Ezekiel 16:49

Authorized King James Version

Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִנֵּה
lo!
#2
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
הָיָ֔ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
עֲוֹ֖ן
Behold this was the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#5
סְדֹ֣ם
Sodom
sedom, a place near the dead sea
#6
אֲחוֹתֵ֑ךְ
of thy sister
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#7
גָּא֨וֹן
pride
the same as h1346
#8
שִׂבְעַת
fulness
satiety
#9
לֶ֜חֶם
of bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#10
וְשַׁלְוַ֣ת
and abundance
security (genuine or false)
#11
הַשְׁקֵ֗ט
of idleness
to repose (usually figurative)
#12
הָ֤יָה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לָהּ֙
H0
#14
וְלִבְנוֹתֶ֔יהָ
was in her and in her daughters
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#15
וְיַד
the hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#16
עָנִ֥י
of the poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#17
וְאֶבְי֖וֹן
H34
and needy
destitute
#18
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
הֶחֱזִֽיקָה׃
neither did she strengthen
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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