Ezekiel 17:13

Authorized King James Version

And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָקָֽח׃
And hath taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#2
מִזֶּ֣רַע
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#3
הַמְּלוּכָ֔ה
of the king's
something ruled, i.e., a realm
#4
וַיִּכְרֹ֥ת
and made
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
#5
אִתּ֖וֹ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
בְּרִ֑ית
a covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#7
וַיָּבֵ֤א
with him and hath taken
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֹתוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
בְּאָלָ֔ה
an oath
an imprecation
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
אֵילֵ֥י
the mighty
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#12
הָאָ֖רֶץ
of the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#13
לָקָֽח׃
And hath taken
to take (in the widest variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant 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

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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