Ezekiel 11:2

Authorized King James Version

Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֑י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בֶּן
he unto me Son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אָדָ֕ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
אֵ֣לֶּה
these or those
#6
הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
הַחֹשְׁבִ֥ים
that devise
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
#8
אָ֛וֶן
mischief
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
#9
וְהַיֹּעֲצִ֥ים
and give
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
#10
עֲצַת
counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#11
רָ֖ע
wicked
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
בָּעִ֥יר
in this city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
הַזֹּֽאת׃
this (often used adverb)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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