Ezekiel 21:15

Authorized King James Version

I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah! it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמַ֣עַן׀
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#2
לָמ֣וּג
may faint
to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)
#3
לֵ֗ב
that their heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
וְהַרְבֵּה֙
be multiplied
to increase (in whatever respect)
#5
הַמִּכְשֹׁלִ֔ים
and their ruins
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
#6
עַ֚ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
שַׁ֣עֲרֵיהֶ֔ם
against all their gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#9
נָתַ֖תִּי
I have set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
אִבְחַת
H19
the point
brandishing of a sword
#11
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#12
אָ֛ח
ah
oh! (expressive of grief or surprise)
#13
עֲשׂוּיָ֥ה
it is made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
לְבָרָ֖ק
bright
lightning; by analogy, a gleam; concretely, a flashing sword
#15
מְעֻטָּ֥ה
it is wrapped up
thinned (as to the edge), i.e., sharp
#16
לְטָֽבַח׃
for the slaughter
properly, something slaughtered; hence, a beast (or meat, as butchered); abstractly butchery (or concretely, a place of slaughter)

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 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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