Ezekiel 2:5

Authorized King James Version

And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֵ֙מָּה֙
they (only used when emphatic)
#2
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#3
יִשְׁמְע֣וּ
And they whether they will hear
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
וְאִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#5
יֶחְדָּ֔לוּ
or whether they will forbear
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#6
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
בֵּ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
מְרִ֖י
for they are a rebellious
bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious
#9
הֵ֑מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#10
וְיָ֣דְע֔וּ
yet shall know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#11
כִּ֥י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
נָבִ֖יא
that there hath been a prophet
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#13
הָיָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#14
בְתוֹכָֽם׃
among
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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