Ezekiel 17:9

Authorized King James Version

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַ֛ר
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֛ר
Say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֥י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִֹ֖ה
GOD
god
#6
תִּצְלָ֑ח
Shall it prosper
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#7
הֲלוֹא֩
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
מִשָּׁרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃
by the roots
a root (literally or figuratively)
#10
יְנַתֵּ֜ק
shall he not pull up
to tear off
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
פִּרְיָ֣הּ׀
the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#13
יְקוֹסֵ֣ס
thereof and cut off
to lop off
#14
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
it shall wither
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
טַרְפֵּ֤י
in all the leaves
something torn, i.e., a fragment, e.g., a fresh leaf, prey, food
#17
צִמְחָהּ֙
of her spring
a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative
#18
תִּיבָ֔שׁ
it shall wither
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
#19
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#20
בִזְרֹ֤עַ
power
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
#21
גְּדוֹלָה֙
even without great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#22
וּבְעַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#23
רָ֔ב
or many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#24
לְמַשְׂא֥וֹת
to pluck it up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#25
אוֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#26
מִשָּׁרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃
by the roots
a root (literally or figuratively)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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