Ezekiel 37:23

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֧א

H3808

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

יִֽטַמְּא֣וּ

H2930

Neither shall they defile

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

ע֗וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בְּגִלּֽוּלֵיהֶם֙

H1544

themselves any more with their idols

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

וּבְשִׁקּ֣וּצֵיהֶ֔ם

H8251

nor with their detestable things

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

וּבְכֹ֖ל

H3605

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

פִּשְׁעֵיהֶ֑ם

H6588

nor with any of their transgressions

a revolt (national, moral or religious)

וְהוֹשַׁעְתִּ֣י

H3467

but I will save

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

אֹתָ֗ם

H853

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

#10

מִכֹּ֤ל

H3605

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

#11

מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיהֶם֙

H4186

them out of all their dwellingplaces

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#13

חָטְא֣וּ

H2398

wherein they have sinned

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

#14

בָהֶ֔ם

#15

וְטִהַרְתִּ֤י

H2891

and will cleanse

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

#16

אוֹתָם֙

H853

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

#17

וְהָיוּ

H1961

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

#18

לִ֣י

#19

לְעָ֔ם

H5971

them so shall they be my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#20

וַאֲנִ֕י

H589

#21

אֶהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

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

#22

לָהֶ֖ם

#23

לֵאלֹהִֽים׃

H430

and I will be their God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 sovereignty 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 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?
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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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