Ezekiel 10:22

Authorized King James Version

And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּדְמ֣וּת
And the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#2
פָּנָ֖יו
faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#3
הֵ֣מָּה
was the same
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
פָּנָ֖יו
faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#5
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
which I saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#7
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
נְהַר
by the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#9
כְּבָ֔ר
of Chebar
kebar, a river of mesopotamia
#10
מַרְאֵיהֶ֖ם
their appearances
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#11
וְאוֹתָ֑ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
אִ֛ישׁ
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
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
עֵ֥בֶר
straight
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#15
פָּנָ֖יו
faces
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#16
יֵלֵֽכוּ׃
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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

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

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People