Ezekiel 48:4

Authorized King James Version

And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Manasseh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְעַ֣ל׀
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
גְּב֣וּל
And by the border
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
#3
נַפְתָּלִ֗י
of Naphtali
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
פְּאַת
side
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#5
קָדִ֛מָה
from the east
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#6
עַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#7
פְּאַת
side
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
#8
יָ֖מָּה
unto the west
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#9
מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה
portion for Manasseh
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#10
אֶחָֽד׃
a
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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