Ezekiel 27:11

Authorized King James Version

The men of Arvad with thine army were upon thy walls round about, and the Gammadims were in thy towers: they hanged their shields upon thy walls round about; they have made thy beauty perfect.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּנֵ֧י
The men
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
אַרְוַ֣ד
of Arvad
arvad, an island-city of palestine
#3
וְחֵילֵ֗ךְ
with thine army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
חוֹמוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙
upon thy walls
a wall of protection
#6
סָבִ֔יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#7
וְגַ֨מָּדִ֔ים
and the Gammadims
a warrior (as grasping weapons)
#8
בְּמִגְדְּלוֹתַ֖יִךְ
were in thy towers
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#9
הָי֑וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
שִׁלְטֵיהֶ֞ם
their shields
probably a shield (as controlling, i.e., protecting the person)
#11
תִּלּ֤וּ
they hanged
to suspend (especially to gibbet)
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
חוֹמוֹתַ֙יִךְ֙
upon thy walls
a wall of protection
#14
סָבִ֔יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#15
הֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
כָּלְל֥וּ
perfect
to complete
#17
יָפְיֵֽךְ׃
thy beauty
beauty

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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