Ezekiel 9:7

Authorized King James Version

And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
And he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
טַמְּא֣וּ
unto them Defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
הַבַּ֗יִת
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#6
וּמַלְא֧וּ
and fill
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
הַחֲצֵר֛וֹת
the courts
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#9
חֲלָלִ֖ים
with the slain
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
#10
וְיָצְא֖וּ
And they went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
וְיָצְא֖וּ
And they went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#12
וְהִכּ֥וּ
and slew
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
#13
בָעִֽיר׃
in the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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