Ezekiel 33:2

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman:

Word-by-Word Analysis

בְּנֵֽי

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

אָדָ֗ם

H120

of man

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

דַּבֵּ֤ר

H1696

speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵֽי

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

עַם

H5971

if the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאָמַרְתָּ֣

H559

and say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

אָבִ֥יא

H935

unto them When I bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#12

עָלֶ֖יהָ

H5921

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

#13

חָ֑רֶב

H2719

the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#14

וְלָקְח֨וּ

H3947

take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#15

עַם

H5971

if the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#16

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

of the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#17

אִ֤ישׁ

H376

man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#18

אֶחָד֙

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#19

מִקְצֵיהֶ֔ם

H7097

of their coasts

an extremity

#20

וְנָתְנ֥וּ

H5414

and set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#21

אֹת֛וֹ

H853

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

#22

לָהֶ֖ם

#23

לְצֹפֶֽה׃

H6822

him for their watchman

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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