Ezekiel 32:8

Authorized King James Version

All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#2
מְא֤וֹרֵי
All the bright
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
#3
אוֹר֙
lights
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#4
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם
of heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#5
אַקְדִּירֵ֖ם
will I make dark
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
#6
עָלֶ֑יךָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
וְנָתַ֤תִּי
over thee and set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#8
חֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙
darkness
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
#9
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
אַרְצְךָ֔
upon thy land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#11
נְאֻ֖ם
saith
an oracle
#12
אֲדֹנָ֥י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#13
יְהוִֽה׃
GOD
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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People