Ezekiel 13:19

Authorized King James Version

And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתְּחַלֶּלְ֨נָה

H2490

And will ye pollute

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

אֹתִ֜י

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לְעַמִּ֖י

H5971

me among my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְּשַׁעֲלֵ֣י

H8168

for handfuls

the palm; by extension, a handful

שְׂעֹרִים֮

H8184

of barley

barley (as villose)

וּבִפְת֣וֹתֵי

H6595

and for pieces

a bit

לֶחֶם֒

H3899

of bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

תְמוּתֶ֔נָה

H4191

that should not die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#10

נְפָשׁ֖וֹת

H5315

the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#11

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#12

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#13

תְמוּתֶ֔נָה

H4191

that should not die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

#14

תִֽחְיֶ֑ינָה

H2421

alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#15

נְפָשׁ֖וֹת

H5315

the souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#16

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#17

לֹא

H3808

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

#18

תִֽחְיֶ֑ינָה

H2421

alive

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#19

בְּכַ֨זֶּבְכֶ֔ם

H3576

by your lying

to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively

#20

לְעַמִּ֖י

H5971

me among my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#21

שֹׁמְעֵ֥י

H8085

that hear

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

#22

כָזָֽב׃

H3577

your lies

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

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 covenant community 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 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?

Related Resources

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