Ezekiel 22:18

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

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

אָדָ֕ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

הָיוּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֥י

בֵֽית

H1004

the house

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

of Israel

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

סִגִ֥ים

H5509

is to me become dross

scoria

כֻּלָּ֡ם

H3605

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

נְ֠חֹשֶׁת

H5178

all they are brass

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

#10

וּבְדִ֨יל

H913

and tin

alloy (because removed by smelting); by analogy, tin

#11

וּבַרְזֶ֤ל

H1270

and iron

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

#12

וְעוֹפֶ֙רֶת֙

H5777

and lead

lead (from its dusty color)

#13

בְּת֣וֹךְ

H8432

in the midst

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#14

כּ֔וּר

H3564

of the furnace

a pot or furnace (as if excavated)

#15

סִגִ֥ים

H5509

is to me become dross

scoria

#16

כֶּ֖סֶף

H3701

of silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

#17

הָיֽוּ׃

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

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 revelation 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

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 the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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