Ezekiel 8:3

KJV

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put forth {H7971} the form {H8403} of an hand {H3027}, and took {H3947} me by a lock {H6734} of mine head {H7218}; and the spirit {H7307} lifted me up {H5375} between the earth {H776} and the heaven {H8064}, and brought {H935} me in the visions {H4759} of God {H430} to Jerusalem {H3389}, to the door {H6607} of the inner {H6442} gate {H8179} that looketh {H6437} toward the north {H6828}; where was the seat {H4186} of the image {H5566} of jealousy {H7068}, which provoketh to jealousy {H7069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The form of a hand was put out, which took me by a lock of my hair; and a spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me, in these visions from God, to Yerushalayim, to the entrance of the inner [courtyard] gate that faces north. There stood the idol that [arouses God's] jealousy and provokes [his] zealous indignation.

Berean Standard Bible

He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. Then the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and carried me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes jealousy was seated.

American Standard Version

And he put forth the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 8:3 vividly describes the prophet Ezekiel's supernatural transportation in a divine vision from Babylon to Jerusalem, where he is positioned at the northern inner gate of the Temple. This dramatic spiritual journey, orchestrated by the hand and Spirit of God, serves as the prelude to a profound revelation of the pervasive idolatry and spiritual abominations being committed within the sacred precincts, setting the stage for God's righteous judgment against His unfaithful people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a new major section within the book of Ezekiel, following the prophet's initial call and early prophecies concerning Judah's impending judgment. Chapters 1-3 describe Ezekiel's commissioning and initial visions by the Chebar Canal in Babylon. Chapters 4-7 detail symbolic actions and pronouncements of judgment against Jerusalem. Chapter 8 marks a pivotal shift, as Ezekiel is transported in a vision directly to Jerusalem, providing an eyewitness account of the spiritual corruption that justifies the severe judgments previously prophesied. This visionary journey sets the stage for the subsequent chapters (8-11), which detail the departure of God's glory from the Temple, symbolizing the divine abandonment of a defiled sanctuary and city.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision occurs in the sixth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity (c. 592 BC), approximately six years after Ezekiel and the first wave of exiles were taken to Babylon. At this time, Jerusalem was still standing, though under Babylonian vassalage, ruled by King Zedekiah. The people remaining in Jerusalem, including the religious leaders, harbored a false sense of security, believing God would not allow His Temple or city to be destroyed. This verse exposes the shocking reality of pagan worship and syncretism that had infiltrated the very heart of Israelite religion, even within the Temple complex. The "image of jealousy" likely refers to an Asherah pole or another pagan idol, possibly Phoenician or Babylonian, erected in a prominent place, directly challenging Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship as articulated in the [First Commandment](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me"). Such practices were a grave violation of the covenant and a direct affront to God's holiness.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 8:3 introduces several critical themes that permeate the book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, as God actively intervenes to show Ezekiel the hidden sins of His people, demonstrating His omniscience and control over all circumstances, even in exile. The supernatural transport highlights the authenticity and divine origin of the prophetic message, emphasizing that these are "visions of God." Secondly, the verse immediately confronts the theme of **Idolatry and Spiritual Adultery**. The "image of jealousy" is the central object of the vision, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness and their spiritual harlotry against Yahweh, who is depicted as a [jealous God](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God's Jealousy"). This act of placing an idol in God's own house is the ultimate betrayal, provoking His righteous anger and justifying the impending judgment, a theme echoed in earlier prophetic warnings about the consequences of idolatry, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 32](/deuteronomy/32 "Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027 - This primitive word, distinct from the closed fist, refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, and direction. In this context, "the form of an hand" signifies a visible, yet possibly non-corporeal, manifestation of divine power and active involvement. It emphasizes God's direct, intentional, and personal agency in initiating Ezekiel's visionary experience and supernatural transport.
* **spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** H7307 - Meaning wind, breath, or a sensible exhalation, and by extension, a rational being's spirit. Here, "the spirit" refers to the divine Spirit of God, the active agent of Ezekiel's supernatural elevation and transport. This highlights the Spirit's role in prophetic inspiration and empowerment, enabling the prophet to transcend physical limitations and receive divine revelation.
* **image (Hebrew, _çemel'_):** H5566 - Derived from a root meaning "to resemble," this term denotes a likeness, figure, or idol. In this verse, "the image of jealousy" refers to a physical idol or cultic object that had been erected within the sacred precincts of the Jerusalem Temple. Its presence was a direct and blatant violation of God's command against idolatry, representing a profound act of spiritual rebellion.
* **jealousy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** H7068 - This word signifies jealousy or envy, but in relation to God, it refers to His righteous zeal for His own exclusive worship and holiness. The "image of jealousy" is thus an object that actively provokes God's righteous indignation and anger because it usurps His rightful place in the worship of His people, stirring His zeal for His covenant and His glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head;":** This opening clause describes the tangible, yet supernatural, initiation of Ezekiel's visionary transport. The "form of an hand" signifies a visible manifestation of divine power, not necessarily a literal hand, but a clear indication of God's direct and personal agency. The act of being "taken by a lock of mine head" emphasizes the prophet's passive reception of this divine intervention, highlighting the irresistible and intimate nature of God's grasp upon him, ensuring his complete submission to the divine will for this revelation.
* **"and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem,":** This section details the mode and destination of Ezekiel's transport. The "spirit" (referring to the Spirit of God, H7307) is the active agent, supernaturally elevating the prophet and carrying him across vast distances. The phrase "between the earth and the heaven" conveys a sense of extraordinary, perhaps ethereal, movement, transcending normal human experience. Crucially, this journey occurs "in the visions of God" (H4759), clarifying that it is a spiritual, not physical, transport, yet no less real or impactful for the prophet. The destination is explicitly "Jerusalem" (H3389), the very heart of the nation's spiritual life and the place of God's Temple.
* **"to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.":** This final clause pinpoints Ezekiel's precise landing spot and the shocking discovery he makes. He is brought to a specific location within the Temple complex: "the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north." This precise detail emphasizes the intentionality of God's revelation, guiding Ezekiel to the exact spot where the most egregious offense was being committed. The "seat of the image of jealousy" (H4186 for seat, H5566 for image, H7068 for jealousy) reveals the core of the problem: a pagan idol, placed prominently in God's own house, an abomination that "provoketh to jealousy" (H7069), stirring God's righteous indignation and zeal against such spiritual infidelity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 8:3 is rich in **Imagery** and **Symbolism**. The "form of an hand" is a powerful visual image, representing divine agency and power, yet maintaining an element of mystery, suggesting God's transcendence. The "spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven" employs **Hyperbole** to convey the extraordinary, supernatural nature of the transport, emphasizing the divine power at work. The entire experience is framed as a "vision of God," clearly marking it as a divinely orchestrated revelation, not a mere dream or human fancy. The central symbolic element is "the image of jealousy," which functions as a potent **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** for the pervasive idolatry and spiritual apostasy that had corrupted Judah. It is not just an idol, but the very embodiment of the nation's unfaithfulness that provokes God's righteous wrath. The phrase "provoketh to jealousy" is a direct **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (jealousy) to God, but here it signifies His holy zeal for His exclusive worship and His covenant relationship with Israel, which has been violated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 8:3 serves as a stark theological declaration concerning God's absolute holiness and His demand for exclusive worship. The presence of the "image of jealousy" in His sacred Temple reveals the depth of Israel's spiritual depravity and their profound violation of the covenant. This act of idolatry was not merely a ritualistic deviation but a fundamental betrayal of their relationship with Yahweh, provoking His righteous "jealousy"—a holy zeal for His own glory and the purity of His worship. This passage underscores that God does not tolerate rivals in the hearts of His people or in His sanctuary, and His judgment is a just response to such spiritual infidelity. It highlights the principle that true worship demands undivided loyalty and purity, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment that falls upon those who defile His name and His dwelling.

* [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - God's Jealousy")
* [Deuteronomy 32:16-21](/deuteronomy/32-16 "Deuteronomy 32:16-21 - Provoking God to Jealousy")
* [1 Corinthians 10:20-22](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20-22 - Idolatry and the Lord's Table")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 8:3 is a powerful call to examine the idols in our own lives, whether they are physical objects or more subtle affections that usurp God's rightful place. Just as the physical Temple was defiled by an "image of jealousy," our hearts, as temples of the Holy Spirit, can be polluted by anything we prioritize above God—be it wealth, power, comfort, relationships, or self-image. This verse challenges us to consider the seriousness with which God views spiritual infidelity and the profound impact of our allegiances. It reminds us that true worship requires undivided devotion and that God's righteous jealousy is not an envious human emotion, but a holy zeal for the purity of His relationship with us. We are invited to honestly assess what provokes God's displeasure in our lives and to actively dismantle any "images of jealousy" that have taken root, cultivating a heart of singular devotion to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "images of jealousy" might exist in my life today that subtly or overtly compete with God for my ultimate devotion?**
* **How does God's "jealousy" (His righteous zeal for His glory) inform my understanding of His character and His expectations for my worship?**
* **In what ways can I actively purify my "inner temple" (my heart and life) to ensure that God alone holds the supreme seat?**

### FAQ
**Was Ezekiel physically transported to Jerusalem, or was it a purely spiritual vision?**

Answer: The text explicitly states that Ezekiel was brought "in the visions of God." This indicates that the transport was not a physical, bodily relocation but a profound spiritual and visionary experience. While the experience was intensely real and vivid for Ezekiel, allowing him to "see" and "hear" as if he were physically present, it occurred within the realm of divine revelation. This is consistent with other prophetic experiences, such as Paul's being "caught up to the third heaven" ([2 Corinthians 12:2-4](/2_corinthians/12-2 "2 Corinthians 12:2-4 - Paul's Vision of Heaven")), where he himself wasn't sure if it was in the body or out of the body. The purpose was not to move Ezekiel's physical body, but to grant him a divine perspective on the spiritual realities unfolding in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 8:3, with its depiction of a defiled Temple and God's righteous jealousy, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and redefinition of God's dwelling place found in Christ. The "image of jealousy" in the Old Testament Temple represents humanity's persistent idolatry and rebellion, which necessitated divine judgment. However, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself becomes the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the one who perfectly embodies God's zeal, not only by cleansing the physical temple of its commercial defilement ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) but, more profoundly, by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to cleanse humanity from the idolatry of sin. Through His atoning work, believers become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), where God's Spirit truly dwells. The "jealousy" of God, provoked by ancient idolatry, is ultimately satisfied in Christ, who perfectly honors God and enables a new covenant relationship where God's people can worship Him in spirit and truth, free from the defilement of competing allegiances ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of a defiled earthly temple points forward to the perfect, undefiled Temple of Christ's body and the new spiritual temple of His church, purified by His blood.

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

Deuteronomy 32:16

They provoked him to jealousy with strange [gods], with abominations provoked they him to anger.

Ezekiel 11:1

¶ Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the LORD'S house, which looketh eastward: and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people.

Ezekiel 5:11

Wherefore, [as] I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

Deuteronomy 32:21

They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Deuteronomy 5:9

Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,

Deuteronomy 4:24

For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.