Ezekiel 16:17

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thyself images of men, and didst commit whoredom with them,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּקְחִ֞י

H3947

Thou hast also taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

כְּלֵ֣י

H3627

jewels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

תִפְאַרְתֵּ֗ךְ

H8597

thy fair

ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)

מִזְּהָבִ֤י

H2091

of my gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּמִכַּסְפִּי֙

H3701

and of my silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

נָתַ֣תִּי

H5414

which I had given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָ֔ךְ

וַתַּעֲשִׂי

H6213

thee and madest

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

#10

לָ֖ךְ

#11

צַלְמֵ֣י

H6754

to thyself images

a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol

#12

זָכָ֑ר

H2145

of men

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

#13

וַתִּזְנִי

H2181

and didst commit whoredom

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

#14

בָֽם׃

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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