Ezekiel 3:6

Authorized King James Version

Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹ֣א׀

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

עַמִּ֣ים

H5971

people

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

רַבִּ֗ים

H7227

Not to many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עִמְקֵ֤י

H6012

of a strange

deep (literally or figuratively)

שָׂפָה֙

H8193

speech

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

וְכִבְדֵ֣י

H3515

and of an hard

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

לָשׁ֔וֹן

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,

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#11

יִשְׁמְע֥וּ

H8085

thee to them they would have hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#12

דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם

H1697

whose words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#13

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#14

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#15

אֲלֵיהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#16

שְׁלַחְתִּ֔יךָ

H7971

Surely had I sent

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

#17

הֵ֖מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

יִשְׁמְע֥וּ

H8085

thee to them they would have hearkened

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#19

אֵלֶֽיךָ׃

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Ezekiel