Ezekiel 32:18

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

Son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

נְהֵ֛ה

H5091

wail

to groan, i.e., bewail; hence (through the idea of crying aloud), to assemble (as if on proclamation)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הֲמ֥וֹן

H1995

for the multitude

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

מִצְרַ֖יִם

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

י֥וֹרְדֵי

H3381

and cast them 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

א֠וֹתָהּ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּבְנ֨וֹת

H1323

even her and the daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#10

גּוֹיִ֧ם

H1471

nations

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

#11

אַדִּרִ֛ם

H117

of the famous

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

#12

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

אֶ֥רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#14

תַּחְתִּיּ֖וֹת

H8482

unto the nether parts

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

#15

אֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

#16

י֥וֹרְדֵי

H3381

and cast them 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

#17

בֽוֹר׃

H953

into the pit

a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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