract concept of their sin, but the accumulated guilt and the impending consequences or punishment that results from their perversity. It highlights the profound and lasting impact of moral deviation from God's standards.
* **bear (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** This verb (H5375) means "to lift, carry, or endure." Here, it describes Ezekiel's physical and symbolic act of carrying the weight of Israel's guilt and impending judgment. It implies a burden that must be sustained over a long period, visually representing the heavy spiritual and national consequences of Israel's accumulated 'avon. Ezekiel's endurance in this posture vividly portrays the long-suffering that would come upon the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine command and the nature of the burden. God explicitly states that He is imposing this task ("I have laid upon thee"), emphasizing His sovereignty over the prophetic act. The burden is identified as "the years of their iniquity," indicating that the upcoming symbolic action will represent a cumulative period of the nation's rebellion and moral corruption against God. This highlights God's meticulous accounting of their historical disobedience.
* **"according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days:"**: This phrase specifies the precise duration and the method of calculation for the symbolic act. The "years of their iniquity" are to be represented by a corresponding "number of the days," with each day symbolizing a year. The exact figure, "three hundred and ninety days," is given, linking this specific period to the Northern Kingdom, the "house of Israel," which had a long history of apostasy since the division of the kingdom. This precision underscores the divine justice and the measured nature of God's judgment.
* **"so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel."**: This concluding clause reiterates the purpose of Ezekiel's symbolic act. By lying on his side for 390 days, Ezekiel is to "bear the iniquity" of the Northern Kingdom. This is not an act of atonement, but a powerful visual sermon; Ezekiel physically embodies the burden of guilt and the impending punishment that Israel's long-standing sin has brought upon them. It signifies the prophet as a living sign, a tangible representation of the nation's spiritual state and its inevitable consequence.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 4:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where Ezekiel's physical act of lying on his side for a specific duration symbolizes the "years of iniquity" of the house of Israel and the burden of their sin. His body becomes a living metaphor, a visual representation of the nation's spiritual state and impending judgment. This is further amplified by **Prophetic Enactment**, a characteristic feature of Ezekiel's ministry, where the prophet's life and actions become part of the divine message. The specific numbers, "three hundred and ninety days," introduce **Numerology** or symbolic numbers, where the precise duration is not arbitrary but represents a divinely measured period of historical transgression, emphasizing God's meticulous accounting of sin. The entire passage functions as an **Allegory** or a **Parable in Action**, where a concrete, observable event conveys a deeper, abstract theological truth about sin, judgment, and divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 4:5 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of corporate responsibility and the cumulative nature of sin, demonstrating that God meticulously accounts for a nation's prolonged rebellion. It underscores divine justice, where judgment is not arbitrary but a measured response to persistent iniquity. The prophet's physical burden vividly portrays the spiritual weight of sin and its inevitable consequences, serving as a stark warning that God's patience, though vast, does not negate His righteousness. This passage also highlights the role of the prophet as a living sign, embodying the divine message, and foreshadows the ultimate burden-bearer.

* [Leviticus 26:18](/leviticus/26-18 "Leviticus 26:18 - Sevenfold Punishment for Disobedience") – God warns Israel that if they continue to disobey, He will punish them "seven times more for your sins," indicating a measured increase in judgment corresponding to persistent rebellion.
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Your Own Wickedness Will Punish You") – "Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will reprove you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing for you to forsake the Lord your God." This verse highlights that sin carries its own inherent consequences and bitterness.
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death") – "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This New Testament verse succinctly summarizes the ultimate consequence of sin, whether individual or corporate, as spiritual death.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 4:5 challenges us to confront the gravity of sin, both individually and corporately. Just as God meticulously accounted for the "years of iniquity" for ancient Israel, He sees and acknowledges all actions, and there are consequences for persistent disobedience. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while God is patient and merciful, His holiness demands a response to sin. We are called to reflect on the burdens we carry—whether they are the weight of unconfessed sin, the consequences of past choices, or the spiritual burdens of our communities and nations. Like Ezekiel, we are sometimes called to embody truth, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, serving as living testimonies to God's character and His call to repentance. This verse compels us to examine our own lives and the spiritual health of our societies, urging us to turn from "iniquity" and embrace God's path of righteousness, finding freedom from the heavy weight of sin through confession and repentance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "iniquities" (sins, moral failings) might God be calling me, or my community, to acknowledge and address today?**
* **How does the concept of God's meticulous accounting for sin (390 days for 390 years) impact my understanding of His justice and patience?**
* **In what ways might I be called to "bear" or embody a difficult truth for God in my own context, even if it involves personal discomfort or sacrifice?**
* **What burdens of sin, personal or corporate, do I need to lay down before the Lord, trusting in His forgiveness and redemption?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ezekiel have to lie on his side for so long?**

Answer: Ezekiel was commanded by God to perform this physically demanding act as a powerful, living parable for the rebellious house of Israel. Lying on his left side for 390 days symbolized the "years of iniquity" of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, with each day representing a year of their cumulative sin and rebellion against God. This prolonged, uncomfortable posture was intended to vividly demonstrate the immense burden of their guilt and the certainty of God's impending judgment and exile. It was a visual sermon, designed to shock and awaken a people who had become complacent in their sin, as seen throughout [the book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").

**Does Ezekiel's bearing of iniquity mean he was atoning for Israel's sins?**

Answer: No, Ezekiel was not atoning for Israel's sins in the sense of making a substitutionary sacrifice for them. The Hebrew word for "bear" (nâsâʼ) can mean to carry a burden, endure, or take away. In this context, Ezekiel was symbolically "bearing" the *weight* and *consequences* of their iniquity, much like a prophet bears the message of judgment. He was a visual aid, a prophetic sign, demonstrating the heavy spiritual burden of their sin and the impending punishment. True atonement, the act of making amends for sin, could only be accomplished through the sacrificial system (e.g., [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")) and ultimately, perfectly, by Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 4:5, with its stark portrayal of a prophet bearing the weight of a nation's accumulated iniquity, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate burden-bearer: Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel's act was symbolic and not atoning, it painted a vivid picture of the immense spiritual burden of sin and its inevitable consequences. The New Testament reveals that Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), did not merely symbolize but actually "bore our sins in his own body on the tree" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). He truly "carried our sorrows and bore our griefs" as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant"). Unlike Ezekiel, whose suffering was a prophetic sign of judgment, Christ's suffering was a substitutionary act of redemption, taking upon Himself the full "iniquity" (punishment and guilt) of humanity so that we might receive forgiveness and righteousness. His sacrifice on the cross fully satisfied the demands of God's justice, effectively "laying upon Him the iniquity of us all" ([Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - All Our Iniquities Laid on Him")), thus fulfilling the deepest spiritual reality that Ezekiel's physical burden could only point towards. Through Christ, the heavy burden of sin is lifted, and we are offered true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 14:34

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, [even] forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, [even] forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.