Ezekiel 15:3

Authorized King James Version

Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִקְח֤וּ
be taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
עֵ֔ץ
Shall wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#4
לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת
thereof to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
לִמְלָאכָ֑ה
any work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#6
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#7
יִקְח֤וּ
be taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#9
יָתֵ֔ד
a pin
a peg
#10
לִתְל֥וֹת
of it to hang
to suspend (especially to gibbet)
#11
עָלָ֖יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
כֶּֽלִי׃
any vessel
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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