Ezekiel 20:14

Authorized King James Version

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֶעֱשֶׂ֖ה

H6213

But I wrought

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

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁמִ֑י

H8034

for my name's

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְבִלְתִּ֤י

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

הֵחֵל֙

H2490

sake that it should not be 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

לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃

H5869

before

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַגּוֹיִ֔ם

H1471

the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

הוֹצֵאתִ֖ים

H3318

I brought them out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#10

לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃

H5869

before

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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