Ezekiel 46:17

Authorized King James Version

But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince: but his inheritance shall be his sons' for them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְכִֽי

H3588

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

יִתֵּ֨ן

H5414

But if he give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מַתָּנָ֜ה

H4979

a gift

a present; specifically (in a good sense), a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe

נַחֲלָת֔וֹ

H5159

but his inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

לְאַחַד֙

H259

to one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵֽעֲבָדָ֔יו

H5650

of his servants

a servant

וְהָ֤יְתָה

H1961

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

לּוֹ֙

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#10

שְׁנַ֣ת

H8141

then it shall be his to the year

a year (as a revolution of time)

#11

הַדְּר֔וֹר

H1865

of liberty

freedom; hence, spontaneity of outflow, and so clear

#12

וְשָׁבַ֖ת

H7725

after it shall return

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#13

לַנָּשִׂ֑יא

H5387

to the prince

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

#14

אַ֚ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

#15

נַחֲלָת֔וֹ

H5159

but his inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

#16

בָּנָ֖יו

H1121

shall be his sons

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

#17

לָהֶ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#18

תִּהְיֶֽה׃

H1961

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 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?
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?
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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