Ezekiel 44:17

Authorized King James Version

And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֗ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בְּבוֹאָם֙
And it shall come to pass that when they enter
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#3
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בְּשַׁעֲרֵ֛י
in at the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#5
הֶחָצֵ֥ר
court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#6
הַפְּנִימִ֖ית
of the inner
interior
#7
בִּגְדֵ֥י
garments
a covering, i.e., clothing
#8
פִשְׁתִּ֖ים
with linen
linen (i.e., the thread, as carded)
#9
יִלְבָּ֑שׁוּ
they shall be clothed
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
#10
וְלֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יַעֲלֶ֤ה
shall come
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#12
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
צֶ֔מֶר
and no wool
wool
#14
בְּשָֽׁרְתָ֗ם
upon them whiles they minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#15
בְּשַׁעֲרֵ֛י
in at the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#16
הֶחָצֵ֥ר
court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#17
הַפְּנִימִ֖ית
of the inner
interior
#18
וָבָֽיְתָה׃
and within
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation 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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