Ezekiel 8:6

Authorized King James Version

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

He said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֔י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֶּן

H1121

furthermore unto me 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

אָדָ֕ם

H120

of man

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

תִּרְאֶ֔ה

H7200

seest

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

אַתָּ֖ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מָ֣הֵ֣ם

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עֹשִׂ֣ים

H6213

committeth

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

תּוֹעֵב֖וֹת

H8441

abominations

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

#10

גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃

H1419

even the great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#11

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#12

בֵּֽית

H1004

that the house

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

#13

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל׀

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#14

עֹשִׂ֣ים

H6213

committeth

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

#15

פֹּ֗ה

H6311

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

#16

לְרָֽחֳקָה֙

H7368

here that I should go far off

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

#17

מֵעַ֣ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י

H4720

from my sanctuary

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

#19

וְעוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#20

תָּשׁ֣וּב

H7725

but turn

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

#21

תִּרְאֶ֔ה

H7200

seest

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

#22

תּוֹעֵב֖וֹת

H8441

abominations

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

#23

גְּדֹלֽוֹת׃

H1419

even the great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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

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