Ezekiel 14:23

Authorized King James Version

And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנִחֲמ֣וּ

H5162

And they shall comfort

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

אֶתְכֶ֔ם

H853

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

כִּֽי

H3588

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

תִרְא֥וּ

H7200

you when ye see

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

אֶת

H853

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

דַּרְכָּ֖ם

H1870

their ways

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְאֶת

H853

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

עֲלִֽילוֹתָ֑ם

H5949

and their doings

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֗ם

H3045

and ye shall know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#10

כִּי֩

H3588

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

#11

לֹ֨א

H3808

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

#12

חִנָּ֤ם

H2600

without cause

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

#13

עָשִׂ֣יתִי

H6213

all that I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

אֵ֣ת

H853

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

#15

כָּל

H3605

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

#16

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#17

עָשִׂ֣יתִי

H6213

all that I have done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#18

בָ֔הּ

#19

נְאֻ֖ם

H5002

in it saith

an oracle

#20

אֲדֹנָ֥י

H136

the Lord

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

#21

יְהוִֹֽה׃

H3069

GOD

god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 14 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

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