Ezekiel 16:46

Authorized King James Version

And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲחוֹתֵ֞ךְ
sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#2
הַגְּדוֹלָ֤ה
And thine elder
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#3
שֹֽׁמְרוֹן֙
is Samaria
shomeron, a place in palestine
#4
הִ֣יא
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
וּבְנוֹתֶֽיהָ׃
and her daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
הַיּוֹשֶׁ֙בֶת֙
that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
שְׂמֹאולֵ֑ךְ
at thy left hand
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#9
וַאֲחוֹתֵ֞ךְ
sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#10
הַקְּטַנָּ֣ה
and thy younger
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
#11
מִמֵּ֗ךְ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
הַיּוֹשֶׁ֙בֶת֙
that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
מִֽימִינֵ֔ךְ
at thy right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#14
סְדֹ֖ם
is Sodom
sedom, a place near the dead sea
#15
וּבְנוֹתֶֽיהָ׃
and her daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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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