Ezekiel 6:13

Authorized King James Version

Then shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וִֽידַעְתֶּם֙

H3045

Then shall ye know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י

H589

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

that I am the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בִּֽהְי֣וֹת

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חַלְלֵיהֶ֗ם

H2491

when their slain

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

בְּתוֹךְ֙

H8432

men shall be among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

גִּלּוּלֵיהֶֽם׃

H1544

their idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

סְבִיב֖וֹת

H5439

round about

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

#10

מִזְבְּחֽוֹתֵיהֶ֑ם

H4196

their altars

an altar

#11

אֶל֩

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

גִּבְעָ֨ה

H1389

hill

a hillock

#14

רָמָ֜ה

H7311

upon every high

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#15

בְּכֹ֣ל׀

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

רָאשֵׁ֣י

H7218

in all the tops

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#17

הֶהָרִ֗ים

H2022

of the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#18

וְתַ֨חַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#19

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#20

עֵ֤ץ

H6086

tree

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#21

רַֽעֲנָן֙

H7488

and under every green

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

#22

וְתַ֙חַת֙

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

#23

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#24

אֵלָ֣ה

H424

oak

an oak or other strong tree

#25

עֲבֻתָּ֔ה

H5687

and under every thick

intwined, i.e., dense

#26

מְק֗וֹם

H4725

the place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#27

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#28

נָֽתְנוּ

H5414

where they did offer

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#29

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#30

רֵ֣יחַ

H7381

savour

odor (as if blown)

#31

נִיחֹ֔חַ

H5207

sweet

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

#32

לְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#33

גִּלּוּלֵיהֶֽם׃

H1544

their idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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