Ezekiel 17:6

Authorized King James Version

And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּצְמַ֡ח

H6779

And it grew

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

וַיְהִי֩

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְגֶ֔פֶן

H1612

thereof were under him so it became a vine

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

סֹרַ֜חַת

H5628

and became a spreading

to extend (even to excess)

שִׁפְלַ֣ת

H8217

of low

depressed, literally or figuratively

קוֹמָ֗ה

H6967

stature

height

לִפְנ֤וֹת

H6437

turned

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

דָּלִיּוֹתָיו֙

H1808

whose branches

something dangling, i.e., a bough

אֵלָ֔יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

וְשָׁרָשָׁ֖יו

H8328

toward him and the roots

a root (literally or figuratively)

#11

תַּחְתָּ֣יו

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#12

יִֽהְי֑וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#13

וַתְּהִ֣י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

לְגֶ֔פֶן

H1612

thereof were under him so it became a vine

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

#15

וַתַּ֣עַשׂ

H6213

and brought forth

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

#16

בַּדִּ֔ים

H905

branches

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

#17

וַתְּשַׁלַּ֖ח

H7971

and shot

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#18

פֹּארֽוֹת׃

H6288

forth sprigs

properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green

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

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?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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