Ezekiel 23:39

Authorized King James Version

For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּֽבְשַׁחֲטָ֤ם
For when they had slain
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
בְּנֵיהֶם֙
their children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
לְגִלּ֣וּלֵיהֶ֔ם
to their idols
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
#5
וַיָּבֹ֧אוּ
then they came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
מִקְדָּשִׁ֛י
into my sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#8
בַּיּ֥וֹם
the same day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#9
הַה֖וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#10
לְחַלְּל֑וֹ
to profane
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#11
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#12
כֹ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#13
עָשׂ֖וּ
it and lo thus have they done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
בְּת֥וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
בֵּיתִֽי׃
of mine house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

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

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