Ezekiel 32:23

Authorized King James Version

Whose graves are set in the sides of the pit, and her company is round about her grave: all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
נָתְנ֥וּ
are set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
קִבְרֹתֶ֙יהָ֙
Whose graves
a sepulcher
#4
בְּיַרְכְּתֵי
in the sides
properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
#5
ב֔וֹר
of the pit
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
#6
וַיְהִ֣י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
קְהָלָ֔הּ
and her company
assemblage (usually concretely)
#8
סְבִיב֖וֹת
is round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#9
קְבֻרָתָ֑הּ
her grave
sepulture; (concretely) a sepulcher
#10
כֻּלָּ֤ם
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
חֲלָלִים֙
all of them slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#12
נֹפְלִ֣ים
fallen
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#13
בַּחֶ֔רֶב
by the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#14
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
נָתְנ֥וּ
are set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
חִתִּ֖ית
terror
fear
#17
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#18
חַיִּֽים׃
of the living
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

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

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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