Ezekiel 33:19

Authorized King James Version

But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְשׁ֤וּב
turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
רָשָׁע֙
But if the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
מֵֽרִשְׁעָת֔וֹ
from his wickedness
wrong (especially moral)
#4
וְעָשָׂ֥ה
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
that which is lawful
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#6
וּצְדָקָ֑ה
and right
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
#7
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
ה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#9
יִֽחְיֶֽה׃
he shall live
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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