Ezekiel 12:18

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
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
#2
אָדָ֕ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
לַחְמְךָ֖
thy bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#4
בְּרַ֣עַשׁ
with quaking
vibration, bounding, uproar
#5
תֹּאכֵ֑ל
eat
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#6
וּמֵימֶ֕יךָ
thy water
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#7
בְּרָגְזָ֥ה
with trembling
trepidation
#8
וּבִדְאָגָ֖ה
and with carefulness
anxiety
#9
תִּשְׁתֶּֽה׃
and drink
to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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