Ezekiel 31:13

Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches:

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַל

H5921

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

מַפַּלְתּ֥וֹ

H4658

Upon his ruin

fall, i.e., decadence; concretely, a ruin; specifically a carcase

יִשְׁכְּנ֖וּ

H7931

remain

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

כָּל

H3605

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

ע֣וֹף

H5775

shall all the fowls

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

of the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פֹּֽרֹאתָ֣יו

H6288

shall be upon his branches

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

הָי֔וּ

H1961

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

#10

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#11

חַיַּ֥ת

H2416

and all the beasts

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#12

הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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 divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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