Ezekiel 20:16

Authorized King James Version

Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יַ֜עַן

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

בְּמִשְׁפָּטַ֣י

H4941

my judgments

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

מָאָ֗סוּ

H3988

Because they despised

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְאֶת

H853

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

חֻקּוֹתַי֙

H2708

not in my statutes

a statute

לֹא

H3808

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

הֹלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

and walked

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

בָהֶ֔ם

וְאֶת

H853

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

#10

שַׁבְּתוֹתַ֖י

H7676

my sabbaths

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#11

חִלֵּ֑לוּ

H2490

but 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

#12

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

אַחֲרֵ֥י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#14

גִלּוּלֵיהֶ֖ם

H1544

their idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

#15

לִבָּ֥ם

H3820

for their heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#16

הֹלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

and walked

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

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 revelation 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 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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