Ezekiel 21:30

Authorized King James Version

Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הָשַׁ֖ב
Shall I cause it to return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
תַּעְרָ֑הּ
into his sheath
a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)
#4
בִּמְק֧וֹם
thee in the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#5
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
נִבְרֵ֛את
where thou wast created
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
#7
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
מְכֻרוֹתַ֖יִךְ
of thy nativity
origin (as if a mine)
#9
אֶשְׁפֹּ֥ט
I will judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#10
אֹתָֽךְ׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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