Ezekiel 31:12

Authorized King James Version

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּכְרְתֻ֧הוּ

H3772

have cut him off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

זָרִ֛ים

H2114

And strangers

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

עָרִיצֵ֥י

H6184

the terrible

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

גוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

of the nations

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

וַֽיִּטְּשֻֽׁהוּ׃

H5203

and have left

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֶ֠הָרִים

H2022

him upon the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּבְכָל

H3605

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

גֵּ֨אָי֜וֹת

H1516

and in all the valleys

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

#10

נָפְל֣וּ

H5307

are fallen

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

#11

דָלִיּוֹתָ֗יו

H1808

his branches

something dangling, i.e., a bough

#12

וַתִּשָּׁבַ֤רְנָה

H7665

are broken

to burst (literally or figuratively)

#13

פֹֽרֹאתָיו֙

H6288

and his boughs

properly, ornamentation, i.e., (plural) foliage (including the limbs) as bright green

#14

בְּכֹל֙

H3605

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

#15

אֲפִיקֵ֣י

H650

by all the rivers

properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero

#16

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

וַיֵּרְד֧וּ

H3381

are gone down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

#18

מִצִּלּ֛וֹ

H6738

from his shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

#19

כָּל

H3605

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

#20

עַמֵּ֥י

H5971

and all the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#22

וַֽיִּטְּשֻֽׁהוּ׃

H5203

and have left

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

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

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

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 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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