Ezekiel 46:18

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; but he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹא

H3808

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

יִקַּ֨ח

H3947

shall not take

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

הַנָּשִׂ֜יא

H5387

Moreover the prince

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

מִנַּחֲלַ֣ת

H5159

inheritance

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

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

of the people's

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

לְהֽוֹנֹתָם֙

H3238

by oppression

to rage or be violent; by implication, to suppress, to maltreat

מֵאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃

H272

from his possession

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

מֵאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃

H272

from his possession

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

יַנְחִ֣ל

H5157

inheritance

to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

בָּנָ֑יו

H1121

but he shall give 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

#12

לְמַ֙עַן֙

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#13

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#14

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#15

יָפֻ֣צוּ

H6327

be not scattered

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

#16

עַמִּ֔י

H5971

of the people's

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#17

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

every man

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)

#18

מֵאֲחֻזָּתֽוֹ׃

H272

from his possession

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of covenant community 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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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