Ezekiel 28:18

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מֵרֹ֣ב
by the multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#2
עֲוֹנֶ֗יךָ
of thine iniquities
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#3
בְּעֶ֙וֶל֙
by the iniquity
(moral) evil
#4
רְכֻלָּ֣תְךָ֔
of thy traffick
trade (as peddled)
#5
חִלַּ֖לְתָּ
Thou hast defiled
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#6
מִקְדָּשֶׁ֑יךָ
thy sanctuaries
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#7
וָֽאוֹצִא
therefore will I bring forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#8
אֵ֤שׁ
a fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#9
מִתּֽוֹכְךָ֙
from the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#10
הִ֣יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#11
אֲכָלַ֔תְךָ
of thee it shall devour
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#12
וָאֶתֶּנְךָ֤
thee and I will bring
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
לְאֵ֙פֶר֙
thee to ashes
ashes
#14
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
הָאָ֔רֶץ
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#16
לְעֵינֵ֖י
in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#17
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
רֹאֶֽיךָ׃
of all them that behold
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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