Ezekiel 14:15

Authorized King James Version

If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֽוּ
If
a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
#2
הַחַיָּֽה׃
beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
רָעָ֛ה
I cause noisome
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#4
עוֹבֵ֔ר
that no man may pass through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
בָּאָ֖רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
וְשִׁכְּלָ֑תָּה
and they spoil
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)
#7
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
שְׁמָמָה֙
it so that it be desolate
devastation; figuratively, astonishment
#9
מִבְּלִ֣י
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
#10
עוֹבֵ֔ר
that no man may pass through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#11
מִפְּנֵ֖י
because
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#12
הַחַיָּֽה׃
beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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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