Ezekiel 31:7

Authorized King James Version

Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְּיִ֣ף
Thus was he fair
properly, to be bright, i.e., (by implication) beautiful
#2
בְּגָדְל֔וֹ
in his greatness
magnitude (literally or figuratively)
#3
בְּאֹ֖רֶךְ
in the length
length
#4
דָּֽלִיּוֹתָ֑יו
of his branches
something dangling, i.e., a bough
#5
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
שָׁרְשׁ֖וֹ
for his root
a root (literally or figuratively)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
מַ֥יִם
waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#10
רַבִּֽים׃
was by great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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