Ezekiel 16:47

Authorized King James Version

Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
דְּרָכָֽיִךְ׃
after their ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#3
הָלַ֔כְתְּ
Yet hast thou not walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#4
וּבְתוֹעֲבֽוֹתֵיהֶ֖ן
after their abominations
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
#5
עָשִׂ֑יתי
nor done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
כִּמְעַ֣ט
little
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
#7
קָ֔ט
but as if that were a very
a little, i.e., (adverbially) merely
#8
וַתַּשְׁחִ֥תִי
thing thou wast corrupted
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#9
מֵהֵ֖ן
more than they
they (only used when emphatic)
#10
בְּכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
דְּרָכָֽיִךְ׃
after their ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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