Ezekiel 22:20

Authorized King James Version

As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קְבֻ֣צַת
As they gather
a hoard
#2
כֶּ֡סֶף
silver
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#3
וּ֠נְחֹשֶׁת
and brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#4
וּבַרְזֶ֨ל
and iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#5
וְעוֹפֶ֤רֶת
and lead
lead (from its dusty color)
#6
וּבְדִיל֙
and tin
alloy (because removed by smelting); by analogy, tin
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
תּ֣וֹךְ
into the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#9
כּ֔וּר
of the furnace
a pot or furnace (as if excavated)
#10
לָפַֽחַת
to blow
to puff, in various applications (literally, to inflate, blow hard, scatter, kindle, expire; figuratively, to disesteem)
#11
עָלָ֥יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
אֵ֖שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#13
וְהִתַּכְתִּ֖י
upon it to melt
to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify
#14
כֵּ֤ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#15
אֶקְבֹּץ֙
it so will I gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#16
בְּאַפִּ֣י
you in mine anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#17
וּבַחֲמָתִ֔י
and in my fury
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
#18
וְהִנַּחְתִּ֥י
and I will leave
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#19
וְהִתַּכְתִּ֖י
upon it to melt
to flow forth (literally or figuratively); by implication, to liquify
#20
אֶתְכֶֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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 revelation 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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