Ezekiel 28:9

Authorized King James Version

Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
תֹּאמַר֙
Wilt thou yet
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
תֹּאמַר֙
Wilt thou yet
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
thee I am 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
#4
אָ֔נִי
i
#5
לִפְנֵ֖י
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
הֹֽרְגֶ֑ךָ
him that slayeth
to smite with deadly intent
#7
וְאַתָּ֥ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#8
אָדָ֛ם
but thou shalt be a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#9
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
אֵ֖ל
and no God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#11
בְּיַ֥ד
in the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
מְחַלְלֶֽיךָ׃
of him that slayeth
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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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