Ezekiel 18:4

Authorized King James Version

Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הֵ֤ן

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כָּל

H3605

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

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

Behold all souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לִ֣י

הֵ֔נָּה

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

Behold all souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הָאָ֛ב

of the father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

Behold all souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַבֵּ֖ן

H1121

of 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

#10

לִי

#11

הֵ֑נָּה

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

#12

הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ

H5315

Behold all souls

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#13

הַחֹטֵ֖את

H2398

that sinneth

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#14

הִ֥יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#15

תָמֽוּת׃

H4191

it shall die

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

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

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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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