Ezekiel 18:29

Authorized King James Version

Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאָֽמְרוּ֙
Yet saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בֵּ֣ית
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
יִתָּכֵֽן׃
equal
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
#6
דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם
The way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
אֲדֹנָ֑י
of the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#8
דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם
The way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#9
לֹ֤א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִתָּכֵֽן׃
equal
to balance, i.e., measure out (by weight or dimension); figuratively to arrange, equalize, through the idea of levelling (ment, estimate, test)
#11
בֵּ֣ית
O house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#13
הֲלֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
דַרְכֵיכֶ֖ם
The way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#15
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
יִתָּכֵֽן׃
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

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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