Ezekiel 20:46

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
Son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
אָדָ֗ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
שִׂ֤ים
set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#4
פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙
thy face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#6
תֵּימָ֔נָה
the south
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)
#7
וְהַטֵּ֖ף
and drop
to ooze, i.e., distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by inspiration
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
דָּר֑וֹם
thy word toward the south
the south; poet. the south wind
#10
וְהִנָּבֵ֛א
and prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
יַ֥עַר
against the forest
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
#13
הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה
field
a field (as flat)
#14
נֶֽגֶב׃
of the south
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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