Ezekiel 13:22

Authorized King James Version

Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַ֣עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#2
הַכְא֤וֹת
sad
to despond; causatively, to deject
#3
לֵב
ye have made the heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#4
צַדִּיק֙
of the righteous
just
#5
שֶׁ֔קֶר
Because with lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#6
וַאֲנִ֖י
i
#7
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
הִכְאַבְתִּ֑יו
whom I have not made sad
properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil
#9
וּלְחַזֵּק֙
and strengthened
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#10
יְדֵ֣י
the hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#11
רָשָׁ֔ע
of the wicked
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#12
לְבִלְתִּי
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#13
שׁ֛וּב
that he should not return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#14
מִדַּרְכּ֥וֹ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#15
הָרָ֖ע
from his wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#16
לְהַחֲיֹתֽוֹ׃
by promising him life
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of life 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 life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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