Ezekiel 1:26

Authorized King James Version

And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃
H4605
And above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#2
לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙
H7549
the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#3
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
רֹאשָׁ֔ם
H7218
that was over their heads
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#6
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה
H4758
as 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),
#7
אֶֽבֶן
H68
stone
a stone
#8
סַפִּ֖יר
H5601
of a sapphire
a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire
#9
דְּמ֞וּת
H1823
and upon the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#10
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
H3678
of a throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#11
וְעַל֙
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
דְּמ֞וּת
H1823
and upon the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#13
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
H3678
of a throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#14
דְּמ֞וּת
H1823
and upon the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#15
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה
H4758
as 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),
#16
אָדָ֛ם
H120
of a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#17
עָלָ֖יו
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃
H4605
And above
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

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