Ezekiel 17:14

Authorized King James Version

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לִֽהְיוֹת֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מַמְלָכָ֣ה
That the kingdom
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
#3
שְׁפָלָ֔ה
might be base
depressed, literally or figuratively
#4
לְבִלְתִּ֖י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#5
הִתְנַשֵּׂ֑א
that it might not lift itself up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
לִשְׁמֹ֥ר
but that by keeping
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בְּרִית֖וֹ
of his covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#9
לְעָמְדָֽהּ׃
it might stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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