New International Version Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, the mothers and children, but do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple. New Living Translation Kill them all—old and young, girls and women and little children. But do not touch anyone with the mark. Begin right here at the Temple.” So they began by killing the seventy leaders. English Standard Version Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house. Berean Standard Bible Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. Berean Literal Bible Aged, young man, and maidens, and little children, and women you⁺ will slay to destruction; and upon every man, upon him who has the mark, you⁺ will not come near. And at My sanctuary you⁺ will begin!” And they began with the elder men who were before the face of the house. King James Bible Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. New King James Version Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. New American Standard Bible Utterly kill old men, young men, female virgins, little children, and women, but do not touch any person on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. NASB 1995 “Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. NASB 1977 “Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. Legacy Standard Bible Kill to utter destruction old men, chosen men, virgins, little ones, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the house. Amplified Bible Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women; but do not touch or go near anyone on whom is the mark. Begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the old men who were in front of the temple [who did not have the LORD’S mark on their foreheads]. Berean Annotated Bible Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary. So they began with the elders who were before the temple. Christian Standard Bible Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, as well as the children and older women, but do not come near anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. Holman Christian Standard Bible Slaughter the old men, the young men and women, as well as the older women and little children, but do not come near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. American Standard Version slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old men that were before the house. English Revised Version slay utterly the old man, the young man and the maiden, and little children and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. GOD'S WORD® Translation Kill old men, young men, old women, young women, and children. But don't come near anyone who has a mark on him. Start with my holy place." So they started with the old men in front of the temple. Good News Translation Kill the old men, young men, young women, mothers, and children. But don't touch anyone who has the mark on his forehead. Start here at my Temple." So they began with the leaders who were standing there at the Temple. International Standard Version You are to execute old men, young men, young women, little children, and women. But don't touch anyone who has been marked. Begin at my Holy Place!" And so they started with the elders who were in standing in front of the Temple. NET Bible Old men, young men, young women, little children, and women--wipe them out! But do not touch anyone who has the mark. Begin at my sanctuary!" So they began with the elders who were at the front of the temple. New Heart English Bible kill utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but do not come near any man on whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary." Then they began at the old men that were before the house. Webster's Bible Translation Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the elderly men who were before the house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSlaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. World English Bible Kill utterly the old man, the young man, the virgin, little children and women; but don’t come near any man on whom is the mark. Begin at my sanctuary.” Then they began at the old men who were before the house. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionaged, young man, and virgin, and infant, and women, you slay—to destruction; and against any man on whom [is] the mark you do not go near, and you begin from My sanctuary.” Berean Literal Bible Aged, young man, and maidens, and little children, and women you⁺ will slay to destruction; and upon every man, upon him who has the mark, you⁺ will not come near. And at My sanctuary you⁺ will begin!” And they began with the elder men who were before the face of the house. Young's Literal Translation aged, young man, and virgin, and infant, and women, ye do slay -- to destruction; and against any man on whom is the mark ye do not go nigh, and from My sanctuary ye begin.' Smith's Literal Translation The old man, the young man, and the virgin, and little ones, and women, ye shall slay to destruction: and every man which upon him the mark, ye shall not touch; and ye shall begin from my holy place. And they will begin upon the old men which are before the house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleUtterly destroy old and young, maidens, children and women: but upon whomsoever you shall see Thau, kill him not, and begin ye at my sanctuary. So they began at the ancient men who mere before the house. Catholic Public Domain Version Kill, even to utter destruction, old men, young men, and virgins, little ones, and women. But all upon whom see the Tau, you shall not kill. And begin from my sanctuary.” Therefore, they began with the men among the elders, who were before the face of the house. New American Bible Old and young, male and female, women and children—wipe them out! But do not touch anyone marked with the X. Begin at my sanctuary. So they began with the elders who were in front of the temple. New Revised Standard Version Cut down old men, young men and young women, little children and women, but touch no one who has the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were in front of the house. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSlay utterly old and young, both virgins and little children and women; but touch not any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. So they began with the elders who stood in front of the house. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the elders and the young men and the virgin girls and the boys and the women kill with destruction, and every man that has a mark upon him you shall not touch, and begin from my holy place.” And they began with the Elders, the men who had been standing before the house OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917slay utterly the old man, the young man and the maiden, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.' Then they began at the elders that were before the house. Brenton Septuagint Translation Slay utterly old man and youth, and virgin, and infants, and women: but go ye not nigh any on whom is the mark: begin at my sanctuary. So they began with the elder men who were within in the house. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Slaughter of the Idolaters…5And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! 6Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. 7Then He told them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go forth!” So they went out and began killing throughout the city.… Cross References Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; 2 Chronicles 36:17 So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, Deuteronomy 32:25 Outside, the sword will take their children, and inside, terror will strike the young man and the young woman, the infant and the gray-haired man. Jeremiah 6:11 But I am full of the LORD’s wrath; I am tired of holding it back. “Pour it out on the children in the street, and on the young men gathered together. For both husband and wife will be captured, the old and the very old alike. but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Revelation 9:4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Revelation 7:3 “Do not harm the land or sea or trees until we have placed a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Genesis 4:15 “Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him. Now begin at My sanctuary.” 1 Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. So they began with the elders who were before the temple. Ezekiel 8:11 Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. Ezekiel 11:1 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. And there at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders of the people. Revelation 14:1 Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. Revelation 22:4 They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’” Matthew 13:41-42 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness. / And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” Treasury of Scripture Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man on whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. utterly [heb] to destruction Numbers 31:15-17 And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? … Deuteronomy 2:34 And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: Deuteronomy 3:6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city. but Exodus 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. Joshua 2:18,19 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee… Joshua 6:22-25 But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her… and begin Ezekiel 8:5-16 Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry… Jeremiah 25:29 For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. Amos 3:2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. at the Ezekiel 8:11,16 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up… 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. Jump to Previous Ancient Begin Children Elderly House Kill Little Maiden Maids Mark Sanctuary Slay Utterly Virgin Women YoungJump to Next Ancient Begin Children Elderly House Kill Little Maiden Maids Mark Sanctuary Slay Utterly Virgin Women YoungEzekiel 9 1. A vision, whereby is shown the preservation of some5. and the destruction of the rest 8. God cannot be entreated for them Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; The judgment fell on Jerusalem without regard to age, status, or gender because the city had filled itself with idolatry, violence, and rebellion against the Lord. Those who shared in its corruption faced the consequences of its sin. 2Ch 36:17 So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans,… but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Those marked had grieved over the abominations practiced in Jerusalem. Their preservation showed that the Lord distinguished the faithful remnant from those who embraced the city’s evil. Rev 9:4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth… Now begin at My sanctuary.” The judgment began at the temple because the place set apart for God’s worship had been defiled. Those entrusted with greater knowledge and responsibility were judged first. 1Pe 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God;… So they began with the elders who were before the temple. The elders represented the leadership of the people and had failed to guard true worship. Their judgment exposed the seriousness of leading others into idolatry and corruption. Ezk 8:11 Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. The Marked Individuals Those who are spared from judgment because they have received a mark, signifying their faithfulness and lamentation over the sins of Jerusalem. 3. The Executioners Angelic beings or agents of God's judgment, tasked with carrying out the divine decree. 4. The Sanctuary The temple in Jerusalem, representing the starting point of God's judgment, emphasizing the principle that judgment begins with the house of God. 5. The Elders Leaders of the people, who are the first to face judgment, highlighting the accountability of those in positions of spiritual leadership. Teaching Points The Seriousness of SinSin has severe consequences, and God's judgment is a response to persistent disobedience and rebellion. The Importance of Lamentation Those who mourn over sin and seek righteousness are marked for protection, emphasizing the value of a contrite heart. Judgment Begins at the House of God Believers are held to a higher standard, and spiritual leaders bear significant responsibility for guiding their communities. God's Sovereignty in Judgment God is just and sovereign, executing judgment according to His perfect wisdom and timing. The Assurance of Divine Protection Those who are faithful to God and bear His mark are assured of His protection, even amidst widespread judgment. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 9:6?2. How does Ezekiel 9:6 emphasize God's judgment starting with His sanctuary? 3. What does "begin at My sanctuary" reveal about God's expectations for His people? 4. How can Ezekiel 9:6 guide us in maintaining holiness within the church? 5. In what ways does Ezekiel 9:6 connect to 1 Peter 4:17 about judgment? 6. How should Ezekiel 9:6 influence our personal accountability before God today? 7. Why does Ezekiel 9:6 command the killing of innocents, including children and the elderly? 8. How does Ezekiel 9:6 align with the concept of a loving and merciful God? 9. What historical context explains the harsh judgment in Ezekiel 9:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 9? Verse 6. - Begin at my sanctuary, etc. It was fitting that the spot in which guilt had culminated should be the starting point of punishment. There seems something like a reference to this command in 1 Peter 4:17. In each case judgment "begins at the house of God." So the dread work began with the ancient men, or elders, of the same class, i.e., if not the same persons, as those in Ezekiel 8:11. Ezekiel 9:6 portrays God’s uncompromising holiness and His precise mercy. Judgment is comprehensive yet discriminating—everyone engaged in unrepentant sin faces consequences, but those who grieve over wickedness receive divine protection. Purification begins at God’s own house, emphasizing that privilege brings responsibility, especially for leaders. The passage calls readers to heartfelt repentance, faithful obedience, and assurance that God perfectly balances justice with mercy. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Slaughterתַּהַרְג֣וּ (ta·har·ḡū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent the old men, זָקֵ֡ן (zā·qên) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 2205: Old the young men בָּח֣וּר (bā·ḥūr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 970: Selected, a youth and maidens, וּבְתוּלָה֩ (ū·ḇə·ṯū·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1330: A virgin, sometimes, a bride the women וְנָשִׁ֜ים (wə·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female and children, וְטַ֨ף (wə·ṭap̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2945: A family but do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not go near תִּגַּ֔שׁוּ (tig·ga·šū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 5066: To draw near, approach anyone כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that has the mark. הַתָּו֙ (hat·tāw) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8420: A mark, a signature Now begin תָּחֵ֑לּוּ (tā·ḥêl·lū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play at My sanctuary.” וּמִמִּקְדָּשִׁ֖י (ū·mim·miq·dā·šî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 4720: A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum So they began וַיָּחֵ֙לּוּ֙ (way·yā·ḥêl·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2490: To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play with the elders הַזְּקֵנִ֔ים (haz·zə·qê·nîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2205: Old who [were] אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that before לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the temple. הַבָּֽיִת׃ (hab·bā·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house Additonal Resources Ezekiel 9:6 Blue Letter BibleEzekiel 9:6 Bible Gateway Ezekiel 9:6 Bible.com Ezekiel 9:6 NIV |
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