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Ezekiel 39:14

And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.

Ezekiel 39:14 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the Book of Ezekiel (39:14) describes a scene where groups of people are appointed to bury the bodies of those who have died during a time of great calamity and destruction. These individuals are continuously employed in this task, as they pass through the land to collect and bury the remains of the deceased. The purpose of this grim duty is to cleanse the land and rid it of the defilement caused by the presence of dead bodies. The verse specifies that this process will continue for a period of seven months, after which a thorough search will be conducted to ensure that all the bodies have been properly buried and the cleansing of the land is complete. This imagery serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for purification and renewal.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Ezekiel 39:14, the theological interpretation revolves around the concept of continual service and purification. The men mentioned here are appointed to the task of burying the dead that remain on the land, illustrating a sense of duty and responsibility towards the deceased. The act of cleansing the land after the burial process mirrors the idea of spiritual purification. This act of cleansing symbolizes the removal of impurity and sin from the land, bringing about a sense of renewal and restoration. The mention of the seven months could signify a period of completion or fullness, indicating that the purification process will be thorough and comprehensive. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of service, purification, and restoration in the theological context, emphasizing the need to uphold these values in the community.

Ezekiel 39:14 in other translations

American Standard Version

And they shall set apart men of continual employment, that shall pass through the land, and, with them that pass through, those that bury them that remain upon the face of the land, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.

World English Bible

They shall set apart men of continual employment, who shall pass through the land, and, with those who pass through, those who bury those who remain on the surface of the land, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.

Douay-Rheims

And they shall appoint men to go continually about the land, to bury and to seek out them that were remaining upon the face of the earth, that they may cleanse it: and after seven months they shall begin to seek.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And they shall chuse out men to goe continually through the lande with them that trauaile, to bury those that remaine vpon ye ground, and clense it: they shall search to the ende of seuen moneths.