Ezekiel 16:31

Authorized King James Version

In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;

Word-by-Word Analysis

בִּבְנוֹתַ֤יִךְ

H1129

In that thou buildest

to build (literally and figuratively)

גַּבֵּךְ֙

H1354

thine eminent place

the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc

בְּרֹ֣אשׁ

H7218

in the head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

כָּל

H3605

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

דֶּ֔רֶךְ

H1870

of every way

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

וְרָמָתֵ֥ךְ

H7413

thine high place

a height (as a seat of idolatry)

עָשִׂ֖יתי

H6213

and makest

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

בְּכָל

H3605

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

רְח֑וֹב

H7339

in every street

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

#10

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#11

הָיִ֥יתי

H1961

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

#12

כַּזּוֹנָ֖ה

H2181

and hast not been as an harlot

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

#13

לְקַלֵּ֥ס

H7046

in that thou scornest

to disparage, i.e., ridicule

#14

אֶתְנָֽן׃

H868

hire

a gift (as the price of harlotry or idolatry)

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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?

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