Ezekiel 39:28

Authorized King James Version

Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיָדְע֗וּ
Then shall they know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#2
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
אֲנִ֤י
i
#4
יְהוָה֙
that I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
אֱלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם
their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#6
בְּהַגְלוֹתִ֤י
which caused them to be led into captivity
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#7
אֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
וְכִנַּסְתִּ֖ים
but I have gathered
to collect; hence, to enfold
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
אַדְמָתָ֑ם
them unto their own land
soil (from its general redness)
#13
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
אוֹתִ֥יר
and have left
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
#15
ע֛וֹד
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#16
מֵהֶ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#17
שָֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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