Ezekiel 14:8

Authorized King James Version

And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָתַתִּ֨י
And I will set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
פָנַ֜י
my face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
בָּאִ֣ישׁ
against that man
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)
#4
הַה֗וּא
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
#5
וַהֲשִֽׂמֹתִ֙יהוּ֙
and will make
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#6
לְא֣וֹת
him a sign
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#7
וְלִמְשָׁלִ֔ים
and a proverb
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
#8
וְהִכְרַתִּ֖יו
and I will cut him 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
#9
מִתּ֣וֹךְ
from the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#10
עַמִּ֑י
of my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye shall know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#12
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#13
אֲנִ֥י
i
#14
יְהוָֽה׃
that I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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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