Ezekiel 29:18

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

Son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֣ר

H5019

Nebuchadrezzar

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

בָּ֠בֶל

H894

of Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

עָבַ֥ד

H5647

caused

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת

H853

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

וּלְחֵילוֹ֙

H2428

his army

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה

H5656

for the service

work of any kind

#10

גְדוֹלָה֙

H1419

a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

מִצֹּ֔ר

H6865

against Tyrus

tsor, a place in palestine

#13

כָּל

H3605

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

#14

רֹ֣אשׁ

H7218

every head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#15

מֻקְרָ֔ח

H7139

was made bald

to depilate

#16

וְכָל

H3605

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

#17

כָּתֵ֖ף

H3802

and every shoulder

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

#18

מְרוּטָ֑ה

H4803

was peeled

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

#19

וְ֠שָׂכָר

H7939

yet had he no wages

payment of contract; concretely, salary, fare, maintenance; by implication, compensation, benefit

#20

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#21

הָ֨יָה

H1961

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

#22

ל֤וֹ

#23

וּלְחֵילוֹ֙

H2428

his army

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#24

מִצֹּ֔ר

H6865

against Tyrus

tsor, a place in palestine

#25

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#26

הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה

H5656

for the service

work of any kind

#27

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#28

עָבַ֥ד

H5647

caused

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#29

עָלֶֽיהָ׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 29 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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