Ezekiel 40:5

Authorized King James Version

And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהִנֵּ֥ה
lo!
#2
חוֹמָ֛ה
And behold a wall
a wall of protection
#3
מִח֥וּץ
on the outside
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
#4
לַבַּ֖יִת
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#5
סָבִ֑יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#6
סָבִ֑יב
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
#7
וּבְיַ֨ד
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
#8
הָאִ֜ישׁ
and in the man's
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)
#9
קָנֶ֥ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#10
הַמִּדָּ֗ה
a measuring
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
#11
שֵׁשׁ
of six
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
#12
בָּֽאַמָּה֙
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)
#13
בָּֽאַמָּה֙
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)
#14
וָטֹ֔פַח
and an hand breadth
a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)
#15
וַיָּ֜מָד
so he measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#16
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#17
רֹ֤חַב
the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#18
הַבִּנְיָן֙
of the building
an edifice
#19
קָנֶ֥ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#20
אֶחָֽד׃
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#21
וְקוֹמָ֖ה
and the height
height
#22
קָנֶ֥ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#23
אֶחָֽד׃
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

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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