Ezekiel 23:21

Authorized King James Version

Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for the paps of thy youth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽתִּפְקְדִ֔י

H6485

Thus thou calledst to remembrance

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

זִמַּ֣ת

H2154

the lewdness

a plan, especially a bad one

נְעוּרָֽיִךְ׃

H5271

of thy youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

בַּעְשׂ֤וֹת

H6213

in bruising

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

מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙

H4714

by the Egyptians

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

דַּדַּ֔יִךְ

H1717

thy teats

the breast (as the seat of love, or from its shape)

לְמַ֖עַן

H4616

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

שְׁדֵ֥י

H7699

for the paps

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

#10

נְעוּרָֽיִךְ׃

H5271

of thy youth

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?

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