Ezekiel 16:15

Authorized King James Version

But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּבְטְחִ֣י

H982

But thou didst trust

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בְיָפְיֵ֔ךְ

H3308

in thine own beauty

beauty

וַתִּזְנִ֖י

H2181

and playedst the harlot

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שְׁמֵ֑ךְ

H8034

because of thy renown

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

וַתִּשְׁפְּכִ֧י

H8210

and pouredst out

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

אֶת

H853

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

תַּזְנוּתַ֛יִךְ

H8457

thy fornications

harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#10

כָּל

H3605

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

#11

עוֹבֵ֖ר

H5674

on every one that passed by

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#12

לוֹ

#13

יֶֽהִי׃

H1961

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

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 revelation 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation 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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