Ezekiel 1:23

Authorized King James Version

And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְתַ֙חַת֙
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#2
הָרָקִ֔יעַ
And under the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#3
כַּנְפֵיהֶ֣ם
were their wings
an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna
#4
יְשָׁר֔וֹת
straight
straight (literally or figuratively)
#5
אִשָּׁ֖ה
the one
a woman
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אֲחוֹתָ֑הּ
toward the other
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
#8
וּלְאִ֗ישׁ
and every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
שְׁתַּ֤יִם
had two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#10
מְכַסּוֹת֙
which covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#11
לָהֵ֔נָּה
on that side
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#12
וּלְאִ֗ישׁ
and every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#13
שְׁתַּ֤יִם
had two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#14
מְכַסּוֹת֙
which covered
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#15
לָהֵ֔נָּה
on that side
themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
#16
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
גְּוִיֹּתֵיהֶֽם׃
their bodies
a body, whether alive or dead

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

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