Ezekiel 41:4

Authorized King James Version

So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place.

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
אָרְכּ֜וֹ
the length
length
#4
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
thereof twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#5
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)
#6
וְרֹ֛חַב
and the breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#7
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
thereof twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#8
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)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
פְּנֵ֣י
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
#11
הַֽהֵיכָ֑ל
the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#12
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
and he said
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
אֵלַ֔י
near, with or among; often in general, to
#14
זֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#15
הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃
holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#16
הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃
holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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