Ezekiel 5:11

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָכֵ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

חַי

H2416

Wherefore as I live

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

אָ֗נִי

H589

נְאֻם֮

H5002

saith

an oracle

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִה֒

H3069

GOD

god

אִם

H518

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

לֹ֗א

H3808

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

יַ֚עַן

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

מִקְדָּשִׁ֣י

H4720

my sanctuary

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

#12

טִמֵּ֔את

H2930

Surely because thou hast defiled

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

#13

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#14

שִׁקּוּצַ֖יִךְ

H8251

with all thy detestable things

disgusting, i.e., filthy; especially idolatrous or (concretely) an idol

#15

וּבְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

תּוֹעֲבֹתָ֑יִךְ

H8441

and with all thine abominations

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

#17

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#18

אֲנִ֤י

H589

#19

אֶגְרַע֙

H1639

therefore will I also diminish

to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold

#20

וְלֹא

H3808

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

#21

תָח֣וֹס

H2347

spare

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

#22

עֵינִ֔י

H5869

thee neither shall mine eye

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#23

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#24

אֲנִ֖י

H589

#25

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#26

אֶחְמֽוֹל׃

H2550

neither will I have any pity

to commiserate; by implication, to spare

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

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Ezekiel