Ezekiel 17:24

Authorized King James Version

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽיָדְע֞וּ

H3045

shall know

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

כָּל

H3605

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

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

And all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

אֲנִ֤י

H589

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

I the LORD

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

הִשְׁפַּ֣לְתִּי׀

H8213

have brought down

to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

And all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#10

גָּבֹ֗הַ

H1364

the high

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

#11

הִגְבַּ֙הְתִּי֙

H1361

have exalted

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

#12

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

And all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#13

שָׁפָ֔ל

H8217

the low

depressed, literally or figuratively

#14

הוֹבַ֙שְׁתִּי֙

H3001

have dried

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

#15

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

And all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#16

לָ֔ח

H3892

up the green

fresh, i.e., unused or undried

#17

וְהִפְרַ֖חְתִּי

H6524

to flourish

to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish

#18

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

And all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#19

יָבֵ֑שׁ

H3002

and have made the dry

dry

#20

אֲנִ֥י

H589

#21

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

I the LORD

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

#22

דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי

H1696

have spoken

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

#23

וְעָשִֽׂיתִי׃

H6213

and have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 17 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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