Ezekiel 17:19

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
כֹּה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַ֨ר
Therefore thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִה֮
GOD
god
#6
חַי
As I live
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#7
אָנִי֒
i
#8
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#9
לֹ֗א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
אָֽלָתִי֙
surely mine oath
an imprecation
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
בָּזָ֔ה
that he hath despised
to disesteem
#13
וּבְרִיתִ֖י
and my covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#14
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
הֵפִ֑יר
that he hath broken
to crush
#16
וּנְתַתִּ֖יו
even it will I recompense
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#17
בְּרֹאשֽׁוֹ׃
upon his own head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, 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 covenant 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 in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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