Ezekiel 38:9

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעָלִ֙יתָ֙
Thou shalt ascend
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
כַּשֹּׁאָ֣ה
like a storm
a tempest; by implication, devastation
#3
תָב֔וֹא
and come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
כֶּעָנָ֛ן
thou shalt be like a cloud
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
#5
לְכַסּ֥וֹת
to cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#6
הָאָ֖רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
אַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#9
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
אֲגַפֶּ֔יךָ
thou and all thy bands
(only plural) wings of an army, or crowds of troops
#11
וְעַמִּ֥ים
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
רַבִּ֖ים
and many
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#13
אוֹתָֽךְ׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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 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 covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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