Ezekiel 14:3

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
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
#2
אָדָ֗ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#3
הָאֲנָשִׁ֤ים
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#4
הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙
these or those
#5
הֶעֱל֤וּ
have set up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#6
גִלּֽוּלֵיהֶם֙
their idols
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
לִבָּ֔ם
in their heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#9
וּמִכְשׁ֣וֹל
the stumblingblock
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
#10
עֲוֹנָ֔ם
of their iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#11
נָתְנ֖וּ
and put
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
נֹ֣כַח
before
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
#13
פְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
their face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#14
אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ
of at all
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#15
אִדָּרֵ֖שׁ
of at all
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#16
לָהֶֽם׃
H0

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

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