Ezekiel 15:5

Authorized King James Version

Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less shall it be meet yet for any work, when the fire hath devoured it, and it is burned?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּה֙
lo!
#2
בִּֽהְיוֹת֣וֹ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
תָמִ֔ים
Behold when it was whole
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
#4
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
וְנַעֲשָׂ֥ה
how much less shall it be meet
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
לִמְלָאכָֽה׃
for no work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#7
אַ֣ף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#8
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אֵ֤שׁ
when the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#10
אֲכָלַ֙תְהוּ֙
hath devoured
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#11
וַיֵּחָ֔ר
it and it is burned
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
#12
וְנַעֲשָׂ֥ה
how much less shall it be meet
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
ע֖וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#14
לִמְלָאכָֽה׃
for no work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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