Ezekiel 31:6

Authorized King James Version

All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּסְעַפֹּתָ֤יו

H5589

in his boughs

a twig

קִֽנְנוּ֙

H7077

made their nests

to nestle, i.e., build or occupy as a nest

כָּל

H3605

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

ע֣וֹף

H5775

All the fowls

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

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

of 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

וְתַ֤חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

פֹּֽארֹתָיו֙

H6288

and under his branches

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

יָֽלְד֔וּ

H3205

bring forth their young

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#10

חַיַּ֣ת

H2416

did 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

#11

הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#12

וּבְצִלּוֹ֙

H6738

and under his shadow

shade, whether literal or figurative

#13

יֵֽשְׁב֔וּ

H3427

dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#14

כֹּ֖ל

H3605

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

#15

גּוֹיִ֥ם

H1471

nations

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

#16

רַבִּֽים׃

H7227

all great

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

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

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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

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