Ezekiel 23:20

Authorized King James Version

For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽתַּעְגְּבָ֔ה
For she doted
to breathe after, i.e., to love (sensually)
#2
עַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
פִּֽלַגְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם
upon their paramours
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
בְּשָׂרָ֔ם
is as the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#6
חֲמוֹרִים֙
of asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#7
בְּשָׂרָ֔ם
is as the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#8
זִרְמָתָֽם׃
and whose issue
a gushing of fluid (semen)
#9
סוּסִ֖ים
of horses
a horse (as leaping)
#10
זִרְמָתָֽם׃
and whose issue
a gushing of fluid (semen)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

Related Resources

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

People