Ezekiel 4:14

Authorized King James Version

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֹמַ֗ר
Then said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֲהָהּ֙
I Ah
oh!
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#5
הִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#6
נַפְשִׁ֖י
behold my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#7
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#8
מְטֻמָּאָ֑ה
hath not been polluted
to be foul, especially in a ceremial or moral sense (contaminated)
#9
וּנְבֵלָ֨ה
of that which dieth of itself
a flabby thing, i.e., a carcase or carrion (human or bestial, often collectively); figuratively, an idol
#10
וּטְרֵפָ֤ה
or is torn in pieces
prey, i.e., flocks devoured by animals
#11
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
אָכַ֙לְתִּי֙
up even till now have I not eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)
#13
מִנְּעוּרַ֣י
for from my youth
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
#14
וְעַד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
עַ֔תָּה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#16
וְלֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
בָ֥א
neither came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#18
בְּפִ֖י
into my mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#19
בְּשַׂ֥ר
flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#20
פִּגּֽוּל׃
there abominable
properly, fetid, i.e., (figuratively) unclean (ceremonially)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

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