Ezekiel 9:5

KJV

¶ And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

KJV (with Strong's)

And to the others {H428} he said {H559} in mine hearing {H241}, Go {H5674} ye after {H310} him through the city {H5892}, and smite {H5221}: let not your eye {H5869} spare {H2347}, neither have ye pity {H2550}:

Complete Jewish Bible

To the others I heard him say, "Go through the city after him and strike! Don't let your eye spare; have no pity!

Berean Standard Bible

And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone!

American Standard Version

And to the others he said in my hearing, Go ye through the city after him, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 9:5 records a chilling divine decree issued in the prophet Ezekiel's hearing, commanding the instruments of God's judgment to proceed through Jerusalem and execute an unsparing slaughter. This verse marks the climactic moment of divine retribution against the city's rampant idolatry and moral corruption, emphasizing the absolute and uncompromising nature of God's justice, particularly towards those who have not been marked for preservation. It highlights the severity of God's holiness in the face of persistent rebellion and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rejecting His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 9:5 is a pivotal command within a vivid prophetic vision spanning [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in Jerusalem") through [Ezekiel 11](/ezekiel/11 "Ezekiel 11 - Judgment and Hope for Israel"). Immediately preceding this verse, in [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Protection"), a man clothed in linen is instructed to mark the foreheads of those who "sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." This act of divine discernment sets the stage for the judgment that follows, ensuring that God's wrath is precise and righteous, not indiscriminate. Verse 5 then introduces six men, each with a slaughter weapon, who are commanded to follow the man with the inkhorn and execute judgment on all who lack the protective mark. The subsequent verses detail the extent of this slaughter, beginning at the Temple, underscoring the profound defilement that had occurred in God's holy dwelling and the necessity of cleansing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel is set during the Babylonian exile, specifically after the first deportation of Judah in 597 BC. Ezekiel himself was among the exiles, and his prophecies were directed both to the exiles in Babylon and to the remaining inhabitants of Jerusalem. Jerusalem at this time was under severe threat from Babylon, and its eventual destruction (586 BC) was imminent. The "abominations" described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple") reflect the widespread syncretism and idolatry that had permeated Judahite society, even reaching into the Temple courts. Practices like sun worship, weeping for Tammuz, and the worship of various idols were direct violations of the Mosaic covenant, particularly the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-6](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3-6 - The First Commandments")). The cultural understanding of divine judgment in the ancient Near East often involved the complete annihilation of those deemed enemies of a deity, and in this context, God's judgment on Jerusalem, though severe, was understood as a just response to covenant unfaithfulness and a demonstration of His unique sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Holiness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His own purity and His righteous wrath against sin. The command "let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity" highlights the absolute nature of this particular judgment, indicating that the time for mercy had passed for those who persistently rebelled, echoing similar pronouncements in [Jeremiah 13:14](/jeremiah/13-14 "Jeremiah 13:14 - God's Lack of Pity"). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Discrimination in Judgment**, as God meticulously distinguishes between the righteous who grieve over sin and the wicked who participate in it. This selective judgment is a hallmark of God's justice, seen also in the sparing of Noah's family during the flood ([Genesis 7:23](/genesis/7-23 "Genesis 7:23 - Noah and His Family Spared")). Finally, it speaks to the **Consequences of Covenant Unfaithfulness**, illustrating that persistent rejection of God's commands and engagement in idolatry inevitably lead to severe divine retribution, culminating in the destruction of the city and Temple, as prophesied throughout [the book of Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** H5221, meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, kill, slay." This verb conveys the violent and decisive nature of the command. It is not merely to wound or incapacitate, but to inflict a fatal blow, signifying a comprehensive and deadly judgment.
* **spare (Hebrew, _chûwç'_):** H2347, meaning "to cover, i.e. (figuratively) to compassionate; pity, regard, spare." This word, along with "pity," forms a powerful double negative. To "not spare" means to show no mercy, to hold nothing back, and to allow no one to escape the judgment. It signifies an unmitigated and complete execution of the divine wrath.
* **pity (Hebrew, _châmal'_):** H2550, meaning "to commiserate; by implication, to spare; have compassion, (have) pity, spare." This word reinforces the previous one, creating a strong rhetorical emphasis. The command to "neither have ye pity" means to harden one's heart against any natural human inclination for compassion, ensuring the thoroughness and severity of the judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to the others he said in mine hearing":** This clause establishes the divine origin and direct communication of the command. "The others" refers to the six executioners introduced in [Ezekiel 9:2](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2 - The Six Executioners"), distinguishing them from the man with the inkhorn. Ezekiel's "hearing" emphasizes his role as a direct witness and recorder of this solemn divine decree, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy.
* **"Go ye after him through the city, and smite":** This is the core command for action. "Go ye after him" (the man with the inkhorn) indicates that the judgment follows the act of marking the righteous, ensuring that only the unmarked are targeted. "Through the city" (Jerusalem) specifies the geographical scope of the judgment. "And smite" is the direct instruction for lethal action, indicating the comprehensive and deadly nature of the impending judgment.
* **"let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity":** This is a powerful double negative imperative, intensifying the command for absolute, unmitigated judgment. "Let not your eye spare" means to look upon the condemned without any shred of compassion or reluctance to act. "Neither have ye pity" reinforces this, demanding a complete absence of mercy or emotional restraint from the executioners. This highlights the severity, finality, and thoroughness of God's wrath against the unrepentant.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 9:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its chilling message. **Anthropomorphism** is present in the depiction of God giving direct commands, speaking as a human leader might, underscoring His active involvement in the unfolding judgment. The most striking device is the use of **Hyperbole** and **Intensification** through the double negative command: "let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity." This is not merely a command to kill, but an emphatic instruction to do so without any emotional or moral reservation, underscoring the absolute and unyielding nature of this divine judgment. The imagery of the "six men with slaughter weapons" following the "man clothed in linen" creates a powerful **Juxtaposition** between divine preservation and divine destruction, highlighting God's meticulous justice. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Vision**, a symbolic and vivid portrayal of future historical events, designed to impress upon Ezekiel and his audience the certainty and severity of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 9:5 profoundly illustrates the unyielding nature of God's justice when His patience with persistent sin and rebellion reaches its limit. While God is inherently merciful and slow to anger, this verse reveals that His holiness demands a response to pervasive wickedness, especially when it defiles His covenant and His sanctuary. It underscores the principle that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous consequence of human choices, distinguishing meticulously between those who mourn over sin and those who embrace it. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's character encompasses both boundless love and unwavering righteousness, and that His ultimate authority includes the power to bring about severe, unmitigated judgment when His covenant is continually spurned.

* [Deuteronomy 13:8](/deuteronomy/13-8 "Deuteronomy 13:8 - No Pity for Idolatry")
* [Jeremiah 21:7](/jeremiah/21-7 "Jeremiah 21:7 - God's Lack of Pity on Jerusalem")
* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Ungodliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 9:5, though a challenging passage, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It compels us to confront the gravity of sin and the seriousness with which God views unfaithfulness, particularly idolatry in its myriad forms—anything that takes God's rightful place in our lives. This vision reminds us that while God is gracious and merciful, His justice is equally real, and there comes a point when persistent rebellion invites severe consequences. It calls us to a deep introspection, prompting us to examine our own hearts for any "abominations" that grieve the Spirit of God. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and lament, urging us to "sigh and cry" over the sins of our culture and our own shortcomings, knowing that such a posture is pleasing to God and a mark of true faithfulness. Ultimately, this passage should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, inspiring us to walk in holiness and repentance, trusting in His righteous character even when His judgments are severe, and seeking to live lives that honor His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be guilty of "abominations" that grieve God's Spirit today?**
* **How does the unsparing nature of God's judgment in this passage challenge our modern understanding of divine mercy?**
* **What does it mean for us to "sigh and cry" over the sins of our world, and how can we cultivate such a heart posture?**
* **How does understanding God's righteous judgment motivate us towards deeper repentance and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Does Ezekiel 9:5 imply that God is cruel or unmerciful?**

Answer: While the language of [Ezekiel 9:5](/ezekiel/9-5 "Ezekiel 9:5 - The Command to Smite Unsparingly") is undeniably severe, it does not imply that God is inherently cruel or devoid of mercy. Instead, it illustrates a specific instance of divine judgment against a people who had persistently rebelled against Him, despite repeated warnings and opportunities for repentance. The preceding verse, [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Protection"), shows God's meticulous discrimination, sparing those who grieved over the city's sins. This demonstrates that God's judgment is righteous and selective, targeting only the unrepentant. The severity reflects the gravity of the sin (widespread idolatry and defilement of His Temple) and the purity of God's holiness, which cannot tolerate unbridled wickedness indefinitely. It's a testament to His justice, ensuring that evil does not go unchecked, rather than an act of arbitrary cruelty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 9:5, with its stark depiction of unsparing judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a repetition of such earthly slaughter, but in the profound spiritual realities revealed through Jesus Christ. The distinction between the marked and the unmarked in Ezekiel foreshadows the ultimate divine separation between those who are "in Christ" and those who are not. Just as the mark on the forehead in [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Mark of Protection") signified protection from wrath, so too is salvation in the New Covenant secured by the spiritual "mark" or seal of the Holy Spirit, given to those who believe in Jesus ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Christ Himself, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full wrath and judgment of God on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that allows God to be both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). While Ezekiel 9:5 shows God's unsparing judgment on sin, the New Testament reveals that for those who trust in Christ, God's wrath has been fully satisfied, and they are spared from the coming judgment ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Delivered from the Wrath to Come")). Thus, the severity of Ezekiel 9:5 magnifies the incredible grace and mercy found in Christ, who endured the unsparing judgment so that believers might receive eternal life and never face such condemnation ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 5:11

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.

Exodus 32:27

And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, [and] go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour.

1 Kings 18:40

And Elijah said unto them, Take the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape. And they took them: and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Deuteronomy 32:42

I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; [and that] with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Ezekiel 8:18

Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, [yet] will I not hear them.

Ezekiel 24:14

I the LORD have spoken [it]: it shall come to pass, and I will do [it]; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.