Ezekiel 5:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A third part {H7992} of thee shall die {H4191} with the pestilence {H1698}, and with famine {H7458} shall they be consumed {H3615} in the midst {H8432} of thee: and a third part {H7992} shall fall {H5307} by the sword {H2719} round about {H5439} thee; and I will scatter {H2219} a third part {H7992} into all the winds {H7307}, and I will draw out {H7324} a sword {H2719} after {H310} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

A third of you will die from plague or be consumed by famine inside [Yerushalayim]; a third will fall by the sword all around [Yerushalayim]; and a third I will scatter to all the winds and pursue with the sword.'

Berean Standard Bible

A third of your people will die by plague or be consumed by famine within you, a third will fall by the sword outside your walls, and a third I will scatter to every wind and unleash a sword behind them.

American Standard Version

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 a third part I will scatter unto all the winds, and will draw out a sword after them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 5:12 is a stark prophetic declaration detailing the severe, comprehensive judgment awaiting Jerusalem and its inhabitants due to their persistent rebellion against God. It graphically describes a threefold fate for the city's population: one-third consumed by pestilence and famine within the city, another third falling by the sword outside its walls, and the final third scattered to the ends of the earth, pursued by divine judgment. This verse underscores God's unwavering justice and the inescapable consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 5:12 is the climax of a profound symbolic action initiated by God in [Ezekiel 5:1-4](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1-4 - The Symbolic Act of Hair Cutting"). The prophet Ezekiel is commanded to shave his hair and beard, dividing it into three portions to symbolize the fate of Jerusalem's inhabitants. A third is burned in the fire (representing death by pestilence and famine within the besieged city), a third is struck with a sword (representing death by battle outside the city), and a third is scattered to the winds (representing exile). This verse specifically details the precise nature of these judgments, reinforcing the visual prophecy with explicit divine pronouncements. It follows God's declaration of Jerusalem's unique sinfulness among the nations ([Ezekiel 5:5-11](/ezekiel/5-5 "Ezekiel 5:5-11 - Jerusalem's Abominations")), setting the stage for the severe retribution described here and in the subsequent verses, where God promises to unleash His fury ([Ezekiel 5:13-17](/ezekiel/5-13 "Ezekiel 5:13-17 - God's Fierce Anger")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This prophecy was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem (588-586 BC), leading to its eventual fall and the exile of its people. The judgments described—pestilence, famine, and sword—were common and devastating consequences of ancient siege warfare. Famine would result from blockades, pestilence from poor sanitation and unburied bodies, and the sword from direct combat or subsequent executions. The concept of "scattering into all the winds" was a profound cultural humiliation and loss of identity for an ancient people whose existence was tied to their land and temple. Jerusalem, as the supposed dwelling place of God, had become a center of idolatry and injustice, violating the covenant God had established with Israel at Sinai. This verse reflects the fulfillment of ancient covenant curses found in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"), which warned of such calamities for disobedience.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, where God actively intervenes to punish His people for their persistent sin and idolatry. The threefold division emphasizes the **Severity and Comprehensiveness of Consequences**, indicating that no one would escape the judgment unscathed, highlighting the inescapable nature of divine wrath. This judgment is rooted in the principle of **Covenant Faithfulness**, where God holds His people accountable to the covenant He made with them; their unfaithfulness directly led to these dire outcomes. Finally, the "scattering into all the winds" underscores the theme of **Exile and Diaspora**, a significant punishment that would lead to the loss of national identity and security, yet also set the stage for future restoration, a theme explored later in the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pestilence (Hebrew, _deber'_):** This term (H1698) refers to a plague or epidemic, often implying a divinely sent affliction. In the context of siege warfare, pestilence was a common and devastating consequence, but its use here signifies God's direct hand in bringing this specific judgment upon Jerusalem, not merely a natural disaster. It underscores the active role of God in the unfolding calamities.
* **Scatter (Hebrew, _zârâh'_):** The verb (H2219) means to toss about, diffuse, or winnow. It vividly portrays a forceful and complete dispersal, like chaff scattered by the wind. This is not a gentle migration but a violent uprooting and scattering to distant lands, signifying a loss of home, community, and national cohesion, leaving no fixed place of refuge.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This word (H2719) denotes a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, but broadly refers to any sharp implement used for destruction. In this context, it represents violent death in battle or execution. Its repeated mention alongside pestilence and famine emphasizes the brutal and multifaceted nature of the divine judgment, coming from both internal decay and external assault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee:"** This clause describes the fate of the first third of Jerusalem's inhabitants. They will perish within the city walls, suffering from the combined effects of disease (pestilence) and starvation (famine). This vividly portrays the horrors of a prolonged siege, where supplies are cut off, and unsanitary conditions breed sickness, leading to a slow, agonizing demise for a significant portion of the population. The phrase "in the midst of thee" emphasizes the internal suffering and the inescapable nature of this judgment within the besieged city.
* **"and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee;"** This second clause outlines the destiny of another third. They will meet their end by the sword, implying death in battle outside the city walls or during attempts to escape, or perhaps even by execution at the hands of the conquering Babylonians. "Round about thee" suggests the surrounding battlefields or the areas immediately outside the city where the conflict would rage, indicating a violent and swift end for this segment of the population.
* **"and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them."** The final clause details the fate of the remaining third. They will not die immediately but will be forcibly dispersed ("scatter into all the winds") across various nations, a direct fulfillment of covenant curses. The phrase "I will draw out a sword after them" is a chilling addition, signifying that even in exile, divine judgment will pursue them. This means their scattering is not a means of escape but a continuation of their punishment, ensuring that they will find no true peace or security in their new lands without repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 5:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of severe judgment. **Symbolism** is central, as the division of the hair in the preceding verses directly symbolizes the three distinct fates of Jerusalem's population. The "third part" motif is a powerful example of **Merism** or **Division**, representing a comprehensive, inescapable judgment that touches every segment of society, leaving no one unaffected. The repeated phrase "a third part" also creates a sense of **Parallelism**, highlighting the distinct yet equally devastating nature of each judgment. **Imagery** is vivid and visceral, painting a grim picture of death by "pestilence," "famine," and "sword," and the desperate act of being "scattered into all the winds." This strong imagery evokes fear and underscores the severity of God's wrath. Finally, the declaration "I will scatter" and "I will draw out a sword" are instances of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions and intentions to God, emphasizing His direct and active involvement in executing these judgments, rather than them being mere natural occurrences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 5:12 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to justice and His covenant faithfulness, even when it demands severe retribution. It reveals that God's warnings are not idle threats but expressions of His righteous character, holding His people accountable for their persistent rebellion and idolatry. The comprehensive nature of the judgment—affecting all segments of the population through various means—underscores the gravity of sin and the inescapable consequences of rejecting divine authority. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's holiness demands a response to sin, and His sovereignty extends over all aspects of human history, including national calamity and dispersion.

* [Leviticus 26:33](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33 - Scattering of Israel for Disobedience")
* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - God Will Scatter You Among All Peoples")
* [Jeremiah 29:18](/jeremiah/29-18 "Jeremiah 29:18 - Scattering and Desolation for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 5:12 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the unwavering justice of God. While the specific judgments were directed at ancient Jerusalem, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for individuals and communities today. It compels us to consider the idols in our own lives—anything that takes precedence over God—and the spiritual famine and decay that can result from persistent disobedience. The passage calls us to a deep introspection, urging us to examine our faithfulness to God's covenant and to repent where we have fallen short. It reminds us that God is not to be trifled with; His love is accompanied by a holy wrath against sin, and His warnings are given out of a desire for our repentance, not merely as threats. Understanding the comprehensive nature of this historical judgment should cultivate a healthy fear of God and a profound appreciation for His mercy, which always provides a path to reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "idols" or forms of spiritual rebellion might be present in my own life or community that could invite divine displeasure?**
* **How does the severity of God's judgment in Ezekiel 5:12 deepen my understanding of His holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways am I called to repent and return to God's covenant faithfulness in my daily walk?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater reverence for God's warnings and a deeper appreciation for His mercy?**

### FAQ
**Why is the population divided into 'thirds' in this prophecy?**

Answer: The division of Jerusalem's population into "thirds" in Ezekiel 5:12 is a powerful symbolic representation of the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment. It signifies that no one would be exempt from the impending calamity, but rather that judgment would come in various forms, affecting different segments of the population in distinct ways. This threefold division corresponds directly to the symbolic act in [Ezekiel 5:1-4](/ezekiel/5-1 "Ezekiel 5:1-4 - The Symbolic Act of Hair Cutting"), where Ezekiel divides his hair into three portions to be burned, struck with a sword, and scattered. It emphasizes that God's retribution would be thorough and multifaceted, leaving no avenue for escape for a rebellious people.

**Does God still bring such severe judgments today?**

Answer: While God's character of justice and holiness remains unchanged, the nature of His judgments has been profoundly reoriented through the New Covenant established in Christ. The specific, national-level physical judgments seen in the Old Testament, such as those against ancient Israel, were often tied to their unique covenant relationship and their role as a physical nation. Under the New Covenant, the focus shifts to spiritual judgment and the ultimate judgment to come. While God still allows consequences for sin and may permit suffering, the primary "judgment" for believers is the cross of Christ, where He bore the penalty for sin. For unbelievers, the ultimate judgment is eternal separation from God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). The call today is primarily to repentance and faith in Christ to escape spiritual death, rather than fear of national physical annihilation in the same manner as ancient Israel.

**What does 'scatter into all the winds' mean?**

Answer: The phrase "scatter into all the winds" vividly describes a complete and forceful dispersal of the remaining portion of Jerusalem's population. It signifies exile and diaspora, where the people would be uprooted from their homeland and spread out among foreign nations, like chaff blown away by the wind. This was a profound cultural and national humiliation, resulting in the loss of their land, temple, and distinct identity. The added phrase, "and I will draw out a sword after them," indicates that even in their dispersed state, they would not find peace or security, as divine judgment would continue to pursue them, ensuring that their scattering was a continuation of their punishment, not an escape. This theme of scattering is a recurring motif for disobedience in the Old Testament, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattering Among All Peoples").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 5:12, with its stark portrayal of comprehensive divine judgment against a rebellious people, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repeat of physical destruction but in the profound spiritual realities of the New Covenant. The judgment against Jerusalem for its sin foreshadows the universal judgment against all humanity for sin, a judgment that every person deserves ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, in Christ, the curse of the law and the penalty for sin—which is spiritual death and separation from God—are fully absorbed. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice, taking upon Himself the "pestilence" of sin, the "famine" of spiritual emptiness, and the "sword" of divine wrath that humanity deserved ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). He was "scattered" and forsaken on the cross, experiencing the ultimate separation so that those who believe in Him might never be scattered from God's presence but gathered into His eternal kingdom ([John 11:51-52](/john/11-51 "John 11:51-52 - Jesus Died to Gather God's Scattered Children")). Thus, the terrifying judgment of Ezekiel 5:12 points to the glorious redemption found in Jesus, who offers escape from eternal condemnation and invites all nations, once scattered by sin, to be united in Him, forming a new spiritual temple and a people gathered from "every nation, tribe, people and language" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Ezekiel 5:2

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.

Jeremiah 15:2

And it shall come to pass, if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as [are] for death, to death; and such as [are] for the sword, to the sword; and such as [are] for the famine, to the famine; and such as [are] for the captivity, to the captivity.

Jeremiah 43:10

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

Jeremiah 43:11

And when he cometh, he shall smite the land of Egypt, [and deliver] such [as are] for death to death; and such [as are] for captivity to captivity; and such [as are] for the sword to the sword.

Ezekiel 12:14

And I will scatter toward every wind all that [are] about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

Jeremiah 21:9

He that abideth in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence: but he that goeth out, and falleth to the Chaldeans that besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be unto him for a prey.

Ezekiel 6:11

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.