Ezekiel 12:22

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

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
אָדָ֗ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
מָֽה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#4
הַמָּשָׁ֤ל
what is that proverb
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
#5
הַזֶּה֙
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#6
לָכֶ֔ם
H0
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
אַדְמַ֥ת
that ye have in the land
soil (from its general redness)
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
לֵאמֹ֑ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
יַֽאַרְכוּ֙
are prolonged
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
#12
הַיָּמִ֔ים
The days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
וְאָבַ֖ד
H6
faileth
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#14
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
חָזֽוֹן׃
and every vision
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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