Ezekiel 24:4

Authorized King James Version

Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֱסֹ֤ף
Gather
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
#2
נֵ֥תַח
piece
a fragment
#3
אֵלֶ֔יהָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
נֵ֥תַח
piece
a fragment
#6
ט֖וֹב
thereof into it even every good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#7
יָרֵ֣ךְ
the thigh
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
#8
וְכָתֵ֑ף
and the shoulder
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
#9
מִבְחַ֥ר
it with the choice
select, i.e., best
#10
עֲצָמִ֖ים
bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#11
מַלֵּֽא׃
fill
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People