Ezekiel 21:14

Authorized King James Version

Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thine hands together, and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain: it is the sword of the great men that are slain, which entereth into their privy chambers.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֣ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
בֶן
Thou therefore 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
#3
אָדָ֔ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
הִנָּבֵ֕א
prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#5
וְהַ֖ךְ
and smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#6
כָּ֑ף
thine hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
כָּ֑ף
thine hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#9
וְתִכָּפֵ֞ל
be doubled
to fold together; figuratively, to repeat
#10
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#11
שְׁלִישִׁ֙תָה֙
the third
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#12
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#13
חָלָ֣ל
men that are slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#14
הִ֗יא
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
#15
חֶ֚רֶב
and let the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#16
חָלָ֣ל
men that are slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#17
הַגָּד֔וֹל
of the great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#18
הַחֹדֶ֖רֶת
which entereth into their privy chambers
properly, to inclose (as a room), i.e., (by analogy,) to beset (as in a siege)
#19
לָהֶֽם׃
H0

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

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

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