Ezekiel 36:35

Authorized King James Version

And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָמְר֗וּ
And they shall say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הָאָ֤רֶץ
land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
הַלֵּ֙זוּ֙
This
that
#4
וְהַֽנְשַׁמּ֥וֹת
and desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#5
הָיְתָ֖ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
כְּגַן
is become like the garden
a garden (as fenced)
#7
עֵ֑דֶן
of Eden
eden, the region of adam's home
#8
וְהֶעָרִ֧ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
הֶחֳרֵב֛וֹת
and the waste
parched or ruined
#10
וְהַֽנְשַׁמּ֥וֹת
and desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#11
וְהַנֶּהֱרָס֖וֹת
and ruined
to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy
#12
בְּצוּר֥וֹת
are become fenced
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#13
יָשָֽׁבוּ׃
and are inhabited
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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