Ezekiel 47:6

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלַ֖י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הֲרָאִ֣יתָ
hast thou seen
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
בֶן
unto me Son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
אָדָ֑ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#6
וַיּוֹלִכֵ֥נִי
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
וַיְשִׁבֵ֖נִי
me and caused me to return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#8
שְׂפַ֥ת
to the brink
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#9
הַנָּֽחַל׃
of the river
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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