Ezekiel 12:2

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

Son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֕ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

בְּת֥וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

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

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מְרִ֖י

H4805

not for they are a rebellious

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יֹשֵׁ֑ב

H3427

thou dwellest

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

עֵינַיִם֩

H5869

which have eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#10

לָהֶ֨ם

#11

רָא֗וּ

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#13

רָא֗וּ

H7200

and see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#14

אָזְנַ֨יִם

H241

not they have ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

#15

לָהֶ֤ם

#16

שָׁמֵ֔עוּ

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#17

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

שָׁמֵ֔עוּ

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#19

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#21

מְרִ֖י

H4805

not for they are a rebellious

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

#22

הֵֽם׃

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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