Ezekiel 13:20

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֣ר׀
Wherefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִ֗ה
GOD
god
#6
הִנְנִ֤י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
כִּסְּתוֹתֵיכֶ֙נָה֙
Behold I am against your pillows
a cushion or pillow (as covering a seat or bed)
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
אַתֶּ֛ם
wherewith ye
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
מְצֹדְד֥וֹת
that ye hunt
to victual (for a journey)
#12
שָׁ֤ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
נְפָשִׁ֖ים
and will let the souls
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#15
לְפֹרְחֹֽת׃
to make them fly
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
#16
וְקָרַעְתִּ֣י
and I will tear
to rend, literally or figuratively (revile, paint the eyes, as if enlarging them)
#17
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#19
זְרוֹעֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
them from your arms
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#20
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּי֙
go
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#21
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#22
נְפָשִׁ֖ים
and will let the souls
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#23
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#24
אַתֶּ֛ם
wherewith ye
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#25
מְצֹדְד֥וֹת
that ye hunt
to victual (for a journey)
#26
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#27
נְפָשִׁ֖ים
and will let the souls
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#28
לְפֹרְחֹֽת׃
to make them fly
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

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 sovereignty 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 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

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