Ezekiel 3:19

Authorized King James Version

Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּה֙
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
הִזְהַ֣רְתָּ
Yet if thou warn
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
#4
הָרְשָׁעָ֑ה
nor from his wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
שָׁב֙
and he turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
מֵֽרִשְׁע֔וֹ
not from his wickedness
a wrong (especially moral)
#8
וּמִדַּרְכּ֖וֹ
way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#9
הָרְשָׁעָ֑ה
nor from his wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#10
ה֚וּא
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
#11
בַּעֲוֺנ֣וֹ
in his iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#12
יָמ֔וּת
he shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#13
וְאַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
נַפְשְׁךָ֥
thy soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#16
הִצַּֽלְתָּ׃
but thou hast delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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