Ezekiel 29:12

Authorized King James Version

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָתַתִּ֣י

H5414

And I will make

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּאֲרָצֽוֹת׃

H776

of the countries

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

שְׁמָמָ֔ה

H8077

desolate

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

בְּת֨וֹךְ

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

בָּאֲרָצֽוֹת׃

H776

of the countries

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נְשַׁמּ֗וֹת

H8074

that are desolate

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

עָרִ֤ים

H5892

and her cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#10

בְּת֨וֹךְ

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#11

עָרִ֤ים

H5892

and her cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#12

מָֽחֳרָבוֹת֙

H2717

that are laid waste

to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill

#13

תִּֽהְיֶ֣יןָ

H1961

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

#14

שְׁמָמָ֔ה

H8077

desolate

devastation; figuratively, astonishment

#15

אַרְבָּעִ֖ים

H705

forty

#16

שָׁנָ֑ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#17

וַהֲפִצֹתִ֤י

H6327

and I will scatter

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

#18

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#19

מִצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

#20

בַּגּוֹיִ֔ם

H1471

among the nations

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#21

וְֽזֵרִיתִ֖ים

H2219

and will disperse

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

#22

בָּאֲרָצֽוֹת׃

H776

of the countries

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 29 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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