Ezekiel 34:12

Authorized King James Version

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כְּבַקָּרַת֩
H1243
seeketh out
a looking after
#2
רֹעֶ֨ה
H7462
As a shepherd
to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
#3
עֶדְר֜וֹ
H5739
his flock
an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)
#4
בְּי֥וֹם
H3117
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#5
הֱיוֹת֤וֹ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
בְתוֹךְ
H8432
that he is among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
צֹאנִ֑י
H6629
his sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#8
נִפְרָשׁ֔וֹת
H6567
that are scattered
to separate, literally (to disperse) or figuratively (to specify); also (by implication) to wound
#9
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#10
אֲבַקֵּ֣ר
H1239
so will I seek out
properly, to plough, or (generally) break forth, i.e., (figuratively) to inspect, admire, care for, consider
#11
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
צֹאנִ֑י
H6629
his sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#13
וְהִצַּלְתִּ֣י
H5337
and will deliver
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
#14
אֶתְהֶ֗ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הַמְּקוֹמֹת֙
H4725
them out of all places
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#17
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
נָפֹ֣צוּ
H6327
where they have been scattered
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
#19
שָׁ֔ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#20
בְּי֥וֹם
H3117
day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#21
עָנָ֖ן
H6051
in the cloudy
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#22
וַעֲרָפֶֽל׃
H6205
and dark
gloom (as of a lowering sky)

Analysis

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

Questions for Reflection

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