Ezekiel 37:26

Authorized King James Version

Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכָרַתִּ֤י

H3772

Moreover I will make

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לָהֶם֙

בְּרִ֥ית

H1285

a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

שָׁל֔וֹם

H7965

of peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

בְּרִ֥ית

H1285

a covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

לְעוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

of them for evermore

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

יִהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אוֹתָ֑ם

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְנָתַתִּ֧י

H5414

them and will set

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

#10

וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֣י

H7235

them and multiply

to increase (in whatever respect)

#11

אוֹתָ֔ם

H853

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

#12

וְנָתַתִּ֧י

H5414

them and will set

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

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

מִקְדָּשִׁ֛י

H4720

my sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#15

בְּתוֹכָ֖ם

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#16

לְעוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

of them for evermore

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?

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