Ezekiel 39:17

Authorized King James Version

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֨ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן

H1121

And 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

אָדָ֜ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אֱמֹר֩

H559

Speak

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹ֗ה

H3069

GOD

god

אֱמֹר֩

H559

Speak

to say (used with great latitude)

לְצִפּ֨וֹר

H6833

fowl

a little bird (as hopping)

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

כָּנָ֜ף

H3671

unto every feathered

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

#12

וּלְכֹ֣ל׀

H3605

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

#13

חַיַּ֣ת

H2416

and to every beast

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#14

הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה

H7704

of the field

a field (as flat)

#15

הִקָּבְצ֤וּ

H6908

Assemble

to grasp, i.e., collect

#16

וָבֹ֙אוּ֙

H935

yourselves and come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#17

הֵאָסְפ֣וּ

H622

gather

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

#18

מִסָּבִ֔יב

H5439

yourselves on every side

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

#19

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#20

זֶ֣בַח

H2077

sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#21

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

אֲנִ֜י

H589

#23

זֹבֵ֤חַ

H2076

that I do sacrifice

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#24

לָכֶם֙

#25

זֶ֣בַח

H2077

sacrifice

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#26

גָּד֔וֹל

H1419

for you even a great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#27

עַ֖ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#28

הָרֵ֣י

H2022

upon the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#29

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#30

וַאֲכַלְתֶּ֥ם

H398

that ye may eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#31

בָּשָׂ֖ר

H1320

flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

#32

וּשְׁתִ֥יתֶם

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#33

דָּֽם׃

H1818

blood

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Ezekiel