Ezekiel 18:21

Authorized King James Version

But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָרָשָׁ֗ע

H7563

But if the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָשׁוּב֙

H7725

will turn

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מִכָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חַטֹּאתָו֙

H2403

from all his sins

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וְעָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְשָׁמַר֙

H8104

and keep

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת

H853

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

#10

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

חֻקוֹתַ֔י

H2708

all my statutes

a statute

#12

וְעָשָׂ֥ה

H6213

and do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

מִשְׁפָּ֖ט

H4941

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

#14

וּצְדָקָ֑ה

H6666

and right

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

#15

יִחְיֶ֖ה

H2421

he shall surely

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#16

יִחְיֶ֖ה

H2421

he shall surely

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#17

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#18

יָמֽוּת׃

H4191

he shall not die

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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