Ezekiel 20:25

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֲנִי֙
i
#3
נָתַ֣תִּי
Wherefore I gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#4
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#5
חֻקִּ֖ים
them also statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#6
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
טוֹבִ֑ים
that were not good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#8
וּמִ֨שְׁפָּטִ֔ים
and judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#9
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
יִֽחְי֖וּ
whereby they should not live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#11
בָּהֶֽם׃
H0

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 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

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