Ezekiel 40:20

Authorized King James Version

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַשַּׁ֗עַר
And the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#2
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
פָּנָיו֙
that looked
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#5
הַצָּפ֔וֹן
the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#6
לֶחָצֵ֖ר
court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#7
הַחִֽיצוֹנָ֑ה
of the outward
properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)
#8
מָדַ֥ד
he measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#9
אָרְכּ֖וֹ
the length
length
#10
וְרָחְבּֽוֹ׃
thereof and the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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