Ezekiel 1:12

And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִ֛ישׁ

H376

every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵ֥בֶר

H5676

straight

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

פָּנָ֖יו

H6440

forward

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יֵלֵ֑כוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶ֣ל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

יִֽהְיֶה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שָׁ֨מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#10

הָר֤וּחַ

H7307

whither the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#11

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

יֵלֵ֔כוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#13

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#14

יִסַּ֖בּוּ

H5437

and they turned

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

#15

בְּלֶכְתָּֽן׃

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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