Ezekiel 27:16

Authorized King James Version

Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲרָ֥ם
Syria
aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite
#2
סֹחַרְתֵּ֖ךְ
was thy merchant
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
#3
מֵרֹ֣ב
by reason of the multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#4
מַעֲשָׂ֑יִךְ
of the wares of thy making
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#5
בְּ֠נֹפֶךְ
with emeralds
shining; a gem, probably the garnet
#6
אַרְגָּמָ֨ן
purple
purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
#7
וְרִקְמָ֤ה
and broidered work
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
#8
וּבוּץ֙
and fine linen
probably cotton (of some sort)
#9
וְרָאמֹ֣ת
and coral
something high in value, i.e., perhaps coral
#10
וְכַדְכֹּ֔ד
and agate
a sparkling gem, probably the ruby
#11
נָתְנ֖וּ
they occupied
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
בְּעִזְבוֹנָֽיִךְ׃
in thy fairs
trade, i.e., the place (mart) or the payment (revenue)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation 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

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