Ezekiel 11:22

Authorized King James Version

Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׂא֤וּ

H5375

lift up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הַכְּרוּבִים֙

H3742

Then did the cherubims

a cherub or imaginary figure

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּנְפֵיהֶ֔ם

H3671

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

וְהָאֽוֹפַנִּ֖ים

H212

and the wheels

a wheel

לְעֻמָּתָ֑ם

H5980

beside

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

וּכְב֧וֹד

H3519

them and the glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

אֱלֹהֵֽי

H430

of the God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃

H4605

was over them above

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

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 glory 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 glory in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding glory in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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