Ezekiel 2:4

Authorized King James Version

For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַבָּנִ֗ים
children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#2
קְשֵׁ֤י
For they are impudent
severe (in various applications)
#3
פָנִים֙
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
וְחִזְקֵי
and stiffhearted
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
#5
לֵ֔ב
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#6
אֲנִ֛י
i
#7
שׁוֹלֵ֥חַ
I do send
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#8
אוֹתְךָ֖
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
אָמַ֖ר
thee unto them and thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#13
אָמַ֖ר
thee unto them and thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#14
אֲדֹנָ֥י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#15
יְהוִֹֽה׃
GOD
god

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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