Ezekiel 20:30

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָכֵ֞ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#2
אָמַר֙
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בֵּ֣ית
unto the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#7
אָמַר֙
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#9
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#10
הַבְּדֶ֥רֶךְ
after the manner
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם
H1
of your fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#12
אַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#13
נִטְמְאִ֑ים
Are ye polluted
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#14
וְאַחֲרֵ֥י
after
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#15
שִׁקּוּצֵיהֶ֖ם
their abominations
disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol
#16
אַתֶּ֥ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#17
זֹנִֽים׃
and commit ye whoredom
to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

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 sovereignty 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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