Ezekiel 20:13

Authorized King James Version

But 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיַּמְרוּ

H4784

rebelled

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

בִ֨י

בֵֽית

H1004

But the house

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

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

בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר

H4057

against me in the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

בְּחֻקּוֹתַ֨י

H2708

not in my statutes

a statute

לֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָלָ֜כוּ

H1980

they walked

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

מִשְׁפָּטַ֣י

H4941

my judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#11

מָאָ֗סוּ

H3988

and they despised

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

#12

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

#13

יַעֲשֶׂ֨ה

H6213

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

#14

אֹתָ֤ם

H853

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

#15

הָֽאָדָם֙

H120

which if a man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#16

וָחַ֣י

H2425

he shall even live

to live; causatively to revive

#17

בָּהֶ֔ם

#18

וְאֶת

H853

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

#19

שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י

H7676

in them and my sabbaths

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#20

חִלְּל֣וּ

H2490

polluted

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

#21

מְאֹ֑ד

H3966

they greatly

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#22

וָאֹמַ֞ר

H559

then I said

to say (used with great latitude)

#23

לִשְׁפֹּ֨ךְ

H8210

I would pour out

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

#24

חֲמָתִ֧י

H2534

my fury

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

#25

עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם

H5921

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

#26

בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר

H4057

against me in the wilderness

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

#27

לְכַלּוֹתָֽם׃

H3615

to consume

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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 this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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