Ezekiel 20:4

Authorized King James Version

Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
Wilt thou judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#2
אֹתָ֔ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הֲתִשְׁפּ֖וֹט
Wilt thou judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#4
בֶּן
them son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#5
אָדָ֑ם
of man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#6
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
תּוֹעֲבֹ֥ת
the abominations
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
#8
אֲבוֹתָ֖ם
H1
of their fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#9
הוֹדִיעֵֽם׃
them cause them to know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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