Ezekiel 27:7

Authorized King James Version

Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֵׁשׁ
Fine linen
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
#2
בְּרִקְמָ֤ה
with broidered work
variegation of color; specifically, embroidery
#3
מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙
from Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#4
הָיָ֣ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
מִפְרָשֵׂ֔ךְ
was that which thou spreadest forth
an expansion
#6
לִהְי֥וֹת
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לָ֖ךְ
H0
#8
לְנֵ֑ס
to be thy sail
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token
#9
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
blue
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
#10
וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן
and purple
purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
#11
מֵאִיֵּ֥י
from the isles
properly, a habitable spot (as desirable); dry land, a coast, an island
#12
אֱלִישָׁ֖ה
of Elishah
elishah, a son of javan
#13
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
מְכַסֵּֽךְ׃
was that which covered
a covering, i.e., garment; specifically, a coverlet (for a bed), an awning (from the sun); also the omentum (as covering the intestines)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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