Ezekiel 18:19

Authorized King James Version

Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
Yet say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
מַדֻּ֛עַ
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#3
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
נָשָׂ֥א
bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#5
וְהַבֵּ֞ן
When the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
בַּעֲוֺ֣ן
the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#7
הָאָ֑ב
H1
of the father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#8
וְהַבֵּ֞ן
When the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
מִשְׁפָּ֧ט
that which is lawful
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#10
וּצְדָקָ֣ה
and right
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#11
וַיַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
and hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
אֵ֣ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
חֻקּוֹתַ֥י
all my statutes
a statute
#15
שָׁמַ֛ר
and hath kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#16
וַיַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה
and hath done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#17
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
יִחְיֶֽה׃
live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#19
יִחְיֶֽה׃
live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People