Ezekiel 24:17

Authorized King James Version

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵאָנֵ֣ק׀

H602

to cry

to shriek

דֹּ֗ם

H1826

Forbear

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

מֵתִים֙

H4191

for the dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֵ֣בֶל

H60

no mourning

lamentation

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה

H6213

make

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

פְאֵֽרְךָ֙

H6287

the tire of thine head

an embellishment, i.e., fancy head-dress

חֲב֣וֹשׁ

H2280

bind

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

עָלֶ֔יךָ

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

וּנְעָלֶ֖יךָ

H5275

thy shoes

properly, a sandal tongue; by extension a sandal or slipper (sometimes as a symbol of occupancy, a refusal to marry, or of something valueless)

#11

תָּשִׂ֣ים

H7760

upon thee and put on

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#12

בְּרַגְלֶ֑יךָ

H7272

upon thy feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

#13

וְלֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

תַעְטֶה֙

H5844

and cover

to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll

#15

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#16

שָׂפָ֔ם

H8222

not thy lips

the beard (as a lippiece)

#17

וְלֶ֥חֶם

H3899

not the bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#18

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H376

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)

#19

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#20

תֹאכֵֽל׃

H398

and eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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