Ezekiel 3:21

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַתָּ֞ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
כִּ֧י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
נִזְהָ֔ר
Nevertheless if thou warn
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
#4
צַדִּ֖יק
man that the righteous
just
#5
לְבִלְתִּ֥י
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
#6
חָטָ֑א
not and he doth not sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#7
צַדִּ֖יק
man that the righteous
just
#8
וְה֣וּא
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
#9
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#10
חָטָ֑א
not and he doth not sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#11
יִֽחְיֶה֙
he shall surely
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#12
יִֽחְיֶה֙
he shall surely
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#13
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#14
נִזְהָ֔ר
Nevertheless if thou warn
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
#15
וְאַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#16
אֶֽת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
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
#18
הִצַּֽלְתָּ׃
also 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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