Ezekiel 36:17

Authorized King James Version

Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings: their way was before me as the uncleanness of a removed woman.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

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

אָדָ֗ם

H120

of man

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

בֵּ֤ית

H1004

when the house

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙

H3478

of Israel

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

יֹשְׁבִ֣ים

H3427

dwelt

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַדְמָתָ֔ם

H127

in their own land

soil (from its general redness)

וַיְטַמְּא֣וּ

H2930

they defiled

to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)

אוֹתָ֔הּ

H853

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

#10

דַרְכָּ֖ם

H1870

it by their own way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#11

וּבַעֲלִֽילוֹתָ֑ם

H5949

and by their doings

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

#12

כְּטֻמְאַת֙

H2932

me as the uncleanness

religious impurity

#13

הַנִּדָּ֔ה

H5079

of a removed woman

properly, rejection; by implication, impurity, especially personal (menstruation) or moral (idolatry, incest)

#14

הָיְתָ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#15

דַרְכָּ֖ם

H1870

it by their own way

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

#16

לְפָנָֽי׃

H6440

was 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

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

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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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