Ezekiel 8:17

Authorized King James Version

Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

Then he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַי֮

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֲרָאִ֣יתָ

H7200

unto me Hast thou seen

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בֶן

H1121

this O 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

אָדָם֒

H120

of man

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

הֲנָקֵל֙

H7043

Is it a light thing

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

לְבֵ֣ית

H1004

to the house

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

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עָֽשׂוּ

H6213

that they commit

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

אֶת

H853

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

#11

הַתּוֹעֵב֖וֹת

H8441

the abominations

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

#12

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

#13

עָֽשׂוּ

H6213

that they commit

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#14

פֹ֑ה

H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

#15

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#16

מָלְא֨וּ

H4390

here for they have filled

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

#17

אֶת

H853

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

#18

הָאָ֜רֶץ

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

חָמָ֗ס

H2555

with violence

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

#20

וַיָּשֻׁ֙בוּ֙

H7725

and have returned

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

#21

לְהַכְעִיסֵ֔נִי

H3707

to provoke me to anger

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

#22

וְהִנָּ֛ם

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#23

שֹׁלְחִ֥ים

H7971

and lo they put

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#24

אֶת

H853

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

#25

הַזְּמוֹרָ֖ה

H2156

the branch

a twig (as pruned)

#26

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#27

אַפָּֽם׃

H639

to their nose

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

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 covenant community 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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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