Ezekiel 5:8

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַר֙
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#6
הִנְנִ֥י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#7
עָלַ֖יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
גַּם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#9
אָ֑נִי
i
#10
וְעָשִׂ֧יתִי
Behold I even I am against thee and will execute
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
בְתוֹכֵ֛ךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#12
מִשְׁפָּטִ֖ים
judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#13
לְעֵינֵ֥י
of thee in the sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#14
הַגּוֹיִֽם׃
of the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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