Ezekiel 36:38

Authorized King James Version

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צֹ֣אן
as the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#2
קָֽדָשִׁ֗ים
As the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#3
צֹ֣אן
as the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#4
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
of Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#5
בְּמ֣וֹעֲדֶ֔יהָ
in her solemn feasts
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
#6
כֵּ֤ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#7
תִּהְיֶ֙ינָה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
הֶעָרִ֣ים
cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#9
הֶחֳרֵב֔וֹת
so shall the waste
parched or ruined
#10
מְלֵא֖וֹת
be filled
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#11
צֹ֣אן
as the flock
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#12
אָדָ֑ם
of men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#13
וְיָדְע֖וּ
and they shall know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#14
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#15
אֲנִ֥י
i
#16
יְהוָֽה׃
that I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of 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

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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

People