Ezekiel 5:16

Authorized King James Version

When I shall send upon them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח
When I shall send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
חִצֵּי֩
arrows
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
#4
וְרָעָב֙
of famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#5
הָרָעִ֤ים
upon them the evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
בָּהֶם֙
H0
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הָי֣וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
לְמַשְׁחִ֔ית
which shall be for their destruction
destructive, i.e., (as noun) destruction, literally (specifically a snare) or figuratively (corruption)
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח
When I shall send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
אוֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
לְשַֽׁחֶתְכֶ֑ם
to destroy
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#14
וְרָעָב֙
of famine
hunger (more or less extensive)
#15
אֹסֵ֣ף
you and I will increase
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
#16
עֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
וְשָׁבַרְתִּ֥י
upon you and will break
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#18
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#19
מַטֵּה
your staff
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
#20
לָֽחֶם׃
of bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

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

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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