Ezekiel 36:5

Authorized King James Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֗ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֮

H559

Therefore thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֒

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֠א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בְּאֵ֨שׁ

H784

Surely in the fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

קִנְאָתִ֥י

H7068

of my jealousy

jealousy or envy

#10

דִבַּ֛רְתִּי

H1696

have I spoken

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#11

עַל

H5921

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

#12

שְׁאֵרִ֥ית

H7611

against the residue

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

#13

הַגּוֹיִ֖ם

H1471

of the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

#14

וְעַל

H5921

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

#15

אֱד֣וֹם

H123

and against all Idumea

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

#16

כֻּלָּ֑א

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#17

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#18

נָתְנֽוּ

H5414

which have appointed

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

#19

אֶת

H853

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

#20

אַרְצִ֣י׀

H776

my land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#21

לָ֠הֶם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#22

לְמ֨וֹרָשָׁ֜ה

H4181

into their possession

a possession

#23

בְּשִׂמְחַ֤ת

H8057

with the joy

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

#24

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#25

לֵבָב֙

H3824

of all their heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

#26

בִּשְׁאָ֣ט

H7589

with despiteful

contempt

#27

נֶ֔פֶשׁ

H5315

minds

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

#28

לְמַ֥עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#29

מִגְרָשָׁ֖הּ

H4054

to cast it out

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

#30

לָבַֽז׃

H957

for a prey

plunder

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?

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