Ezekiel 14:16

Authorized King James Version

Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת
Though these three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#2
הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
הָאֵלֶּה֮
these or those
#4
בְּתוֹכָהּ֒
were in it
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
חַי
as I live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#6
אָ֗נִי
i
#7
נְאֻם֙
saith
an oracle
#8
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#9
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#10
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#11
בָּנִ֥ים
neither sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#12
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
בָּנ֖וֹת
nor daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#14
יִנָּצֵ֔לוּ
they only shall be delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#15
הֵ֤מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
לְבַדָּם֙
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
#17
יִנָּצֵ֔לוּ
they only shall be delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#18
וְהָאָ֖רֶץ
but the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#19
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#20
שְׁמָמָֽה׃
shall be desolate
devastation; figuratively, astonishment

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

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