Ezekiel 28:13

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּעֵ֨דֶן

H5731

Thou hast been in Eden

eden, the region of adam's home

גַּן

H1588

the garden

a garden (as fenced)

אֱלֹהִ֜ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָיִ֗יתָ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֶ֨בֶן

H68

stone

a stone

יְקָרָ֤ה

H3368

every precious

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

מְסֻכָתֶ֙ךָ֙

H4540

was thy covering

a covering, i.e., garniture

אֹ֣דֶם

H124

the sardius

redness, i.e., the ruby, garnet, or some other red gem

#10

פִּטְדָ֞ה

H6357

topaz

a gem, probably the topaz

#11

וְיָהֲלֹ֗ם

H3095

and the diamond

a precious stone, probably onyx

#12

תַּרְשִׁ֥ישׁ

H8658

the beryl

a gem, perhaps the topaz

#13

שֹׁ֙הַם֙

H7718

the onyx

a gem, probably the beryl (from its pale green color)

#14

וְיָ֣שְׁפֵ֔ה

H3471

and the jasper

a gem supposed to be jasper (from the resemblance in name)

#15

סַפִּ֣יר

H5601

the sapphire

a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire

#16

נֹ֔פֶךְ

H5306

the emerald

shining; a gem, probably the garnet

#17

וּבָרְקַ֖ת

H1304

and the carbuncle

a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald

#18

וְזָהָ֑ב

H2091

and gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

#19

מְלֶ֨אכֶת

H4399

the workmanship

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#20

תֻּפֶּ֤יךָ

H8596

of thy tabrets

a tambourine

#21

וּנְקָבֶ֙יךָ֙

H5345

and of thy pipes

a bezel (for a gem)

#22

בָּ֔ךְ

#23

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

in thee in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#24

הִבָּרַאֲךָ֖

H1254

that thou wast created

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

#25

כּוֹנָֽנוּ׃

H3559

was prepared

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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