Ezekiel 16:4

Authorized King James Version

And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּמוֹלְדוֹתַ֗יִךְ

H4138

And as for thy nativity

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family

בְּי֨וֹם

H3117

in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הוּלֶּ֤דֶת

H3205

thou wast born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֹתָךְ֙

H853

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

לֹֽא

H3808

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

כָרַּ֣ת

H3772

was not cut

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

שָׁרֵּ֔ךְ

H8270

thy navel

a string (as twisted ), i.e., (specifically) the umbilical cord (also figuratively, as the center of strength)

וּבְמַ֥יִם

H4325

in water

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#10

רֻחַ֖צְתְּ

H7364

neither wast thou washed

to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)

#11

לְמִשְׁעִ֑י

H4935

to supple

inspection

#12

הֻמְלַ֔חַתְּ

H4414

at all

to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt)

#13

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#14

הֻמְלַ֔חַתְּ

H4414

at all

to salt whether internally (to season with salt) or externally (to rub with salt)

#15

חֻתָּֽלְתְּ׃

H2853

at all

to swathe

#16

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#17

חֻתָּֽלְתְּ׃

H2853

at all

to swathe

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

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 practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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