Ezekiel 46:16

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַ֞ר
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִֹ֗ה
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#5
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
יִתֵּ֨ן
give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
הַנָּשִׂ֤יא
If the prince
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
#8
מַתָּנָה֙
a gift
a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe
#9
לְאִ֣ישׁ
unto any
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)
#10
לְבָנָ֣יו
of his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
בְּנַחֲלָֽה׃
by inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
#12
הִ֖יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#13
לְבָנָ֣יו
of his sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#14
תִּֽהְיֶ֑ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
אֲחֻזָּתָ֥ם
it shall be their possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#16
הִ֖יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#17
בְּנַחֲלָֽה׃
by inheritance
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

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