Ezekiel 1:16

Authorized King James Version

The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמַרְאֵיהֶם֙
The appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#2
הָאוֹפָֽן׃
of a wheel
a wheel
#3
וּמַ֣עֲשֵׂיהֶ֔ם
and their work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#4
כְּעֵ֣ין
was like unto the colour
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
תַּרְשִׁ֔ישׁ
of a beryl
a gem, perhaps the topaz
#6
וּדְמ֥וּת
likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#7
אֶחָ֖ד
had one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֑ן
and they four
four
#9
וּמַרְאֵיהֶם֙
The appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#10
וּמַ֣עֲשֵׂיהֶ֔ם
and their work
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
#11
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יִהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
הָאוֹפָֽן׃
of a wheel
a wheel
#14
בְּת֥וֹךְ
in the middle
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#15
הָאוֹפָֽן׃
of a wheel
a wheel

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 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

Related Resources

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

People