Ezekiel 14:13

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:

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
אָדָ֥ם
man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
אֶ֚רֶץ
when the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#5
תֶחֱטָא
sinneth
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#6
לִי֙
H0
#7
לִמְעָל
against me by trespassing
properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously
#8
מַ֔עַל
grievously
treachery, i.e., sin
#9
וְנָטִ֤יתִי
then will I stretch out
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#10
יָדִי֙
mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
עָלֶ֔יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
וְשָׁבַ֥רְתִּי
upon it and will break
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#13
לָ֖הּ
H0
#14
מַטֵּה
the staff
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#15
לָ֑חֶם
of the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#16
וְהִשְׁלַחְתִּי
thereof and will send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#17
בָ֣הּ
H0
#18
רָעָ֔ב
famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#19
וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י
upon it and will cut off
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#20
מִמֶּ֖נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#21
אָדָ֥ם
man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#22
וּבְהֵמָֽה׃
and beast
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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