Ezekiel 9:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Go through {H5674} the midst {H8432} of the city {H5892}, through the midst {H8432} of Jerusalem {H3389}, and set {H8427} a mark {H8420} upon the foreheads {H4696} of the men {H582} that sigh {H584} and that cry {H602} for all the abominations {H8441} that be done {H6213} in the midst {H8432} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to him, "Go throughout the city, through all Yerushalayim, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and crying over all the disgusting practices that are being committed in it."

Berean Standard Bible

“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah 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 over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 9:4 unfolds a pivotal moment in God's judgment upon Jerusalem, revealing His meticulous discernment and profound mercy. Amidst the pervasive idolatry and moral decay that necessitated divine wrath, the Lord commands a celestial scribe to traverse the city and place a protective mark upon the foreheads of those who genuinely lament and grieve over the widespread abominations. This act signifies God's commitment to preserving a righteous remnant, distinguishing them from the unrepentant masses destined for judgment, thereby illustrating His perfect justice and unwavering faithfulness to those who remain devoted to Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of vivid visions granted to the prophet Ezekiel, specifically detailing the reasons for God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and the temple. [Ezekiel chapters 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - The Abominations in Jerusalem and God's Departure") describe the pervasive idolatry and spiritual defilement occurring even within the sacred precincts of the temple, provoking God's righteous anger. In [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple"), Ezekiel is transported in vision to Jerusalem, where he witnesses various forms of detestable worship. This sets the stage for [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter of the Guilty"), which describes the execution of divine judgment. The command to mark the faithful in verse 4 precedes the devastating slaughter of the unrighteous, highlighting God's selective judgment and His preservation of a remnant, even as His glory prepares to depart from the temple in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BCE), a period of immense national crisis for Judah. Jerusalem was under Babylonian siege, and its eventual destruction was imminent. Despite repeated prophetic warnings, the people, including the religious leaders, had plunged into deep apostasy, adopting pagan practices and engaging in moral corruption. The abominations described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in Jerusalem") reflect the syncretism and rebellion prevalent in Judah prior to the final fall of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. The concept of a "mark" on the forehead was not entirely alien in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where marks could signify ownership, dedication, or even protection (e.g., branding of slaves or soldiers, or cultic tattoos). In this context, the mark serves as a divine seal, visually distinguishing those who maintained their fidelity to Yahweh amidst a society that had largely abandoned Him.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Preservation") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Discrimination and Justice**: God's judgment is not arbitrary or indiscriminate but is meticulously applied, distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. This reflects God's perfect justice, ensuring that those who grieve over sin are spared from the wrath poured out on the unrepentant. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Importance of Lamentation for Sin**: The "sighing and crying" signify a profound spiritual anguish and moral outrage over the rampant idolatry and wickedness. This active expression of grief is portrayed as a mark of true righteousness and a prerequisite for divine protection, contrasting sharply with the complacent or complicit attitudes of the majority. Finally, the act of marking highlights **Divine Protection and Preservation**: The "mark" serves as a visible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to safeguarding a righteous remnant, even in the midst of cataclysmic judgment. This theme of preservation echoes throughout biblical history, from Noah in the flood to Lot in Sodom, and foreshadows future instances of divine sealing for protection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated "Jehovah" or "the LORD." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant relationship with Israel. In this context, it underscores that the command for judgment and the provision for mercy emanate from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is just in His wrath and faithful in His protection.
* **mark (Hebrew, _tâv'_):** Derived from the root _tâvâh_ ("to mark out, to imprint"), _tâv_ literally means "a mark" or "a signature." Crucially, in ancient Hebrew script, the letter _tav_ often resembled an "X" or a cross. Its placement on the foreheads signifies a clear, visible identification and serves as a divine seal of ownership and protection, distinguishing the righteous from those appointed for destruction. It is a sign of divine favor and preservation.
* **sigh (Hebrew, _ʼânach'_), cry (Hebrew, _ʼânaq'_):** These two verbs are paired to describe the deep emotional and spiritual anguish of the faithful. _ʼânach_ means "to sigh" or "to groan," indicating a deep internal sorrow. _ʼânaq_ means "to shriek" or "to cry out," suggesting a more outward, audible expression of distress. Together, they convey a profound, visceral grief and moral indignation over the abominations committed in Jerusalem, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's holiness and a rejection of the prevailing wickedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the divine origin of the command, emphasizing the authority of Yahweh. The recipient of the command is not explicitly named here but is understood from the preceding verses ([Ezekiel 9:2-3](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2-3 - The Six Executioners and the Man with the Inkhorn")) to be the man clothed in linen with a writer's inkhorn, a celestial scribe or angel. The repetition of "through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem" highlights the pervasive nature of the judgment and the thoroughness of the divine survey, encompassing the entire capital city.
* **"and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men":** This is the core instruction for divine preservation. The "mark" (_tav_) is to be applied to the "foreheads," a prominent and visible location. This signifies an open, public declaration of allegiance and a clear distinction. The "men" (_ʼĕnôwsh_) refers to humanity in general, but specifically here to the inhabitants of Jerusalem who fit the subsequent description.
* **"that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof":** This final clause defines the criteria for receiving the protective mark. It is not based on ritualistic purity alone, but on a deep, heartfelt spiritual anguish over the pervasive "abominations" (_tôwʻêbah_) – detestable acts, especially idolatry and moral corruption – that are rampant within Jerusalem. Their lamentation is a sign of their spiritual sensitivity and their alignment with God's righteous standards, setting them apart from the majority who either participate in or are indifferent to the wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 9:4 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "mark" (_tav_) serving as a powerful symbol of divine ownership, protection, and distinction. Its ancient form, resembling a cross, adds a layer of prophetic significance. Jerusalem itself is a **Symbol** here, representing the unfaithful covenant people facing judgment. The action of "sighing and crying" is a form of **Pathos**, evoking the deep emotional distress of the righteous remnant in the face of overwhelming sin. There is a strong **Contrast** drawn between those who lament sin and those who commit or tolerate it, setting up a clear binary between the objects of God's mercy and His judgment. The entire passage functions as a **Divine Command**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His active involvement in the affairs of humanity, both in judgment and in salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 9:4 profoundly illustrates God's character as both a righteous judge and a merciful preserver. It underscores the biblical principle that while corporate sin brings corporate judgment, God always discerns and protects a faithful remnant. This divine discrimination is rooted in His justice, ensuring that His wrath falls only upon the unrepentant, and in His grace, providing a way of escape for those who grieve over sin and align their hearts with His holiness. The "mark" serves as a powerful theological symbol of covenant faithfulness and divine election, a visible sign of an invisible spiritual reality—a heart broken by sin and devoted to God. This concept of a protective mark or seal reappears throughout redemptive history, signifying God's sovereign care for His people.

* [Exodus 12:7](/exodus/12-7 "The Passover Blood on the Doorposts")
* [Psalm 119:136](/psalms/119-136 "The Psalmist's Grief Over Sin")
* [Revelation 7:3](/revelation/7-3 "Sealing of God's Servants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 9:4 serves as a timeless mirror for believers, prompting profound self-examination and a call to spiritual vigilance. In a world often characterized by moral relativism and widespread societal sin, this verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that "sighs and cries" over the abominations around us, rather than becoming desensitized or complacent. This lament is not merely passive sorrow but an active posture of spiritual alignment with God's holiness, demonstrating a genuine aversion to sin and a longing for righteousness. It reminds us that authentic faith is not just about avoiding personal transgression, but also about grieving over the brokenness of the world and the dishonor done to God's name. Furthermore, the promise of the mark offers immense comfort: even amidst impending judgment, God faithfully knows, distinguishes, and protects those who are truly His. This should inspire us to live distinctively, allowing our lives to be a visible testament to our allegiance to Christ, trusting in His sovereign protection as we navigate a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Do I genuinely "sigh and cry" over the sins and injustices prevalent in my community and the world, or have I become desensitized?**
* **In what practical ways can I express my lament over sin and demonstrate my alignment with God's holiness in my daily life?**
* **How does the concept of God distinguishing and protecting a faithful remnant encourage me in times of widespread spiritual decline?**
* **What does it mean for me to bear God's "mark" in a contemporary context, and how is that expressed in my actions and attitudes?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "mark" in Ezekiel 9:4?**

Answer: The "mark" (Hebrew: _tav_) in Ezekiel 9:4 is a powerful symbol of divine distinction and protection. It was placed on the foreheads of those who grieved over the abominations in Jerusalem, setting them apart for preservation from the impending judgment. In ancient Hebrew script, the letter _tav_ often resembled an "X" or a cross, which some scholars see as a prophetic foreshadowing of the cross of Christ, the ultimate sign of salvation. The mark signifies God's ownership and covenant faithfulness to His righteous remnant, ensuring their safety amidst widespread destruction. It is a visible sign of an inner spiritual state of devotion and lament.

**Who are "the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations"?**

Answer: These are the righteous remnant within Jerusalem who have not succumbed to the pervasive idolatry and moral corruption that characterized the city. They are distinguished by their deep spiritual anguish and grief over the sins committed by their fellow citizens, even within the temple precincts, as described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in Jerusalem"). Their "sighing and crying" indicate a heart that is sensitive to God's holiness and deeply distressed by the dishonor brought upon His name. They represent those who remain faithful to God's covenant, even when surrounded by apostasy, and their lament is a sign of their spiritual health and moral integrity. This group is spared from the judgment that falls upon the unrepentant majority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 9:4 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "mark" and means of salvation for all who lament their sin and turn to Him. The protective mark on the forehead of the righteous remnant in Ezekiel foreshadows the spiritual sealing of believers in the New Covenant. Just as the _tav_ preserved those in Jerusalem, the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provides the definitive mark of atonement and redemption, securing eternal life for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is given to believers as a "seal" or "guarantee" of their inheritance, marking them as God's own and securing them until the day of redemption ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit") and [2 Corinthians 1:22](/2_corinthians/1-22 "2 Corinthians 1:22 - God's Seal on Us")). The "sighing and crying" over abominations in Ezekiel is perfectly embodied by Christ, who Himself wept over Jerusalem's spiritual blindness ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")) and bore the ultimate anguish of sin on the cross, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, the judgment averted by a mark in Ezekiel is ultimately overcome by the grace of Christ, who offers not just temporary preservation but eternal salvation to all who mourn their sin and trust in Him ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn")).

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

Revelation 9:4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Revelation 14:1

¶ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 7:2

And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Revelation 7:3

Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

Revelation 20:4

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.