Ezekiel 22:30

Authorized King James Version

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֲבַקֵּ֣שׁ
And I sought
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#2
מֵהֶ֡ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
אִ֣ישׁ
for a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
גֹּֽדֵר
among them that should make up
to wall in or around
#5
גָּדֵר֩
the hedge
a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure
#6
וְעֹמֵ֨ד
and stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#7
בַּפֶּ֧רֶץ
in the gap
a break (literally or figuratively)
#8
לְפָנַ֛י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
בְּעַ֥ד
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
#10
הָאָ֖רֶץ
me for the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
לְבִלְתִּ֣י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#12
שַׁחֲתָ֑הּ
that I should not destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#13
וְלֹ֖א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
מָצָֽאתִי׃
it but I found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

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