Ezekiel 24:23

Authorized King James Version

And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּפְאֵרֵכֶ֣ם

H6287

And your tires

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

עַל

H5921

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

רָאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם

H7218

shall be upon your heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְנַֽעֲלֵיכֶם֙

H5275

and your 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)

בְּרַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם

H7272

upon your feet

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

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

תִסְפְּד֖וּ

H5594

ye shall not mourn

properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as middle easterners do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

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

תִבְכּ֑וּ

H1058

nor weep

to weep; generally to bemoan

#10

וּנְמַקֹּתֶם֙

H4743

but ye shall pine away

to melt; figuratively, to flow, dwindle, vanish

#11

בַּעֲוֹנֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם

H5771

for your iniquities

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#12

וּנְהַמְתֶּ֖ם

H5098

and mourn

to growl

#13

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

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)

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

אָחִֽיו׃

H251

toward another

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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