Ezekiel 31:15

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּֽה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֞ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִ֗ה
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
בְּי֨וֹם
In the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
רִדְתּ֤וֹ
when he went 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
#7
שְׁא֙וֹלָה֙
to the grave
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#8
הֶאֱבַ֜לְתִּי
H56
I caused a mourning
to bewail
#9
כִּסֵּ֤תִי
I covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#10
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
תְּה֔וֹם
the deep
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
#13
וָֽאֶמְנַע֙
for him and I restrained
to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury
#14
נַהֲרוֹתֶ֔יהָ
the floods
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#15
וַיִּכָּלְא֖וּ
were stayed
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
#16
מַ֣יִם
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#17
רַבִּ֑ים
thereof and the great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#18
וָאַקְדִּ֤ר
to mourn
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
#19
עָלָיו֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
לְבָנ֔וֹן
and I caused Lebanon
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine
#21
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#22
עֲצֵ֥י
for him and all the trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#23
הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#24
עָלָ֥יו
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#25
עֻלְפֶּֽה׃
fainted
an envelope, i.e., (figuratively) mourning

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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