Ezekiel 31:4

Authorized King James Version

The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַ֣יִם
The waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#2
גִּדְּל֔וּהוּ
made him great
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
#3
תְּה֖וֹם
the deep
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
#4
רֹֽמְמָ֑תְהוּ
set him up on high
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#5
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#6
נַהֲרֹתֶ֗יהָ
with her rivers
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#7
הֹלֵךְ֙
running
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
סְבִיב֣וֹת
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#9
מַטָּעָ֔הּ
his plants
something planted, i.e., the place (a garden or vineyard), or the thing (a plant, figuratively or men); by implication, the act, planting
#10
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
תְּעָלֹתֶ֣יהָ
her little rivers
a bandage or plaster (as placed upon a wound)
#12
שִׁלְחָ֔ה
and sent out
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#13
אֶ֖ל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#15
עֲצֵ֥י
unto all the trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#16
הַשָּׂדֶֽה׃
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

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