Ezekiel 14:21

Authorized King James Version

For thus saith the Lord GOD; How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to cut off from it man and beast?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כִּי֩
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#2
כֹ֨ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֜ר
For thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִֹ֔ה
GOD
god
#6
אַ֣ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#7
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
אַרְבַּ֣עַת
my four
four
#9
שְׁפָטַ֣י׀
judgments
a sentence, i.e., infliction
#10
רָעָה֙
and the noisome
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#11
חֶ֠רֶב
the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
וְרָעָ֞ב
and the famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#13
וְחַיָּ֤ה
beast
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#14
רָעָה֙
and the noisome
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#15
וָדֶ֔בֶר
and the pestilence
a pestilence
#16
שִׁלַּ֖חְתִּי
How much more when I send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#17
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
upon Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#19
לְהַכְרִ֥ית
to 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
from it 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

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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