Ezekiel 13:17

Authorized King James Version

Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
בֶן
Likewise thou 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
#3
אָדָ֗ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
שִׂ֤ים
set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#5
פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙
thy face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
בְּנ֣וֹת
against the daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#8
עַמְּךָ֔
of thy people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
וְהִנָּבֵ֖א
and prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#10
מִֽלִּבְּהֶ֑ן
out of their own heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#11
וְהִנָּבֵ֖א
and prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#12
עֲלֵיהֶֽן׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 covenant community 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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