Ezekiel 1:22

Authorized King James Version

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּדְמ֞וּת
And the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#2
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם
over their heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#4
הַחַיָּה֙
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
#5
רָקִ֔יעַ
of the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#6
כְּעֵ֖ין
was as the colour
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
הַקֶּ֣רַח
crystal
ice (as if bald, i.e., smooth); hence, hail; by resemblance, rock crystal
#8
הַנּוֹרָ֑א
of the terrible
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#9
נָט֥וּי
stretched forth
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#10
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#11
רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם
over their heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#12
מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃
above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

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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