Ezekiel 16:28

Authorized King James Version

Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתִּזְנִ֕ים

H2181

Thou hast played the whore

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

also with the Assyrians

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַשּׁ֔וּר

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

מִבִּלְתִּ֖י

H1115

because

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

שָׂבְעָתֵ֑ךְ

H7646

thou wast unsatiable

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

וַתִּזְנִ֕ים

H2181

Thou hast played the whore

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

וְגַ֖ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#10

שָׂבָֽעַתְּ׃

H7654

with them and yet couldest not be satisfied

satiety

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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?
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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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