Ezekiel 44:22

Authorized King James Version

Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַלְמָנָ֔ה

H490

a widow

a widow; also a desolate place

וּגְרוּשָׁ֔ה

H1644

nor her that is put away

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

לֹֽא

H3808

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

יִקָּֽחוּ׃

H3947

Neither shall they take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לָהֶ֖ם

לְנָשִׁ֑ים

H802

for their wives

a woman

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

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

בְּתוּלֹ֗ת

H1330

maidens

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

#10

וְהָֽאַלְמָנָה֙

H2233

of the seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#11

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#12

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#13

וְהָֽאַלְמָנָה֙

H2233

of the seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

#14

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#15

תִּֽהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

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

#16

אַלְמָנָ֔ה

H490

a widow

a widow; also a desolate place

#17

מִכֹּהֵ֖ן

H3548

that had a priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#18

יִקָּֽחוּ׃

H3947

Neither shall they take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

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 revelation 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 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

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 44 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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