Ezekiel 44:25

Authorized King James Version

And they shall come at no dead person to defile themselves: but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister that hath had no husband, they may defile themselves.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֵ֣ת

H4191

at no dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אָדָ֔ם

H120

person

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

יָב֖וֹא

H935

And they shall come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יִטַּמָּֽאוּ׃

H2930

they may defile

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

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

לְאָ֡ב

themselves but for father

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

וּ֠לְאֵם

H517

or for mother

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

#11

וּלְבֵ֨ן

H1121

or for son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

וּלְבַ֜ת

H1323

or for daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#13

לְאָ֗ח

H251

for brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#14

וּלְאָח֛וֹת

H269

or for sister

a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)

#15

אֲשֶֽׁר

H834

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

#16

לֹא

H3808

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

#17

הָיְתָ֥ה

H1961

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

#18

לְאִ֖ישׁ

H376

that hath had no husband

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#19

יִטַּמָּֽאוּ׃

H2930

they may defile

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 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?

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