Ezekiel 40:42

Authorized King James Version

And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַרְבָּעָה֩
And the four
four
#2
שֻׁלְחָנ֨וֹת
tables
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
#3
הָעוֹלָ֛ה
for the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#4
אַבְנֵ֣י
H68
stone
a stone
#5
גָזִ֗ית
were of hewn
something cut, i.e., dressed stone
#6
אֹרֶךְ֩
long
length
#7
אַמָּ֣ה
and a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#8
אֶחָ֑ת
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
וָחֵ֔צִי
and an half
the half or middle
#10
וְרֹ֨חַב
broad
width (literally or figuratively)
#11
אַמָּ֣ה
and a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#12
אֶחָ֑ת
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#13
וָחֵ֔צִי
and an half
the half or middle
#14
וְגֹ֖בַהּ
high
elation, grandeur, arrogance
#15
אַמָּ֣ה
and a cubit
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
#16
אֶחָ֑ת
and one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#17
אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
וְיַנִּ֤יחוּ
whereupon also they laid
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
#19
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
הַכֵּלִים֙
the instruments
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#21
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#22
יִשְׁחֲט֧וּ
wherewith they slew
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#23
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#24
הָעוֹלָ֛ה
for the burnt offering
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
#25
בָּ֖ם
H0
#26
וְהַזָּֽבַח׃
and the sacrifice
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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