Ezekiel 1:15

Authorized King James Version

Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֵ֖רֶא
Now as I beheld
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
הַחַיּ֖וֹת
the living creatures
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#3
וְהִנֵּה֩
lo!
#4
אוֹפַ֨ן
wheel
a wheel
#5
אֶחָ֥ד
behold one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
בָּאָ֛רֶץ
upon the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
אֵ֥צֶל
by
a side; (as a preposition) near
#8
הַחַיּ֖וֹת
the living creatures
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#9
לְאַרְבַּ֥עַת
with his four
four
#10
פָּנָֽיו׃
faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to Ezekiel's theological argument.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People