Ezekiel 18:25

Authorized King James Version

Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם

H559

Yet ye say

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

יִתָּכֵֽנוּ׃

H8505

equal

to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)

דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם

H1870

Is not my way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲדֹנָ֑י

H136

of the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

שִׁמְעוּ

H8085

Hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָא֙

H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

now O house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם

H1870

Is not my way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#11

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#12

יִתָּכֵֽנוּ׃

H8505

equal

to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)

#13

הֲלֹ֥א

H3808

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

#14

דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם

H1870

Is not my way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#15

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#16

יִתָּכֵֽנוּ׃

H8505

equal

to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty. 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 does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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