Ezekiel 5:12

Authorized King James Version

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁית֙
A third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#2
בַּדֶּ֣בֶר
with the pestilence
a pestilence
#3
יָמ֗וּתוּ
of thee shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#4
וּבָֽרָעָב֙
and with famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#5
יִכְל֣וּ
shall they be consumed
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#6
בְתוֹכֵ֔ךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁית֙
A third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#8
וְחֶ֖רֶב
a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#9
יִפְּל֣וּ
shall fall
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#10
סְבִיבוֹתָ֑יִךְ
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#11
וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁית֙
A third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#12
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
ר֣וּחַ
into all the winds
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#14
אֱזָרֶ֔ה
thee and I will scatter
to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow
#15
וְחֶ֖רֶב
a sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#16
אָרִ֥יק
and I will draw out
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty
#17
אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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