Ezekiel 39:4

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
הָרֵ֨י
upon the mountains
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
תִּפּ֗וֹל
Thou shalt fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#5
אַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
אֲגַפֶּ֔יךָ
thou and all thy bands
(only plural) wings of an army, or crowds of troops
#8
וְעַמִּ֖ים
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
אִתָּ֑ךְ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#11
לְעֵ֨יט
thee unto the ravenous
a hawk or other bird of prey
#12
צִפּ֧וֹר
birds
a little bird (as hopping)
#13
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
כָּנָ֛ף
of every sort
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
#15
וְחַיַּ֥ת
and to the beasts
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#16
הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה
of the field
a field (as flat)
#17
נְתַתִּ֥יךָ
that is with thee I will give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#18
לְאָכְלָֽה׃
to be devoured
food

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

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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