Ezekiel 5:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 5:3 mean?

Ezekiel 5:3 describes God telling Ezekiel to take a small number of hairs from the ones he has cut and tie them into the edge of his garment. This act is part of a symbolic demonstration, showing that a few people from Jerusalem will be kept safe or set apart during coming judgments.

In this scene, God is speaking directly to Ezekiel, who is acting out a message for the people of Israel. Ezekiel has just been instructed to cut his hair and divide it as a sign of what will happen to Jerusalem. By binding a few hairs in his skirt, Ezekiel is showing that, even in severe judgment, a small remnant will be preserved.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 5:3

• "few" (מְעָט, me‘at): This word means "a small number" or "a little." Its use highlights that only a tiny portion will be spared, emphasizing how severe the coming destruction will be.
• "bind" (צָרַר, tsarar): This verb means "to bind" or "to tie up." The action of binding the hairs is a concrete way to show protection or setting apart, not just separating them loosely.
• "skirts" (כָּנָף, kanaph): This word refers to the edge or corner of a garment. In ancient times, the corner of one’s garment could symbolize personal identity or protection, so binding the hairs there adds a sense of care and preservation.

Why Ezekiel 5:3 matters

• Ezekiel 5:3 makes clear that God’s judgment is not total destruction—there is a deliberate act to preserve a small group, which is a recurring theme in the prophets.
• The verse uses a physical, visible act to communicate a spiritual reality, helping the people understand the seriousness and specificity of God’s plans.
• This detail connects to the larger message of Ezekiel 5, where each action with the hair represents a different fate for the people of Jerusalem, deepening the meaning of the entire chapter.