Ezekiel 10:11

Authorized King James Version

When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּלֶכְתָּ֗ם
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אַרְבַּ֤עַת
upon their four
four
#4
רִבְעֵיהֶם֙
sides
a fourth (part or side)
#5
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יִסַּ֖בּוּ
it they turned
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#8
בְּלֶכְתָּ֑ם
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
הַמָּק֞וֹם
but to the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#11
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יִפְנֶ֤ה
looked
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
#13
הָרֹאשׁ֙
whither the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#14
אַחֲרָ֣יו
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#15
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#16
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#17
יִסַּ֖בּוּ
it they turned
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
#18
בְּלֶכְתָּֽם׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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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