Ezekiel 15:4

Authorized King James Version

Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#2
הָאֵשׁ֙
into the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#3
נִתַּ֣ן
Behold it is cast
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
לְאָכְלָ֑ה
for fuel
food
#5
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
שְׁנֵ֨י
both
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#7
קְצוֹתָ֜יו
the ends
a termination
#8
אָכְלָ֤ה
devoureth
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#9
הָאֵשׁ֙
into the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#10
וְתוֹכ֣וֹ
of it and the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#11
נָחָ֔ר
of it is burned
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
#12
הֲיִצְלַ֖ח
Is it meet
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#13
לִמְלָאכָֽה׃
for any work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

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

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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