Ezekiel 33:8

Authorized King James Version

When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּאָמְרִ֣י
When I say
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
רָשָׁע֙
O wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#3
רָשָׁע֙
O wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#4
יָמ֔וּת
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#5
יָמ֔וּת
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#6
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
דִבַּ֔רְתָּ
if thou dost not speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
לְהַזְהִ֥יר
to warn
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
#9
רָשָׁע֙
O wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#10
מִדַּרְכּ֑וֹ
from his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
ה֤וּא
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
#12
רָשָׁע֙
O wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#13
בַּעֲוֺנ֣וֹ
in his iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#14
יָמ֔וּת
die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#15
וְדָמ֖וֹ
but his blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#16
מִיָּדְךָ֥
at thine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#17
אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃
will I require
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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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