Ezekiel 21:23

Authorized King James Version

And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָיָ֨ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
לָהֶ֤ם
H0
#3
כִּקְסָום
divination
properly, to distribute, i.e., determine by lot or magical scroll; by implication, to divine
#4
שָׁוְא֙
And it shall be unto them as a false
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
#5
בְּעֵ֣ינֵיהֶ֔ם
in their sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#6
שְׁבֻעֵ֥י
to them that have sworn
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
#7
שְׁבֻע֖וֹת
oaths
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
#8
לָהֶ֑ם
H0
#9
וְהֽוּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
מַזְכִּ֥יר
but he will call to remembrance
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#11
עָוֹ֖ן
the iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#12
לְהִתָּפֵֽשׂ׃
that they may be taken
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People