Ezekiel 22:6

Authorized King James Version

Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנֵּה֙

H2009

lo!

נְשִׂיאֵ֣י

H5387

Behold the princes

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

every one

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)

לִזְרֹע֖וֹ

H2220

were in thee to their power

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

הָ֣יוּ

H1961

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

בָ֑ךְ

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁפָךְ

H8210

to shed

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

#10

דָּֽם׃

H1818

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

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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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

People

Ezekiel