Ezekiel 22:3

Authorized King James Version

Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אָמַר֙
Then say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#3
אָמַר֙
Then say
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#5
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#6
עִ֣יר
The city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#7
שֹׁפֶ֥כֶת
sheddeth
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
#8
דָּ֛ם
blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#9
בְּתוֹכָ֖הּ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#10
לָב֣וֹא
may come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
עִתָּ֑הּ
of it that her time
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#12
וְעָשְׂתָ֧ה
and maketh
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#13
גִלּוּלִ֛ים
idols
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
#14
עָלֶ֖יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#15
לְטָמְאָֽה׃
against herself to defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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