Ezekiel 38:4

Authorized King James Version

And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשׁ֣וֹבַבְתִּ֔יךָ

H7725

And I will turn thee back

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְנָתַתִּ֥י

H5414

and put

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

חַחִ֖ים

H2397

hooks

a ring for the nose (or lips)

בִּלְחָיֶ֑יךָ

H3895

into thy jaws

the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone

וְהוֹצֵאתִי֩

H3318

and I will bring thee forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אוֹתְךָ֙

H853

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

וְאֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֵילֶ֜ךָ

H2428

and all thine army

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

#10

סוּסִ֣ים

H5483

horses

a horse (as leaping)

#11

וּפָרָשִׁ֗ים

H6571

and horsemen

a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

#12

לְבֻשֵׁ֤י

H3847

all of them clothed

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

#13

מִכְלוֹל֙

H4358

with all sorts

perfection (i.e., concrete adverbial, splendidly)

#14

כֻּלָּ֔ם

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#15

קָהָ֥ל

H6951

company

assemblage (usually concretely)

#16

רָב֙

H7227

of armour even a great

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

#17

צִנָּ֣ה

H6793

with bucklers

a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)

#18

וּמָגֵ֔ן

H4043

and shields

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

#19

תֹּפְשֵׂ֥י

H8610

all of them handling

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

#20

חֲרָב֖וֹת

H2719

swords

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

#21

כֻּלָּֽם׃

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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