Ezekiel 38:14

Authorized King James Version

Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵן֙
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
הִנָּבֵ֣א
prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#3
בֶן
Therefore son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אָדָ֔ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
אָמַ֖ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#6
לְג֔וֹג
unto Gog
gog, the name of an israelite, also of some nothern nation
#7
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#8
אָמַ֖ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#9
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#10
יְהוִ֑ה
GOD
god
#11
הֲל֣וֹא׀
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
בַּיּ֣וֹם
In that day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#13
הַה֗וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#14
בְּשֶׁ֨בֶת
dwelleth
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
עַמִּ֧י
when my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#16
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#17
לָבֶ֖טַח
safely
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
#18
תֵּדָֽע׃
shalt thou not know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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