Ezekiel 3:27

Authorized King James Version

But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּֽבְדַבְּרִ֤י
But when I speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#2
אֽוֹתְךָ֙
with
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#3
אֶפְתַּ֣ח
thee I will open
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
פִּ֔יךָ
thy mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#6
אָמַ֖ר
and thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
כֹּ֥ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#9
אָמַ֖ר
and thou shalt say
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#11
יְהוִֹ֑ה
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
יִשְׁמָע֙
He that heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#13
יִשְׁמָע֙
He that heareth
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#14
וְהֶחָדֵ֣ל׀
and he that forbeareth
vacant, i.e., ceasing or destitute
#15
יֶחְדָּ֔ל
let him forbear
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
#16
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#17
בֵּ֥ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#18
מְרִ֖י
for they are a rebellious
bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious
#19
הֵֽמָּה׃
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 sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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