Ezekiel 36:12

Authorized King James Version

Yea, I will cause men to walk upon you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess thee, and thou shalt be their inheritance, and thou shalt no more henceforth bereave them of men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהוֹלַכְתִּי֩
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
עֲלֵיכֶ֨ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
אָדָ֜ם
Yea I will cause men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
עַמִּ֤י
upon you even my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
וִֽירֵשׁ֔וּךָ
and they shall possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#8
וְהָיִ֥יתָ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
לָהֶ֖ם
H0
#10
לְנַחֲלָ֑ה
thee and thou shalt be their inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#11
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
תוֹסִ֥ף
and thou shalt no more
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#13
ע֖וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#14
לְשַׁכְּלָֽם׃
henceforth bereave
properly, to miscarry, i.e., suffer abortion; by analogy, to bereave (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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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