Ezekiel 40:6

Authorized King James Version

Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיָּב֗וֹא
Then came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
הַשַּׁ֗עַר
he unto the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
פָּנָיו֙
which looketh
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#6
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#7
הַקָּדִ֔ימָה
the east
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#8
וַיַּ֖עַל
and went up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#9
בְּמַֽעֲלוֹתָ֑ו
the stairs
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
#10
וַיָּ֣מָד׀
thereof and measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#11
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
סַ֣ף
the threshold
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)
#13
הַשַּׁ֗עַר
he unto the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#14
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)
#15
אֶחָ֖ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#16
רֹֽחַב׃
broad
width (literally or figuratively)
#17
וְאֵת֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
סַ֣ף
the threshold
a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)
#19
אֶחָ֖ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#20
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)
#21
אֶחָ֖ד
and the other
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#22
רֹֽחַב׃
broad
width (literally or figuratively)

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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