Ezekiel 33:12

Authorized King James Version

Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

Therefore thou son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

אֱמֹ֤ר

H559

say

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵֽי

H1121

Therefore thou son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמְּךָ֙

H5971

of thy people

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

צִדְקַ֣ת

H6666

The righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְצַדִּ֗יק

H6662

neither shall the righteous

just

#10

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

#11

תַצִּילֶ֙נּוּ֙

H5337

shall not deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#12

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

for his righteousness in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#13

פִּשְׁע֔וֹ

H6588

of his transgression

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

#14

וְרִשְׁעַ֤ת

H7564

as for the wickedness

wrong (especially moral)

#15

הָֽרָשָׁע֙

H7563

of the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#17

יִכָּ֣שֶׁל

H3782

he shall not fall

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

#18

בָּ֔הּ

#19

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

for his righteousness in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#20

שׁוּב֣וֹ

H7725

that he turneth

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#21

מֵֽרִשְׁע֑וֹ

H7562

from his wickedness

a wrong (especially moral)

#22

וְצַדִּ֗יק

H6662

neither shall the righteous

just

#23

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#24

יוּכַ֛ל

H3201

be able

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#25

לִֽחְי֥וֹת

H2421

to live

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

#26

בָּ֖הּ

#27

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

for his righteousness in the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#28

חֲטֹאתֽוֹ׃

H2398

that he sinneth

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of righteousness reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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