Ezekiel 33:9

Authorized King James Version

Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְ֠אַתָּה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#2
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#3
הִזְהַ֨רְתָּ
Nevertheless if thou warn
figuratively, to enlighten (by caution)
#4
רָשָׁ֤ע
the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#5
מִדַּרְכּ֑וֹ
from his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#6
שָׁ֖ב
from it if he do not turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
מִמֶּ֔נָּה
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
שָׁ֖ב
from it if he do not turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#10
מִדַּרְכּ֑וֹ
from his way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#11
ה֚וּא
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
בַּעֲוֺנ֣וֹ
in his iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#13
יָמ֔וּת
he shall die
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
#14
וְאַתָּ֖ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#15
נַפְשְׁךָ֥
thy soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#16
הִצַּֽלְתָּ׃
but thou hast delivered
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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

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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