Ezekiel 26:16

Authorized King James Version

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽיָרְד֞וּ

H3381

shall come down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

מֵעַ֣ל

H5921

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

כִּסְאוֹתָ֗ם

H3678

from their thrones

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

כֹּ֚ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נְשִׂיאֵ֣י

H5387

Then all the princes

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הַיָּ֔ם

H3220

of the sea

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וְהֵסִ֙ירוּ֙

H5493

and lay away

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מְעִ֣ילֵיהֶ֔ם

H4598

their robes

a robe (i.e., upper and outer garment)

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

בִּגְדֵ֥י

H899

garments

a covering, i.e., clothing

#12

רִקְמָתָ֖ם

H7553

their broidered

variegation of color; specifically, embroidery

#13

יִפְשֹׁ֑טוּ

H6584

and put off

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

#14

חֲרָד֤וֹת׀

H2731

themselves with trembling

fear, anxiety

#15

יִלְבָּ֙שׁוּ֙

H3847

they shall clothe

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

#16

עַל

H5921

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

#17

הָאָ֣רֶץ

H776

upon the ground

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#18

יֵשֵׁ֔בוּ

H3427

they shall sit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#19

וְחָֽרְדוּ֙

H2729

and shall tremble

to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)

#20

לִרְגָעִ֔ים

H7281

at every moment

a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time

#21

וְשָׁמְמ֖וּ

H8074

and be astonished

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#22

עָלָֽיִךְ׃

H5921

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
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 the kingdom of God 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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