Ezekiel 14:11

Authorized King James Version

That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְ֠מַעַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יִתְע֨וּ

H8582

may go no more astray

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

ע֤וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בֵּֽית

H1004

That the house

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

מֵאַֽחֲרַ֔י

H310

from me

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יִטַּמְּא֥וּ

H2930

neither be polluted

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

#10

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#11

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֑ם

H6588

any more with all their transgressions

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

#13

וְהָֽיוּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#14

לִ֣י

#15

לְעָ֗ם

H5971

but that they may be my people

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

#16

וַֽאֲנִי֙

H589

#17

אֶהְיֶ֤ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#18

לָהֶם֙

#19

לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים

H430

and I may be their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#20

נְאֻ֖ם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#21

אֲדֹנָ֥י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

#22

יְהוִֽה׃

H3069

GOD

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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