Ezekiel 21:12

Authorized King James Version

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon thy thigh.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זְעַ֤ק

H2199

Cry

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

וְהֵילֵל֙

H3213

and howl

to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)

בֶּן

H1121

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

אָדָ֔ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

כִּי

H3588

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

הִיא֙

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הָיתָ֣ה

H1961

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

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

for it shall be upon my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הִ֖יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#10

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#11

נְשִׂיאֵ֣י

H5387

it shall be upon all the princes

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

מְגוּרֵ֤י

H4048

terrors

to yield up; intensively, to precipitate

#14

אֶל

H413

by reason of

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

חֶ֙רֶב֙

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#16

הָי֣וּ

H1961

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

#17

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#18

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

for it shall be upon my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#19

לָכֵ֖ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#20

סְפֹ֥ק

H5606

smite

to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of

#21

אֶל

H413

by reason of

near, with or among; often in general, to

#22

יָרֵֽךְ׃

H3409

therefore upon thy thigh

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 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?
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 covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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