Ezekiel 11:21

Authorized King James Version

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#2
לִבָּ֣ם
But as for them whose heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#3
שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶ֛ם
of their detestable things
disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol
#4
וְתוֹעֲבוֹתֵיהֶ֖ם
and their abominations
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
#5
לִבָּ֣ם
But as for them whose heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
הֹלֵ֑ךְ
walketh
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
דַּרְכָּם֙
their way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#8
בְּרֹאשָׁ֣ם
upon their own heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#9
נָתַ֔תִּי
I will recompense
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#10
נְאֻ֖ם
saith
an oracle
#11
אֲדֹנָ֥י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#12
יְהוִֽה׃
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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