Ezekiel 24:21

Authorized King James Version

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַר֮
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
לְבֵ֣ית
unto the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#5
אָמַר֮
Speak
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#7
יְהוִה֒
GOD
god
#8
הִנְנִ֨י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#9
מְחַלֵּ֤ל
Behold I will profane
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
מִקְדָּשִׁי֙
my sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#12
גְּא֣וֹן
the excellency
the same as h1346
#13
עֻזְּכֶ֔ם
of your strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#14
מַחְמַ֥ד
the desire
delightful; hence, a delight, i.e., object of affection or desire
#15
עֵֽינֵיכֶ֖ם
of your eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#16
וּמַחְמַ֣ל
pitieth
properly, sympathy
#17
נַפְשְׁכֶ֑ם
and that which your soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#18
וּבְנֵיכֶ֧ם
and your 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
#19
וּבְנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֛ם
and your daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#20
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
עֲזַבְתֶּ֖ם
whom ye have left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#22
בַּחֶ֥רֶב
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#23
יִפֹּֽלוּ׃
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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