Ezekiel 32:21

Authorized King James Version

The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְדַבְּרוּ
shall speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
ל֞וֹ
H0
#3
אֵלֵ֧י
The strong
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#4
גִבּוֹרִ֛ים
among the mighty
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#5
מִתּ֥וֹךְ
to him out of the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#6
שְׁא֖וֹל
of hell
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
#7
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
עֹֽזְרָ֑יו
with them that help
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
#9
יָֽרְד֛וּ
him they are gone 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
#10
שָׁכְב֥וּ
they lie
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#11
הָעֲרֵלִ֖ים
uncircumcised
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
#12
חַלְלֵי
slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#13
חָֽרֶב׃
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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