Ezekiel 33:31

Authorized King James Version

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיָב֣וֹאוּ

H935

And they come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֵ֠לֶיךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּמְבוֹא

H3996

cometh

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

thee as my people

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

וְיֵשְׁב֤וּ

H3427

and they sit

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

לְפָנֶ֙יךָ֙

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

thee as my people

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

וְשָֽׁמְעוּ֙

H8085

and they hear

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

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ

H1697

thy words

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

#11

וְאוֹתָ֖ם

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#13

עֹשִׂ֔ים

H6213

but they will not do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#15

עֲגָבִ֤ים

H5690

much love

love (concretely), i.e., amative words

#16

בְּפִיהֶם֙

H6310

them for with their mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#17

הֵ֣מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

עֹשִׂ֔ים

H6213

but they will not do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#19

אַחֲרֵ֥י

H310

after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#20

בִצְעָ֖ם

H1215

their covetousness

plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)

#21

לִבָּ֥ם

H3820

but their heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#22

הֹלֵֽךְ׃

H1980

goeth

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The emotional and relational language employed here is characteristic of biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, emphasizing the personal nature of divine-human relationship. The original language emphasizes agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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

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