Ezekiel 37:8

Authorized King James Version

And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְרָאִ֜יתִי
And when I beheld
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
וְהִנֵּֽה
lo!
#3
עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
גִּדִים֙
lo the sinews
a thong (as compressing); by analogy, a tendon
#5
וּבָשָׂ֣ר
and the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#6
עָלָ֔ה
came up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#7
וַיִּקְרַ֧ם
covered
to cover
#8
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
ע֖וֹר
upon them and the skin
skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather
#10
מִלְמָ֑עְלָה
them above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#11
וְר֖וּחַ
but there was no breath
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#12
אֵ֥ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#13
בָּהֶֽם׃
H0

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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