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Then they will know that I am the LORD.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> But I will spare a few of them from death by war, famine, or disease, so they can confess all their detestable sins to their captors. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/esv/ezekiel/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I will let a few of them escape from the sword, from famine and pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they go, and may know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/bsb/ezekiel/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/12.htm">King James Bible</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. <a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/12.htm">New King James Version</a> But I will spare a few of their men from the sword, from famine, and from pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the Gentiles wherever they go. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I will spare a few of them from the sword, the famine, and plague so that they may tell of all their abominations among the nations where they go, and may know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But I will spare a few of them from the sword, the famine and the pestilence that they may tell all their abominations among the nations where they go, and may know that I am the LORD.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But I shall spare a few of them from the sword, the famine, and the pestilence that they may tell all their abominations among the nations where they go, and may know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/lsb/ezekiel/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I will spare a few of them from sword, famine, and pestilence that they may recount all their abominations among the nations where they go, and may know that I am Yahweh.” <a href="/amp/ezekiel/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I will leave a few [survivors] who will escape the sword, the famine, and the virulent disease, that they may confess all their repulsive (idolatrous) acts among the nations where they go, and may know [without any doubt] that I am the LORD.” <a href="/csb/ezekiel/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I will spare a few of them from the sword, famine, and plague, so that among the nations where they go they can tell about all their detestable practices. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” <a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I will spare a few of them from the sword, famine, and plague so they can tell about all their detestable practices among the nations where they go. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.&#8221 <a href="/asv/ezekiel/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations whither they come; and they shall know that I am Jehovah. <a href="/cev/ezekiel/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some of them will survive the war, the starvation, and the deadly diseases. That way, they will be able to tell foreigners how disgusting their sins were, and that it was the LORD who punished them in this way. <a href="/erv/ezekiel/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. <a href="/gwt/ezekiel/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> However, I will spare a few of them from wars, famines, and plagues. Wherever they go among the nations, they will realize that everything they did was disgusting. Then they will know that I am the LORD.'" <a href="/gnt/ezekiel/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> I will let a few of them survive the war, the famine, and the diseases, so that there among the nations they will realize how disgusting their actions have been and will acknowledge that I am the LORD." <a href="/isv/ezekiel/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> "But I'll preserve a few people out of the violent death, famine, and pestilence, so they can recount their detestable practices among the nations when they'll go there. Then they'll know that I am the LORD." <a href="/msb/ezekiel/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I will spare a few of them from sword and famine and plague, so that in the nations to which they go, they can recount all their abominations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.? <a href="/net/ezekiel/12.htm">NET Bible</a> But I will let a small number of them survive the sword, famine, and pestilence, so that they can confess all their abominable practices to the nations where they go. Then they will know that I am the LORD." <a href="/nheb/ezekiel/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD." <a href="/wbt/ezekiel/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. <a href="/web/ezekiel/12.htm">World English Bible</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they come. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I have left of them, a few in number, from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, so that they recount all their abominations among the nations to where they have come, and they have known that I [am] YHWH.” <a href="/ylt/ezekiel/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I have left of them, a few in number, from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, so that they recount all their abominations among the nations whither they have come, and they have known that I am Jehovah.' <a href="/slt/ezekiel/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I left of them men of number, from the sword and from famine, and from death, so that they shall recount all their abominations among the nations where they went there; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezekiel/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I will leave a few men of them from the sword, and from the famine, and from the pestilence: that they may declare all their wicked deeds among the nations whither they shall go: and they shall know that I am the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I will leave behind a few men of them, apart from the sword, and the famine, and the pestilence, so that they may declare all their wicked deeds among the Gentiles, to whom they will go. And they shall know that I am the Lord.” <a href="/nabre/ezekiel/12.htm">New American Bible</a> But I will let a few of them escape the sword, starvation, and plague, so that they may recount all their abominations among the nations to which they go. Thus they may know that I am the LORD. <a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I will let a few of them escape from the sword, from famine and pestilence, so that they may tell of all their abominations among the nations where they go; then they shall know that I am the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I will spare a few men of them from the sword, from famine, and from pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the Gentiles whither they go; and they shall know that I am the LORD. <a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I shall spare some men of them, by number, from the sword, and from famine, and from plague, that they may tell of all their abominations among the nations where they went to them, and they shall know that I AM LORD JEHOVAH”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezekiel/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.' <a href="/sep/ezekiel/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I will leave of them a few men in number spared from the sword, and from famine, and pestilence; that they may declare all their iniquities among the nations whither they have gone; and they shall know that I am the Lord. <a href="/parallel/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=2668" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/12.htm">Signs of the Coming Captivity</a> …15And they will know that I am the LORD, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries. 16<a href="/hebrew/3498.htm" title="3498: wə·hō·w·ṯar·tî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve.">But I will spare</a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·pār (N-ms) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">a few</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- ">of them</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’an·šê (N-mpc) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: mê·ḥe·reḇ (Prep-m:: N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">from sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/7458.htm" title="7458: mê·rā·‘āḇ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Famine, hunger. From ra'eb; hunger.">and famine</a> <a href="/hebrew/1698.htm" title="1698: ū·mid·dā·ḇer (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-ms) -- Pestilence. From dabar; a pestilence.">and plague,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4616.htm" title="4616: lə·ma·‘an (Conj) -- From anah; properly, heed, i.e. Purpose; used only adverbially, on account of, teleologically, in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1471.htm" title="1471: bag·gō·w·yim (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Rarely goy; apparently from the same root as gevah; a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts.">in the nations</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">to which</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">they go,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5608.htm" title="5608: yə·sap·pə·rū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To count, recount, relate. ">they can recount</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/8441.htm" title="8441: tō·w·‘ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·hem (N-fpc:: 3mp) -- Or tonebah; feminine active participle of ta'ab; properly, something disgusting, i.e. an abhorrence; especially idolatry or an idol.">their abominations.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·yā·ḏə·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">Then they will know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">am the LORD.”</a> 17Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/44-28.htm">Jeremiah 44:28</a> Those who escape the sword will return from Egypt to Judah, few in number, and the whole remnant of Judah who went to dwell in the land of Egypt will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs! <a href="/jeremiah/24-8.htm">Jeremiah 24:8-10</a> But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt. / I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them. / And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’” <a href="/jeremiah/42-16.htm">Jeremiah 42:16-17</a> then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow on your heels into Egypt, and you will die there. / So all who resolve to go to Egypt to reside there will die by sword and famine and plague. Not one of them will survive or escape the disaster I will bring upon them.’ <a href="/jeremiah/44-14.htm">Jeremiah 44:14</a> so that none of the remnant of Judah who have gone to reside in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, where they long to return and live; for none will return except a few fugitives.” <a href="/jeremiah/44-12.htm">Jeremiah 44:12-14</a> And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have resolved to go to the land of Egypt to reside there; they will meet their end. They will all fall by the sword or be consumed by famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine; and they will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and reproach. / I will punish those who live in the land of Egypt, just as I punished Jerusalem, by sword and famine and plague, / so that none of the remnant of Judah who have gone to reside in Egypt will escape or survive to return to the land of Judah, where they long to return and live; for none will return except a few fugitives.” <a href="/jeremiah/44-27.htm">Jeremiah 44:27</a> I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and every man of Judah who is in the land of Egypt will meet his end by sword or famine, until they are finished off. <a href="/jeremiah/44-29.htm">Jeremiah 44:29</a> This will be a sign to you that I will punish you in this place, declares the LORD, so that you may know that My threats of harm against you will surely stand. <a href="/jeremiah/44-11.htm">Jeremiah 44:11-14</a> Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I will set My face to bring disaster and to cut off all Judah. / And I will take away the remnant of Judah who have resolved to go to the land of Egypt to reside there; they will meet their end. They will all fall by the sword or be consumed by famine. From the least to the greatest, they will die by sword or famine; and they will become an object of cursing and horror, of vilification and reproach. / I will punish those who live in the land of Egypt, just as I punished Jerusalem, by sword and famine and plague, ... <a href="/jeremiah/44-1.htm">Jeremiah 44:1-6</a> This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros: / “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: You have seen all the disaster that I brought against Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, they lie today in ruins and desolation / because of the evil they have done. They provoked Me to anger by continuing to burn incense and to serve other gods that neither they nor you nor your fathers ever knew. ... <a href="/jeremiah/44-7.htm">Jeremiah 44:7-10</a> So now, this is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Why are you doing such great harm to yourselves by cutting off from Judah man and woman, child and infant, leaving yourselves without a remnant? / Why are you provoking Me to anger by the work of your hands by burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you have gone to reside? As a result, you will be cut off and will become an object of cursing and reproach among all the nations of the earth. / Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers and of the kings of Judah and their wives, as well as the wickedness that you and your wives committed in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? ... <a href="/jeremiah/44-15.htm">Jeremiah 44:15-19</a> Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, and all the women standing by—a great assembly—along with all the people living in the land of Egypt and in Pathros, said to Jeremiah, / “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! / Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. ... <a href="/jeremiah/44-20.htm">Jeremiah 44:20-23</a> Then Jeremiah said to all the people, both men and women, who were answering him, / “As for the incense you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem—you, your fathers, your kings, your officials, and the people of the land—did the LORD not remember and bring this to mind? / So the LORD could no longer endure the evil deeds and detestable acts you committed, and your land became a desolation, a horror, and an object of cursing, without inhabitant, as it is this day. ... <a href="/jeremiah/44-24.htm">Jeremiah 44:24-28</a> Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including all the women, “Hear the word of the LORD, all those of Judah who are in the land of Egypt. / This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: As for you and your wives, you have spoken with your mouths and fulfilled with your hands your words: ‘We will surely perform our vows that we have made to burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her.’ Go ahead, then, do what you have promised! Keep your vows! / Nevertheless, hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah living in Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by My great name, says the LORD, that never again will any man of Judah living in the land of Egypt invoke My name or say, ‘As surely as the Lord GOD lives.’ ... <a href="/jeremiah/44-30.htm">Jeremiah 44:30</a> This is what the LORD says: Behold, I will deliver Pharaoh Hophra king of Egypt into the hands of his enemies who seek his life, just as I delivered Zedekiah king of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the enemy who was seeking his life.” <a href="/jeremiah/44-1.htm">Jeremiah 44:1-30</a> This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews living in the land of Egypt—in Migdol, Tahpanhes, and Memphis—and in the land of Pathros: / “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: You have seen all the disaster that I brought against Jerusalem and all the cities of Judah; and behold, they lie today in ruins and desolation / because of the evil they have done. They provoked Me to anger by continuing to burn incense and to serve other gods that neither they nor you nor your fathers ever knew. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen where they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD.I will<a href="/ezekiel/6-8.htm">Ezekiel 6:8-10</a> Yet will I leave a remnant, that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations, when ye shall be scattered through the countries… <a href="/ezekiel/14-22.htm">Ezekiel 14:22,23</a> Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it… <a href="/isaiah/1-9.htm">Isaiah 1:9</a> Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.a few men [heb] men of number<a href="/genesis/13-16.htm">Genesis 13:16</a> And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.<a href="/isaiah/10-19.htm">Isaiah 10:19</a> And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.<a href="/romans/9-27.htm">Romans 9:27</a> Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:that they<a href="/ezekiel/14-22.htm">Ezekiel 14:22,23</a> Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it… <a href="/ezekiel/36-31.htm">Ezekiel 36:31</a> Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.<a href="/leviticus/26-40.htm">Leviticus 26:40,41</a> If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; … and they<a href="/deuteronomy/29-24.htm">Deuteronomy 29:24-28</a> Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? … <a href="/1_kings/9-6.htm">1 Kings 9:6-9</a> But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: … <a href="/jeremiah/22-8.htm">Jeremiah 22:8,9</a> And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this great city? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/11-21.htm">Abominations</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-5.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-5.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/isaiah/38-19.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-10.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-21.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-21.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-16.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/ezekiel/5-4.htm">Few</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-16.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/ezekiel/6-8.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-15.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Need</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Pestilence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-15.htm">Plague</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-9.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-10.htm">Recount</a> <a href="/ezekiel/6-8.htm">Small</a> <a href="/ezekiel/9-10.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-14.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/ezekiel/11-21.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ezekiel/10-11.htm">Whither</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">Abominations</a> <a href="/daniel/4-26.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/15-7.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/daniel/9-4.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/ezekiel/22-2.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">Detestable</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-19.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">Disgusting</a> <a href="/ezekiel/15-7.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-13.htm">Famine</a> <a href="/ezekiel/29-15.htm">Few</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-18.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-14.htm">Heathen</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-29.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-14.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/ezekiel/18-7.htm">Need</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-19.htm">Pestilence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-19.htm">Plague</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-6.htm">Practices</a> <a href="/nahum/2-5.htm">Recount</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-20.htm">Small</a> <a href="/ezekiel/24-14.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/ezekiel/14-17.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/ezekiel/13-22.htm">Ways</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-29.htm">Whither</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 12</div>1. <a href="/ezekiel/12-1.htm">Under the type of Ezekiel's removing</a> 8. <a href="/ezekiel/12-8.htm">is shown the captivity of Zedekiah</a> 17. <a href="/ezekiel/12-17.htm">Ezekiel's trembling shows the Jews' desolation</a> 21. <a href="/ezekiel/12-21.htm">The Jews' presumptuous proverb is reproved</a> 26. <a href="/ezekiel/12-26.htm">The speediness of the vision</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But I will spare a few of them This phrase indicates God's mercy amidst judgment. In the context of Ezekiel, God is speaking about the impending judgment on Jerusalem due to its idolatry and rebellion. Sparing a remnant is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in the stories of Noah and Lot, where God preserves a faithful few. This remnant theology underscores God's grace and the hope of restoration.from sword and famine and plague These three calamities are common judgments mentioned throughout the Old Testament, often used by God to bring about repentance. The sword represents warfare, famine indicates a lack of sustenance, and plague suggests disease. These were real threats in the ancient Near East, often resulting from sieges and invasions. The triple threat emphasizes the severity of the judgment and the comprehensive nature of God's discipline.so that in the nations to which they go The dispersion of the Israelites among the nations is a fulfillment of the covenant curses outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>. This exile serves a dual purpose: it is both a punishment and a means of spreading the knowledge of God among the Gentiles. The scattering of the Israelites foreshadows the later dispersion of the early Christians, who spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire.they can recount all their abominations The recounting of abominations refers to the acknowledgment of sin and idolatry that led to their judgment. This confession is crucial for repentance and restoration. It also serves as a testimony to the nations of God's righteousness and justice. The public acknowledgment of sin is a theme seen in the confessions of Daniel and Nehemiah, who intercede for their people.Then they will know that I am the LORD.” This phrase is a key theme in Ezekiel, emphasizing the recognition of God's sovereignty and holiness. The acknowledgment of God as LORD is the ultimate goal of His actions, whether in judgment or mercy. This recognition is not just intellectual but relational, calling for a return to covenant faithfulness. It points to the eschatological hope where all nations will acknowledge God, as seen in the prophetic visions of Isaiah and Revelation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a> A prophet during the Babylonian exile, tasked with delivering God's messages to the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. 3. <a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a> The place of exile for the Israelites, representing God's judgment and the consequences of their sin. 4. <a href="/topical/s/sword,_famine,_and_plague.htm">Sword, Famine, and Plague</a> Instruments of God's judgment used to discipline and purify His people. 5. <a href="/topical/n/nations.htm">Nations</a> The foreign lands where the Israelites are scattered, serving as witnesses to God's justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_mercy.htm">God's Sovereignty and Mercy</a> Despite the severity of judgment, God spares a remnant, demonstrating His control over history and His mercy. <a href="/topical/p/purpose_of_preservation.htm">Purpose of Preservation</a> The remnant is preserved to testify to God's justice and their own sinfulness, serving as a witness to the nations. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a> The passage underscores the serious consequences of disobedience, urging believers to live in accordance with God's commands. <a href="/topical/h/hope_in_judgment.htm">Hope in Judgment</a> Even in times of discipline, God provides hope and a future for those who remain faithful. <a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_nations.htm">Witness to the Nations</a> Believers are called to be witnesses of God's truth and grace, sharing their testimonies with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 12</a> <a href="/q/who_are_the_four_horsemen.htm">Who are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?</a> <a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_ezekiel_14_13-21.htm">Are there any archaeological findings that confirm the severe judgments (famine, wild beasts, sword, plague) predicted in Ezekiel 14:13-21?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_ezekiel_5_11-12's_punishment.htm">In Ezekiel 5:11-12, how can we reconcile the promised devastating punishment (famine, sword, and scattering) with accounts from other biblical or secular sources?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_view_re-enslavement_vs._slavery.htm">Jeremiah 34:11-17 - How does God's condemnation of re-enslavement align with other passages where slavery was permitted (e.g., Leviticus 25)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezekiel/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) May declare all their abominations.--This they were to do, that the false impression that God was unable to protect His people might be removed from the minds of the heathen, and the truth that He was punishing them for their sins be made known. They should do it both by word of mouth (as in <a href="/context/jeremiah/22-8.htm" title="And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbor, Why has the LORD done thus to this great city?">Jeremiah 22:8-9</a>), and also by their conduct (as in <a href="/context/ezekiel/14-22.htm" title="Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth to you, and you shall see their way and their doings: and you shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it.">Ezekiel 14:22-23</a>). The word "few" is literally, as shown in the margin, men of number, i.e., men who can easily be numbered or counted; and in the very similar expression in the original for "declare," there is a play upon the word, something like our "count" and "recount."They shall know, may grammatically refer either to the heathen, or to the Israelites in their dispersion; but the latter is so constantly the refrain of these prophecies (see <a href="/ezekiel/12-20.htm" title="And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and you shall know that I am the LORD.">Ezekiel 12:20</a>, e.g.), that it is also to be understood here. <a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But I will spare וְהוֹתַרְתִּ֤י (wə·hō·w·ṯar·tî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3498.htm">Strong's 3498: </a> To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve a few מִסְפָּ֔ר (mis·pār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> A number, definite, indefinite, narration of them מֵהֶם֙ (mê·hem) Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> They from the sword, מֵחֶ֖רֶב (mê·ḥe·reḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword famine, מֵרָעָ֣ב (mê·rā·‘āḇ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7458.htm">Strong's 7458: </a> Famine, hunger and plague, וּמִדָּ֑בֶר (ū·mid·dā·ḇer) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1698.htm">Strong's 1698: </a> A pestilence so that לְמַ֨עַן (lə·ma·‘an) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4616.htm">Strong's 4616: </a> Purpose -- intent they can tell יְסַפְּר֜וּ (yə·sap·pə·rū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5608.htm">Strong's 5608: </a> To count, recount, relate of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every their abominations תּוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֗ם (tō·w·‘ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·hem) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8441.htm">Strong's 8441: </a> Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol among the nations בַּגּוֹיִם֙ (bag·gō·w·yim) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1471.htm">Strong's 1471: </a> A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts to which אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that they go. בָּ֣אוּ (bā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go Then they will know וְיָדְע֖וּ (wə·yā·ḏə·‘ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am the LORD.” יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezekiel/12-16.htm">Ezekiel 12:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-16.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 12:16 But I will leave a few men (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/12-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 12:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 12:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/12-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 12:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 12:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>