Ezekiel 27:22

Authorized King James Version

The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רֹכְלָ֑יִךְ
The merchants
to travel for trading
#2
שְׁבָא֙
of Sheba
sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district
#3
וְרַעְמָ֔ה
and Raamah
ramah, the name of a grandson of ham, and of a place (perhaps founded by him)
#4
הֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#5
רֹכְלָ֑יִךְ
The merchants
to travel for trading
#6
בְּרֹ֨אשׁ
with chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
בֹּ֜שֶׂם
of all spices
fragrance; by implication, spicery; also the balsam plant
#9
וּבְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
אֶ֤בֶן
H68
stones
a stone
#11
יְקָרָה֙
and with all precious
valuable (objectively or subjectively)
#12
וְזָהָ֔ב
and gold
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
#13
נָתְנ֖וּ
they occupied
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#14
עִזְבוֹנָֽיִךְ׃
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 universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People