Ezekiel 29:4

Authorized King James Version

But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָתַתִּ֤י

H5414

But I will put

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

חַחִיים֙

H2397

hooks

a ring for the nose (or lips)

בִּלְחָיֶ֔יךָ

H3895

in thy jaws

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

תִּדְבָּֽק׃

H1692

shall stick

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

דְּגַ֣ת

H1710

and I will cause the fish

fish

יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ

H2975

of thy rivers

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

בְּקַשְׂקְשֹׂתֶ֖יךָ

H7193

unto thy scales

a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)

וְהַעֲלִיתִ֙יךָ֙

H5927

and I will bring thee up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִתּ֣וֹךְ

H8432

out of the midst

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

#10

יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ

H2975

of thy rivers

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#11

וְאֵת֙

H853

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

#12

כָּל

H3605

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

#13

דְּגַ֣ת

H1710

and I will cause the fish

fish

#14

יְאֹרֶ֔יךָ

H2975

of thy rivers

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#15

בְּקַשְׂקְשֹׂתֶ֖יךָ

H7193

unto thy scales

a scale (of a fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of metal)

#16

תִּדְבָּֽק׃

H1692

shall stick

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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