Ezekiel 16:37

Authorized King James Version

Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy nakedness.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֠כֵן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
הִנְנִ֨י
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#3
וְקִבַּצְתִּי֩
Behold therefore I will gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
אָהַ֔בְתְּ
all thy lovers
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#7
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
עָרַ֣בְתְּ
with whom thou hast taken pleasure
to be agreeable
#9
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
אָהַ֔בְתְּ
all thy lovers
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#14
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
שָׂנֵ֑את
with all them that thou hast hated
to hate (personally)
#18
וְקִבַּצְתִּי֩
Behold therefore I will gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#19
אֹתָ֨ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
עָלַ֜יִךְ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#21
מִסָּבִ֗יב
them round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#22
וְגִלֵּיתִ֤י
against thee and will discover
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
#23
עֶרְוָתֵֽךְ׃
all thy nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)
#24
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#25
וְרָא֖וּ
unto them that they may see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#26
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#27
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#28
עֶרְוָתֵֽךְ׃
all thy nakedness
nudity, literally (especially the pudenda) or figuratively (disgrace, blemish)

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 love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character 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 love. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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