Ezekiel 1:18

Authorized King James Version

As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַבֹּתָ֗ם
As for their rings
the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc
#2
וְגֹ֥בַהּ
they were so high
elation, grandeur, arrogance
#3
לָהֶ֖ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
וְיִרְאָ֣ה
that they were dreadful
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
#5
לָהֶ֑ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#6
וְגַבֹּתָ֗ם
As for their rings
the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc
#7
מְלֵאֹ֥ת
were full
full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully
#8
עֵינַ֛יִם
of eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
סָבִ֖יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#10
לְאַרְבַּעְתָּֽן׃
them 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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