Definition: Ye stand upon your sword, ye work abomination, and ye defile every one his neighbour’s wife: and shall ye possess the land?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 33:26. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible, and it deals with a complex idea about justice and responsibility. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is responsible for treating others poorly – specifically, to defile or possess the possessions of others' wives. It’s essentially saying that you are held accountable for your actions and have a moral obligation to treat everyone with respect and fairness. Let’s break it down word by word: “Ezekiel 33:26” : This refers to a specific prophecy given by Ezekiel, a Jewish prophet in ancient times. It's a crucial part of a larger story about God’s plan for the future. “Ye stand upon your sword” : This is a metaphorical phrase. “Sword” represents something powerful – perhaps a person, a promise, or even a righteous path. "Standing upon it" means you are actively involved in that thing and wielding its power. It suggests you’re taking on a significant responsibility. “ye work abomination” : This is the core of the verse. “Work abomination” means to despise or treat with contempt . It's about actively harming or disrespecting something. “and ye defile every one his neighbour’s wife” : This is the direct part of the verse. It says that you are deliberately causing harm and disrespect to someone else’s spouse – specifically, to their wife. "Defile" means to corrupt, spoil, or desecrate something. “every one his neighbour’s wife” : This emphasizes the severity of the action. It's not just about hurting a single person; it's about harming everyone who is connected to someone else’s spouse. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to themes of: Responsibility: We are all responsible for our actions and their consequences, even if we don’t intend harm. Justice and Righteousness: It emphasizes the importance of fairness and treating others with respect. God demands that we don't allow injustice to flourish. Moral Accountability: This verse highlights a strong sense of accountability – you are responsible for your choices and their impact on others. Important Context (Briefly) The verse is part of a larger prophetic vision in Ezekiel’s book, which describes God sending a “little beast” (a symbolic representation of evil) to challenge humanity. It's a warning about the potential for wickedness and the need for righteous living. In short, this verse is a serious call to conscience – reminding us that our actions have consequences and that we must treat others with respect and avoid causing harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide a different perspective on the verse (e.g., its historical context)? Discuss how this passage relates to other biblical stories or teachings?