Ezekiel 44:2

Authorized King James Version

Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֜י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

in by it because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַשַּׁ֣עַר

H8179

unto me This gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַזֶּה֩

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

סָגֽוּר׃

H5462

in by it therefore it shall be shut

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

יִהְיֶ֜ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפָּתֵ֗חַ

H6605

it shall not be opened

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#10

וְאִישׁ֙

H376

and no man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#11

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#12

בָּ֣א

H935

hath entered

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

#13

ב֔וֹ

#14

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

in by it because the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

the 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

#17

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

#18

בָּ֣א

H935

hath entered

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

#19

ב֑וֹ

#20

וְהָיָ֖ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#21

סָגֽוּר׃

H5462

in by it therefore it shall be shut

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 44 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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