Ezekiel 22:13

Authorized King James Version

Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#2
הִכֵּ֣יתִי
Behold therefore I have smitten
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#3
כַפִּ֔י
mine hand
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
בִּצְעֵ֖ךְ
at thy dishonest gain
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
עָשִׂ֑ית
which thou hast made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
וְעַ֨ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
דָּמֵ֔ךְ
and at thy blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#10
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
הָי֖וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#12
בְּתוֹכֵֽךְ׃
which hath been in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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