Ezekiel 21:6
Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes.
Original Language Analysis
בֶן
therefore thou son
H1121
בֶן
therefore thou son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֖ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֖ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בְּשִׁבְר֤וֹן
with the breaking
H7670
בְּשִׁבְר֤וֹן
with the breaking
Strong's:
H7670
Word #:
5 of 9
rupture, i.e., a pang; figuratively, ruin
מָתְנַ֙יִם֙
of thy loins
H4975
מָתְנַ֙יִם֙
of thy loins
Strong's:
H4975
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
Cross References
Isaiah 22:4Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.Ezekiel 6:11Thus 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.
Historical Context
Prophets frequently acted out messages (Ezekiel laid siege to a brick, walked naked, dug through walls). These symbolic acts grabbed attention and made abstract prophecies concrete. Ezekiel's visible grief would prompt questions, allowing him to explain the reason for mourning—Jerusalem's coming destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How should knowledge of coming judgment affect our emotions and ministry?
- What role does appropriate grief play in prophetic ministry and evangelism?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes.' God commands Ezekiel to dramatize grief physically. 'Breaking of thy loins' indicates deep anguish affecting one's core strength. 'With bitterness' (mar) shows the agony of coming judgment. Ezekiel must sigh 'before their eyes'—visual prophecy making the message visceral and undeniable. Physical expression of grief demonstrates the prophet's emotional connection to God's message.