Ezekiel 1:20

Authorized King James Version

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עַ֣ל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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)

שָּׁ֨ם

H8033

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

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

Whithersoever the spirit

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

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙

H1980

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

יֵלֵ֔כוּ

H1980

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

שָׁ֥מָּה

H8033

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

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

Whithersoever the spirit

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

#10

לָלֶ֑כֶת

H1980

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

#11

בָּאוֹפַנִּֽים׃

H212

and the wheels

a wheel

#12

יִנָּשְׂאוּ֙

H5375

were lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#13

לְעֻמָּתָ֔ם

H5980

over against

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

#14

כִּ֛י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

Whithersoever the spirit

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

#16

הַחַיָּ֖ה

H2416

of the living creature

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#17

בָּאוֹפַנִּֽים׃

H212

and the wheels

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

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

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?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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