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Abstract

The key themes of sanctification and regeneration in Ezek 36.25-27 make it an important and well-known passage among theologians and exegetes. However, the translation of מים טהורים in v. 25 as “clean water” in most English versions obscures the rhetorical force of the allusion to certain liturgical practices within the religious context of the source language. This paper considers the semantic connotations of מים טהורים by trying to understand the author’s rhetorical intentions. Historical-liturgical criticism is used to examine the religious context of the source text with a view to suggesting the most accurate English translation of this technical term which would convey its closest range of meanings to a contemporary English-speaking audience.

Keywords

זרק מים טהורים Ezekiel 36.25-27 historical-liturgical criticism sanctification allusion ritual cleansing מי חטאת מי נדה

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A Historical-Liturgical Critique of וזרקתי מים טהורים “I will sprinkle clean water” in Ezek 36.25-27 and Its Translation Options in English

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