Ezekiel 32:15

Authorized King James Version

When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate, and the country shall be destitute of that whereof it was full, when I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּתִתִּי֩
When I shall make
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
אֶ֚רֶץ
and the country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
מִצְרַ֜יִם
of Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#5
שְׁמָמָ֣ה
desolate
devastation; figuratively, astonishment
#6
וּנְשַׁמָּ֗ה
shall be destitute
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#7
אֶ֚רֶץ
and the country
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
מִמְּלֹאָ֔הּ
of that whereof it was full
fulness (literally or figuratively)
#9
בְּהַכּוֹתִ֖י
when I shall smite
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
י֣וֹשְׁבֵי
all them that dwell
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#13
בָ֑הּ
H0
#14
וְיָדְע֖וּ
therein then shall they know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#15
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#16
אֲנִ֥י
i
#17
יְהוָֽה׃
that I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty 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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People