Ezekiel 21:7

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt answer, For the tidings; because it cometh: and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and shall be brought to pass, saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִֽהְיָ֔תָה

H1961

and shall be brought to pass

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּֽי

H3588

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

וְאָמַרְתָּ֡

H559

And it shall be when they say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מָ֖ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

נֶאֱנָ֑ח

H584

unto thee Wherefore sighest

to sigh

וְאָמַרְתָּ֡

H559

And it shall be when they say

to say (used with great latitude)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

שְׁמוּעָ֣ה

H8052

For the tidings

something heard, i.e., an announcement

#12

כִֽי

H3588

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

#13

בָאָה֙

H935

because it cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

וְנָמֵ֣ס

H4549

shall melt

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

לֵב֩

H3820

and every heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#17

וְרָפ֨וּ

H7503

shall be feeble

to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)

#18

כָל

H3605

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

#19

יָדַ֜יִם

H3027

and all hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#20

וְכִהֲתָ֣ה

H3543

shall faint

to be weak, i.e., (figuratively) to despond (causatively, rebuke), or (of light, the eye) to grow dull

#21

כָל

H3605

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

#22

ר֗וּחַ

H7307

and every spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#23

וְכָל

H3605

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

#24

בִּרְכַּ֙יִם֙

H1290

and all knees

a knee

#25

תֵּלַ֣כְנָה

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#26

מַּ֔יִם

H4325

as water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#27

הִנֵּ֤ה

H2009

lo!

#28

בָאָה֙

H935

because it cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#29

וְנִֽהְיָ֔תָה

H1961

and shall be brought to pass

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#30

נְאֻ֖ם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#31

אֲדֹנָ֥י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

#32

יְהוִֽה׃

H3069

GOD

god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Ezekiel