Ezekiel 27:9

Authorized King James Version

The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זִקְנֵ֨י
The ancients
old
#2
גְבַ֤ל
of Gebal
gebal, a place in phoenicia
#3
וַחֲכָמֶ֙יהָ֙
and the wise
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
#4
הָ֣יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#5
בָ֔ךְ
H0
#6
מַחֲזִיקֵ֖י
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#7
בִּדְקֵ֑ךְ
men thereof were in thee thy calkers
a gap or leak (in a building or a ship)
#8
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
אֳנִיּ֨וֹת
all the ships
a ship
#10
הַיָּ֤ם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#11
וּמַלָּֽחֵיהֶם֙
with their mariners
a sailor (as following 'the salt')
#12
הָ֣יוּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
בָ֔ךְ
H0
#14
לַעֲרֹ֖ב
were in thee to occupy
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)
#15
מַעֲרָבֵֽךְ׃
thy merchandise
traffic; by implication, mercantile goods

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People