Ezekiel 41:19
So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.
Original Language Analysis
וּפְנֵֽי
So that the face
H6440
וּפְנֵֽי
So that the face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
1 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אָדָ֤ם
of a man
H120
אָדָ֤ם
of a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 16
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הַתִּֽמֹרָ֖ה
toward the palm tree
H8561
הַתִּֽמֹרָ֖ה
toward the palm tree
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
4 of 16
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
וּפְנֵֽי
So that the face
H6440
וּפְנֵֽי
So that the face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כְפִ֥יר
of a young lion
H3715
כְפִ֥יר
of a young lion
Strong's:
H3715
Word #:
7 of 16
a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)
הַתִּֽמֹרָ֖ה
toward the palm tree
H8561
הַתִּֽמֹרָ֖ה
toward the palm tree
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
9 of 16
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
עָשׂ֥וּי
on the other side it was made
H6213
עָשׂ֥וּי
on the other side it was made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבַּ֖יִת
through all the house
H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת
through all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
14 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 10:14And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.Ezekiel 1:10As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured carved cherubim and nature motifs. Israel's use of such imagery was carefully regulated to prevent idolatry—these represented creation's worship, not objects of worship themselves.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate both strength and wisdom in your spiritual life, not merely one at the expense of the other?
- What does the flourishing palm tree imagery teach about the vitality and fruitfulness God desires in His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side—this carved imagery combines human intelligence, leonine strength, and palm tree vitality. The kephir (כְּפִיר, young lion) represents royal power, while tamar (תָּמָר, palm tree) symbolizes righteous flourishing (Psalm 92:12).
It was made through all the house round about—the repeated pattern throughout the temple emphasized that God's people should combine wisdom, strength, and spiritual fruitfulness. These same four living creatures appear in Ezekiel 1:10 and Revelation 4:7, symbolizing the fullness of creation worshiping God. Christ embodies all these attributes: the perfect Man, the Lion of Judah, and the fruitful Tree of Life.