Ezekiel 40:3

Authorized King James Version

And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּבֵ֨יא
And he brought
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אוֹתִ֜י
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
שָׁ֗מָּה
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#4
וְהִנֵּה
lo!
#5
אִישׁ֙
me thither and behold there was a man
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)
#6
כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה
was like the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#7
כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה
was like the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#8
נְחֹ֔שֶׁת
of brass
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
#9
וּפְתִיל
with a line
twine
#10
פִּשְׁתִּ֥ים
of flax
linen (i.e., the thread, as carded)
#11
בְּיָד֖וֹ
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#12
וּקְנֵ֣ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#13
הַמִּדָּ֑ה
and a measuring
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
#14
וְה֥וּא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#15
עֹמֵ֖ד
and he stood
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#16
בַּשָּֽׁעַר׃
in the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate

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

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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