Ezekiel 20:28

Authorized King James Version

For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet savour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֲבִיאֵם֙

H935

For when I had brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֔רֶץ

H776

them into the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

נָשָׂ֙אתִי֙

H5375

for the which I lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת

H853

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

יָדִ֔י

H3027

mine hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּתְּנוּ

H5414

and there they presented

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אוֹתָ֖הּ

H853

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

#10

לָהֶ֑ם

#11

וַיִּרְאוּ֩

H7200

it to them then they saw

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

#12

כָל

H3605

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

#13

גִּבְעָ֨ה

H1389

hill

a hillock

#14

רָמָ֜ה

H7311

every high

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#15

וְכָל

H3605

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

#16

עֵ֣ץ

H6086

trees

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#17

עָבֹ֗ת

H5687

and all the thick

intwined, i.e., dense

#18

וַיִּזְבְּחוּ

H2076

and they offered

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

#19

שָׁ֤ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#20

אֶת

H853

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

#21

זִבְחֵיהֶם֙

H2077

there their sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

#22

וַיִּתְּנוּ

H5414

and there they presented

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#23

שָׁם֙

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#24

כַּ֣עַס

H3708

the provocation

vexation

#25

קָרְבָּנָ֔ם

H7133

of their offering

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

#26

וַיָּשִׂ֣ימוּ

H7760

there also they made

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

#27

שָׁ֗ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#28

רֵ֚יחַ

H7381

savour

odor (as if blown)

#29

נִיח֣וֹחֵיהֶ֔ם

H5207

their sweet

properly, restful, i.e., pleasant; abstractly, delight

#30

וַיַּסִּ֥יכוּ

H5258

and poured out

to pour out, especially a libation, or to cast (metal); by analogy, to anoint a king

#31

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#32

אֶת

H853

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

#33

נִסְכֵּיהֶֽם׃

H5262

there their drink offerings

a libation; also a cast idol

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

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 20 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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