Ezekiel 27:19

Authorized King James Version

Dan also and Javan going to and fro occupied in thy fairs: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were in thy market.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְדָ֤ן
Dan
vedan (or aden), a place in arabia
#2
וְיָוָן֙
also and Javan
javan, the name of a son of joktan, and of the race (ionians, i.e., greeks) descended from him, with their territory; also of a place in arabia
#3
מְאוּזָּ֔ל
going to and fro
to go away, hence, to disappear
#4
בְּעִזְבוֹנַ֖יִךְ
in thy fairs
trade, i.e., the place (mart) or the payment (revenue)
#5
נָתָ֑נּוּ
occupied
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
בַּרְזֶ֤ל
iron
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
#7
עָשׁוֹת֙
bright
shining, i.e., polished
#8
קִדָּ֣ה
cassia
cassia bark (as in shrivelled rolls)
#9
וְקָנֶ֔ה
and calamus
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#10
בְּמַעֲרָבֵ֖ךְ
were in thy market
traffic; by implication, mercantile goods
#11
הָיָֽה׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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