Ezekiel 23:37

Authorized King James Version

That they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands, and with their idols have they committed adultery, and have also caused their sons, whom they bare unto me, to pass for them through the fire, to devour them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִאֵ֑פוּ

H5003

That they have committed adultery

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וְדָם֙

H1818

and 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

בִּֽידֵיהֶ֔ן

H3027

is in their hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְאֶת

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

גִּלּֽוּלֵיהֶ֖ן

H1544

and with their idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

נִאֵ֑פוּ

H5003

That they have committed adultery

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

וְגַ֤ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת

H853

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

#10

בְּנֵיהֶן֙

H1121

and have also caused their sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#12

יָֽלְדוּ

H3205

whom they bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#13

לִ֔י

#14

הֶעֱבִ֥ירוּ

H5674

unto me to pass for them through

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#15

לָהֶ֖ם

#16

לְאָכְלָֽה׃

H402

the fire to devour

food

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

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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 23 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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