Ezekiel 36:21

Authorized King James Version

But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶחְמֹ֖ל
But I had pity
to commiserate; by implication, to spare
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
שֵׁ֣ם
name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#4
קָדְשִׁ֑י
for mine holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#5
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
חִלְּלֻ֙הוּ֙
had profaned
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#7
בֵּ֣ית
which the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#9
בַּגּוֹיִ֖ם
among the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#10
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
בָּ֥אוּ
whither they went
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
שָֽׁמָּה׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People