Ezekiel 3:26

Authorized King James Version

And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּלְשֽׁוֹנְךָ֙

H3956

And I will make thy tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

אַדְבִּ֣יק

H1692

cleave

properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חִכֶּ֔ךָ

H2441

to the roof of thy mouth

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

וְנֶֽאֱלַ֔מְתָּ

H481

that thou shalt be dumb

to tie fast; hence (of the mouth) to be tongue-tied

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם

לְאִ֣ישׁ

H376

and shalt not be to them a reprover

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#10

מוֹכִ֑יחַ

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

#11

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#12

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#13

מְרִ֖י

H4805

for they are a rebellious

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

#14

הֵֽמָּה׃

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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 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?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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