Ezekiel 26:20

Authorized King James Version

When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;

Word-by-Word Analysis

י֣וֹרְדֵי

H3381

When I shall bring thee 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

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

י֣וֹרְדֵי

H3381

When I shall bring thee 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

ב֔וֹר

H953

into the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַ֣ם

H5971

with the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

מֵֽעוֹלָם֙

H5769

of old

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

תֵשֵׁ֑בִי

H3427

and shall set

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

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

תַּחְתִּיּ֜וֹת

H8482

thee in the low parts

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

#11

כָּחֳרָב֤וֹת

H2723

in places desolate

properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation

#12

מֵֽעוֹלָם֙

H5769

of old

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#13

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#14

י֣וֹרְדֵי

H3381

When I shall bring thee 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

#15

ב֔וֹר

H953

into the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

#16

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#17

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#18

תֵשֵׁ֑בִי

H3427

and shall set

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

#19

וְנָתַתִּ֥י

H5414

and I shall set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#20

צְבִ֖י

H6643

glory

a gazelle (as beautiful)

#21

בְּאֶ֥רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#22

חַיִּֽים׃

H2416

of the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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 glory 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

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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of glory differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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