Ezekiel 28:7

Authorized King James Version

Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
הִנְנִ֨י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#3
מֵבִ֤יא
Behold therefore I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
זָרִ֔ים
strangers
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
#6
עָרִיצֵ֖י
upon thee the terrible
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
#7
גּוֹיִ֑ם
of the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#8
וְהֵרִ֤יקוּ
and they shall draw
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty
#9
חַרְבוֹתָם֙
their swords
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
יְפִ֣י
against the beauty
beauty
#12
חָכְמָתֶ֔ךָ
of thy wisdom
wisdom (in a good sense)
#13
וְחִלְּל֖וּ
and they shall defile
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
#14
יִפְעָתֶֽךָ׃
thy brightness
splendor or (figuratively) beauty

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of wisdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about wisdom, 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 wisdom in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People