Ezekiel 33:26

Authorized King James Version

Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour's wife: and shall ye possess the land?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עֲמַדְתֶּ֤ם
Ye stand
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
חַרְבְּכֶם֙
upon your sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#4
עֲשִׂיתֶ֣ן
ye work
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
תּוֹעֵבָ֔ה
abomination
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
#6
וְאִ֛ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
אֵ֥שֶׁת
wife
a woman
#9
רֵעֵ֖הוּ
his neighbour's
an associate (more or less close)
#10
טִמֵּאתֶ֑ם
and ye defile
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#11
וְהָאָ֖רֶץ
the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#12
תִּירָֽשׁוּ׃
and shall ye possess
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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