Ezekiel 30:21

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.

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

אָדָ֕ם

H120

of man

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

אֶת

H853

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

זְר֛וֹעַ

H2220

the arm

the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force

פַּרְעֹ֥ה

H6547

of Pharaoh

paroh, a general title of egyptian kings

מֶֽלֶךְ

H4428

king

a king

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

שָׁבָ֑רְתִּי

H7665

I have broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְהִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#11

לְחָבְשָׁ֥הּ

H2280

and lo it shall not be bound up

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

#12

לָתֵ֨ת

H5414

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

#13

רְפֻא֜וֹת

H7499

to be healed

a medicament

#14

לָשׂ֥וּם

H7760

to put

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#15

חִתּ֛וּל

H2848

a roller

swathed, i.e., a bandage

#16

לְחָבְשָׁ֥הּ

H2280

and lo it shall not be bound up

to wrap firmly (especially a turban, compress, or saddle); figuratively, to stop, to rule

#17

לְחָזְקָ֖הּ

H2388

it to make it strong

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

#18

לִתְפֹּ֥שׂ

H8610

to hold

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#19

בֶּחָֽרֶב׃

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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 revelation 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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 30 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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