Ezekiel 31:14

Authorized King James Version

To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַ֡עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

לֹא

H3808

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

יִגְבְּה֨וּ

H1361

exalt

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

בְקוֹמָתָ֜ם

H6967

themselves for their height

height

כָּל

H3605

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

עֲצֵי

H6086

To the end that none of all the trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

מָ֑יִם

H4325

by the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#10

נִתְּנ֨וּ

H5414

for they are all delivered

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

#11

אֶת

H853

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

#12

צַמַּרְתָּם֙

H6788

their top

fleeciness, i.e., foliage

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

בֵּ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#15

עֲבֹתִ֔ים

H5688

among the thick boughs

something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage

#16

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#17

יַעַמְד֧וּ

H5975

stand up

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#18

אֵלֵיהֶ֛ם

H352

neither their trees

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

#19

בְּגָבְהָ֖ם

H1363

in their height

elation, grandeur, arrogance

#20

כָּל

H3605

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

#21

שֹׁ֣תֵי

H8354

all that drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#22

מָ֑יִם

H4325

by the waters

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

#23

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#24

כֻלָּם֩

H3605

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

#25

נִתְּנ֨וּ

H5414

for they are all delivered

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

#26

לַמָּ֜וֶת

H4194

unto death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

#27

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#28

אֶ֣רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#29

תַּחְתִּ֗ית

H8482

to the nether parts

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

#30

בְּת֛וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

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

#31

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

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

#32

אָדָ֖ם

H120

of men

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

#33

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#34

י֥וֹרְדֵי

H3381

with them that go 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

#35

בֽוֹר׃

H953

to the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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