Ezekiel 39:1

Authorized King James Version

Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֤ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
בֶן
Therefore thou 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
#3
אָדָם֙
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#4
הִנָּבֵ֣א
prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#5
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
גּ֔וֹג
Behold I am against thee O Gog
gog, the name of an israelite, also of some nothern nation
#7
אָמַ֖ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#9
אָמַ֖ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#11
יְהוִ֑ה
GOD
god
#12
הִנְנִ֤י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#13
אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
גּ֔וֹג
Behold I am against thee O Gog
gog, the name of an israelite, also of some nothern nation
#15
נְשִׂ֕יא
prince
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#16
רֹ֖אשׁ
the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#17
מֶ֥שֶׁךְ
of Meshech
meshek, a son of japheth, and the people descended from him
#18
וְתֻבָֽל׃
and Tubal
tubal, a postdiluvian patriarch and his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Ezekiel.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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