Ezekiel 16:7

Authorized King James Version

I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fashioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְבָבָ֗ה
thee to multiply
abundance (in number), i.e., (specifically) a myriad (whether definite or indefinite)
#2
כְּצֶ֤מַח
as the bud
a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative
#3
הַשָּׂדֶה֙
of the field
a field (as flat)
#4
נְתַתִּ֔יךְ
I have caused
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
וַתִּרְבִּי֙
and thou hast increased
to increase (in whatever respect)
#6
וַֽתִּגְדְּלִ֔י
and waxen great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#7
וַתָּבֹ֖אִי
and thou art come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
בַּעֲדִ֣י
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#9
עֲדָיִ֑ים
to excellent ornaments
finery; generally an outfit; specifically, a headstall
#10
שָׁדַ֤יִם
thy breasts
the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)
#11
נָכֹ֙נוּ֙
are fashioned
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
#12
וּשְׂעָרֵ֣ךְ
and thine hair
hair (as if tossed or bristling)
#13
צִמֵּ֔חַ
is grown
to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
#14
וְאַ֖תְּ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
עֵרֹ֥ם
whereas thou wast naked
nudity
#16
וְעֶרְיָֽה׃
and bare
nudity

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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