Ezekiel 40:47

Authorized King James Version

So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּ֨מָד
So he measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
הֶחָצֵ֜ר
the court
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
#4
אֹ֣רֶךְ׀
long
length
#5
מֵאָ֥ה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#6
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
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)
#7
וְרֹ֛חַב
broad
width (literally or figuratively)
#8
מֵאָ֥ה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#9
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
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)
#10
מְרֻבָּ֑עַת
foursquare
to be quadrate
#11
וְהַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ
and the altar
an altar
#12
לִפְנֵ֥י
that was before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#13
הַבָּֽיִת׃
the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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