Ezekiel 21:10

Authorized King James Version

It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter: should we then make mirth? it contemneth the rod of my son, as every tree.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַ֨עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

טְבֹ֤חַ

H2874

to make a sore

properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)

טֶ֙בַח֙

H2873

slaughter

to slaughter (animals or men)

הוּחַ֔דָּה

H2300

It is sharpened

to be (causatively, make) sharp or (figuratively) severe

לְמַעַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הֱיֵה

H1961

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

לָ֥הּ

בָּ֖רָק

H1300

that it may glitter

lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword

מֹרָ֑טָּה

H4803

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

#10

א֣וֹ

H176

should

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#11

נָשִׂ֔ישׂ

H7797

we then make mirth

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

#12

שֵׁ֥בֶט

H7626

the rod

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#13

בְּנִ֖י

H1121

of my 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

#14

מֹאֶ֥סֶת

H3988

it contemneth

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

עֵֽץ׃

H6086

as every tree

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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