Ezekiel 18:31

Authorized King James Version

Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַשְׁלִ֣יכוּ

H7993

Cast away

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

מֵעֲלֵיכֶ֗ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

פִּשְׁעֵיכֶם֙

H6588

from you all your transgressions

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

פְּשַׁעְתֶּ֣ם

H6586

whereby ye have transgressed

to break away (from just authority), i.e., trespass, apostatize, quarrel

בָּ֔ם

וַעֲשׂ֥וּ

H6213

and make

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

#10

לָכֶ֛ם

#11

לֵ֥ב

H3820

heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#12

חֲדָשָׁ֑ה

H2319

and a new

new

#13

וְר֣וּחַ

H7307

spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#14

חֲדָשָׁ֑ה

H2319

and a new

new

#15

וְלָ֥מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#16

תָמֻ֖תוּ

H4191

for why will ye die

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

#17

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

O house

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

#18

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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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