Ezekiel 20:39

Authorized King James Version

As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתֶּ֨ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֵּֽית

H1004

As for you O house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר׀

H559

thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִֹ֗ה

H3069

GOD

god

אִ֤ישׁ

H376

ye every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וּבְגִלּוּלֵיכֶֽם׃

H1544

and with your idols

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

#10

לְכ֣וּ

H1980

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

#11

עֲבֹ֔דוּ

H5647

ye serve

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

#12

וְאַחַ֕ר

H310

and hereafter

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

#13

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#14

אֵינְכֶ֖ם

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#15

שֹׁמְעִ֣ים

H8085

also if ye will not hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#16

אֵלָ֑י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#17

וְאֶת

H853

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

#18

שֵׁ֤ם

H8034

name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#19

קָדְשִׁי֙

H6944

ye my holy

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

#20

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#21

תְחַלְּלוּ

H2490

unto me but pollute

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

#22

ע֔וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#23

בְּמַתְּנֽוֹתֵיכֶ֖ם

H4979

no more with your gifts

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

#24

וּבְגִלּוּלֵיכֶֽם׃

H1544

and with your idols

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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