Ezekiel 11:16

Authorized King James Version

Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֣ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
אָמַר֮
Therefore say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#4
אָמַר֮
Therefore say
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#6
יְהוִה֒
GOD
god
#7
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
הִרְחַקְתִּים֙
Although I have cast them far off
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
#9
בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם
among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
וְכִ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
הֲפִֽיצוֹתִ֖ים
and although I have scattered
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#12
בָּאֲרָצ֖וֹת
in the countries
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
וָאֱהִ֤י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
לָהֶם֙
H0
#15
לְמִקְדָּ֣שׁ
sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#16
מְעַ֔ט
yet will I be to them as a little
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#17
בָּאֲרָצ֖וֹת
in the countries
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#18
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#19
בָּ֥אוּ
where they shall come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#20
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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