Ezekiel 23:10

Authorized King James Version

These discovered her nakedness: they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword: and she became famous among women; for they had executed judgment upon her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֵמָּה֮
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
גִּלּ֣וּ
These discovered
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#3
עֶרְוָתָהּ֒
her nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#4
בָּנֶ֤יהָ
her sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
וּבְנוֹתֶ֙יהָ֙
and her daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#6
לָקָ֔חוּ
they took
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#7
וְאוֹתָ֖הּ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
her with the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
הָרָ֑גוּ
and slew
to smite with deadly intent
#10
וַתְּהִי
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#11
שֵׁם֙
and she became famous
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
לַנָּשִׁ֔ים
among women
a woman
#13
וּשְׁפוּטִ֖ים
judgment
a judicial sentence, i.e., punishment
#14
עָ֥שׂוּ
for they had executed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#15
בָֽהּ׃
H0

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 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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