Ezekiel 3:5

For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֡י

H3588

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

לֹא֩

H3808

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַ֨ם

H5971

to a people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עִמְקֵ֥י

H6012

of a strange

deep (literally or figuratively)

שָׂפָ֛ה

H8193

speech

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

וְכִבְדֵ֥י

H3515

and of an hard

heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid)

לָשׁ֖וֹן

H3956

language

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,

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#10

שָׁל֑וּחַ

H7971

For thou art not sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

בֵּ֖ית

H1004

but to the house

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

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?

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