Ezekiel 40:34

Authorized King James Version

And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵֽלַמָּ֗ו
And the arches
a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e., a pale (or portico)
#2
לֶֽחָצֵר֙
court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#3
הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה
thereof were toward the outward
properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)
#4
וְתִמֹרִ֥ים
and palm trees
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
#5
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#6
אֵלָ֖ו
were upon the posts
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
#7
מִפּ֣וֹ
this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence
#8
וּמִפּ֑וֹ
this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence
#9
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה
to it had eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#10
מַעֲל֖וֹת
steps
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
#11
מַעֲלָֽו׃
thereof on this side and on that side and the going up
an elevation, i.e., (concretely) acclivity or platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or (figuratively) priority

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

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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