Ezekiel 22:9

Authorized King James Version

In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H582

In thee are men

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

רָכִ֛יל

H7400

that carry tales

a scandal-monger (as travelling about)

הָ֥יוּ

H1961

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

בָ֖ךְ

לְמַ֣עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁפָךְ

H8210

to shed

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

דָּ֑ם

H1818

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

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֶֽהָרִים֙

H2022

upon the mountains

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

#10

אָ֣כְלוּ

H398

and in thee they eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#11

בָ֔ךְ

#12

זִמָּ֖ה

H2154

lewdness

a plan, especially a bad one

#13

עָשׂ֥וּ

H6213

of thee they commit

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

בְתוֹכֵֽךְ׃

H8432

in the midst

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

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

Questions for Reflection

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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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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