Ezekiel 20:11
And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֶתֵּ֤ן
And I gave
H5414
וָאֶתֵּ֤ן
And I gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 14
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִשְׁפָּטַ֖י
them my judgments
H4941
מִשְׁפָּטַ֖י
them my judgments
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
הוֹדַ֣עְתִּי
and shewed
H3045
הוֹדַ֣עְתִּי
and shewed
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
do
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה
do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אוֹתָ֛ם
H853
אוֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָאָדָ֖ם
which if a man
H120
הָאָדָ֖ם
which if a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
12 of 14
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Romans 10:5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.Deuteronomy 4:8And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?Leviticus 18:5Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.Luke 10:28And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.Galatians 3:12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.Ezekiel 20:13But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
Historical Context
The Sinai covenant (Exodus 19-24) gave Israel the law as covenant stipulations. The law wasn't a means of earning salvation but the lifestyle of a redeemed people. Obedience would bring blessing in the land; disobedience would bring curse and exile (Deuteronomy 28-30).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between law-keeping and life in Old vs. New Covenants?
- How does the law's standard drive us to Christ who perfectly fulfilled it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them.' At Sinai, God gave Torah—statutes (chuqqim) and judgments (mishpatim). The promise: 'if a man do, he shall...live in them.' This principle (also Leviticus 18:5, quoted by Paul in Romans 10:5, Galatians 3:12) establishes the law's standard. Perfect obedience would bring life; disobedience brings death. Since no one (except Christ) perfectly obeys, the law reveals need for grace.