Ezekiel 1:7

Authorized King James Version

And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#2
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#3
יְשָׁרָ֑ה
were straight
straight (literally or figuratively)
#4
כְּכַף֙
and the sole
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#5
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#6
כְּכַף֙
and the sole
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#7
רֶ֣גֶל
And their feet
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
#8
עֵ֔גֶל
of a calf's
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
#9
וְנֹ֣צְצִ֔ים
and they sparkled
to glare, i.e., be bright-colored
#10
כְּעֵ֖ין
like the colour
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#11
נְחֹ֥שֶׁת
brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#12
קָלָֽל׃
of burnished
brightened (as if sharpened)

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

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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