Ezekiel 33:7

Authorized King James Version

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

בֶן

H1121

So thou O 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

אָדָ֔ם

H120

of man

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

צֹפֶ֥ה

H6822

thee a watchman

properly, to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; by implication, to observe, await

נְתַתִּ֖יךָ

H5414

I have set

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

unto the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְשָׁמַעְתָּ֤

H8085

therefore thou shalt hear

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

מִפִּי֙

H6310

at my mouth

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

#10

דָּבָ֔ר

H1697

the word

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

#11

וְהִזְהַרְתָּ֥

H2094

and warn

figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)

#12

אֹתָ֖ם

H853

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

#13

מִמֶּֽנִּי׃

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 33 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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