Ezekiel 21:5

That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיָֽדְעוּ֙

H3045

may know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל

H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֔ר

H1320

That all flesh

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

כִּ֚י

H3588

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

אֲנִ֣י

H589

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

that I the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הוֹצֵ֥אתִי

H3318

have drawn forth

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

חַרְבִּ֖י

H2719

my sword

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

מִתַּעְרָ֑הּ

H8593

out of his sheath

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

#10

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#11

תָשׁ֖וּב

H7725

it shall not return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#12

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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