Ezekiel 9:2

Authorized King James Version

And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהִנֵּ֣ה

H2009

lo!

שִׁשָּׁ֣ה

H8337

And behold six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וְאִישׁ

H376

and every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙

H935

and they went in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִדֶּרֶךְ

H1870

from the way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

שַׁ֨עַר

H8179

gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָעֶלְי֜וֹן

H5945

of the higher

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

אֲשֶׁ֣ר׀

H834

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

מָפְנֶ֣ה

H6437

which lieth

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#10

צָפ֗וֹנָה

H6828

toward the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

#11

וְאִישׁ

H376

and every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#12

כְּלִ֤י

H3627

weapon

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#13

מַפָּצוֹ֙

H4660

a slaughter

a smiting to pieces

#14

בְּיָד֔וֹ

H3027

in his hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#15

וְאִישׁ

H376

and every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#16

אֶחָ֤ד

H259

and one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

#17

בְּתוֹכָם֙

H8432

among

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

#18

לָבֻ֣שׁ

H3847

them was clothed

properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively

#19

בַּדִּ֔ים

H906

with linen

flaxen thread or yarn; hence, a linen garment

#20

וְקֶ֥סֶת

H7083

inkhorn

properly, a cup, i.e., an ink-stand

#21

הַסֹּפֵ֖ר

H5608

with a writer's

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#22

בְּמָתְנָ֑יו

H4975

by his side

properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins

#23

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙

H935

and they went in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#24

וַיַּ֣עַמְד֔וּ

H5975

and stood

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#25

אֵ֖צֶל

H681

beside

a side; (as a preposition) near

#26

מִזְבַּ֥ח

H4196

altar

an altar

#27

הַנְּחֹֽשֶׁת׃

H5178

the brasen

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

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

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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