Ezekiel 14:17

Authorized King James Version

Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
א֛וֹ
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
#2
חֶ֚רֶב
Sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#3
אָבִ֖יא
Or if I bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#6
הַהִ֑יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#7
וְאָמַרְתִּ֗י
and say
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
חֶ֚רֶב
Sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
תַּעֲבֹ֣ר
go through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#10
בָּאָ֔רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י
so that I 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
#12
מִמֶּ֖נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#13
אָדָ֥ם
man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#14
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

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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