Ezekiel 17:21

Authorized King James Version

And all his fugitives with all his bands shall fall by the sword, and they that remain shall be scattered toward all winds: and ye shall know that I the LORD have spoken it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֵ֨ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִבְרָחָ֤ו

H4015

And all his fugitives

a refugee

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲגַפָּיו֙

H102

with all his bands

(only plural) wings of an army, or crowds of troops

בַּחֶ֣רֶב

H2719

by the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

יִפֹּ֔לוּ

H5307

shall fall

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים

H7604

and they that remain

properly, to swell up, i.e., be (causatively, make) redundant

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

ר֣וּחַ

H7307

toward all winds

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#11

יִפָּרֵ֑שׂוּ

H6566

shall be scattered

to break apart, disperse, etc

#12

וִידַעְתֶּ֕ם

H3045

and ye shall know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#13

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

אֲנִ֥י

H589

#15

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

that I the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

דִּבַּֽרְתִּי׃

H1696

have spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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