Ezekiel 12:23

Authorized King James Version

Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֞ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אָמַר֮

H559

Tell

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֮

H559

Tell

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֒

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הִשְׁבַּ֙תִּי֙

H7673

to cease

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

הַמָּשָׁ֣ל

H4912

I will make this proverb

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

#11

הַזֶּ֔ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#12

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

יִמְשְׁל֥וּ

H4911

and they shall no more use it as a proverb

to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble

#14

אֹת֛וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#16

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

in Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#17

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#18

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#19

דַּבֵּ֣ר

H1696

but say

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#20

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#21

קָֽרְבוּ֙

H7126

are at hand

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

#22

הַיָּמִ֔ים

H3117

unto them 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

#23

וּדְבַ֖ר

H1697

and the effect

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#24

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#25

חָזֽוֹן׃

H2377

of every vision

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

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