Ezekiel 1:10

Authorized King James Version

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּדְמ֣וּת
As for the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#2
וּפְנֵי
also had the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
וּפְנֵי
also had the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
אָדָם֒
of a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
וּפְנֵי
also had the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
אַרְיֵ֤ה
of a lion
a lion
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַיָּמִין֙
on the right side
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#9
לְאַרְבַּעְתָּֽן׃
and they four
four
#10
וּפְנֵי
also had the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#11
שׁ֥וֹר
of an ox
a bullock (as a traveller)
#12
מֵֽהַשְּׂמֹ֖אול
on the left side
properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
#13
לְאַרְבַּעְתָּֽן׃
and they four
four
#14
וּפְנֵי
also had the face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#15
נֶ֖שֶׁר
of an eagle
the eagle (or other large bird of prey)
#16
לְאַרְבַּעְתָּֽן׃
and they four
four

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

Questions for Reflection

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