Ezekiel 20:26

Authorized King James Version

And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֲטַמֵּ֤א

H2930

And I polluted

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אוֹתָם֙

H853

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

בְּמַתְּנוֹתָ֔ם

H4979

them in their own gifts

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

בְּהַעֲבִ֖יר

H5674

in that they caused to pass through

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

פֶּ֣טֶר

H6363

the fire all that openeth

a fissure, i.e., (concretely) firstling (as opening the matrix)

רָ֑חַם

H7356

the womb

compassion (in the plural)

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

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

אֲשִׁמֵּ֔ם

H8074

that I might make them desolate

to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

#10

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

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

#11

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#12

יֵֽדְע֔וּ

H3045

to the end that they might know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#13

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

#14

אֲנִ֥י

H589

#15

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

that I am the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?
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?

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