Ezekiel 38:2

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
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
#2
אָדָ֗ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
שִׂ֤ים
set
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#4
פָּנֶ֙יךָ֙
thy face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
גּוֹג֙
against Gog
gog, the name of an israelite, also of some nothern nation
#7
אֶ֣רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#8
הַמָּג֔וֹג
of Magog
magog, a son of japheth; also a barbarous northern region
#9
נְשִׂ֕יא
prince
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#10
רֹ֖אשׁ
the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#11
מֶ֣שֶׁךְ
of Meshech
meshek, a son of japheth, and the people descended from him
#12
וְתֻבָ֑ל
and Tubal
tubal, a postdiluvian patriarch and his posterity
#13
וְהִנָּבֵ֖א
and prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#14
עָלָֽיו׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation. 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