Ezekiel 44:12

Authorized King James Version

Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יַ֗עַן
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
#2
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
יְשָׁרְת֤וּ
Because they ministered
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#4
אוֹתָם֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
לִפְנֵ֣י
unto them 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
#6
גִלּֽוּלֵיהֶ֔ם
their idols
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol
#7
וְהָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#8
לְבֵֽית
and caused the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#10
לְמִכְשׁ֣וֹל
to fall
a stumbling-block, literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
#11
עֲוֹנָֽם׃
into iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
כֵּן֩
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#14
וְנָשְׂא֖וּ
and they shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#15
יָדִ֜י
mine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#16
עֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#17
נְאֻם֙
against them saith
an oracle
#18
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#19
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#20
וְנָשְׂא֖וּ
and they shall bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#21
עֲוֹנָֽם׃
into iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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