Ezekiel 23:8

Authorized King James Version

Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
תַזְנוּתָ֖ם
she her whoredoms
harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry
#3
מִמִּצְרַ֙יִם֙
brought from Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#4
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
עָזָ֔בָה
Neither left
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#6
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
אוֹתָהּ֙
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#8
שָׁכְב֣וּ
they lay
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
#9
בִנְעוּרֶ֔יהָ
for in her youth
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
#10
וְהֵ֥מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
עִשּׂ֖וּ
with her and they bruised
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
דַּדֵּ֣י
the breasts
the breast (as the seat of love, or from its shape)
#13
בְתוּלֶ֑יהָ
of her virginity
(collectively and abstractly) virginity; by implication and concretely, the tokens of it
#14
וַיִּשְׁפְּכ֥וּ
and poured
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
#15
תַזְנוּתָ֖ם
she her whoredoms
harlotry, i.e., (figuratively) idolatry
#16
עָלֶֽיהָ׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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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