Ezekiel 21:4

Authorized King James Version

Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

Word-by-Word Analysis

יַ֛עַן

H3282

Seeing

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִכְרַ֥תִּי

H3772

then that I will cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מִמֵּ֖ךְ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

צַדִּ֣יק

H6662

from thee the righteous

just

וְרָשָׁ֑ע

H7563

and the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

לָ֠כֵן

H3651

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

תֵּצֵ֨א

H3318

go forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

חַרְבִּ֧י

H2719

therefore shall my sword

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

#10

מִתַּעְרָ֛הּ

H8593

out of his sheath

a knife or razor (as making bare); also a scabbard (as being bare, i.e., empty)

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

בָּשָׂ֖ר

H1320

against all flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#14

מִנֶּ֥גֶב

H5045

from the south

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

#15

צָפֽוֹן׃

H6828

to the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?

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