Ezekiel 7:24

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵֽבֵאתִי֙
Wherefore I will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
רָעֵ֣י
the worst
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#3
גוֹיִ֔ם
of the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
וְיָרְשׁ֖וּ
and they shall possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#5
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
בָּֽתֵּיהֶ֑ם
their houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#7
וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי֙
to cease
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
#8
גְּא֣וֹן
I will also make the pomp
the same as h1346
#9
עַזִּ֔ים
of the strong
strong, vehement, harsh
#10
וְנִחֲל֖וּ
shall be defiled
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#11
מְקַֽדְשֵׁיהֶֽם׃
and their holy places
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People