Ezekiel 42:16

Authorized King James Version

He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מָדַ֛ד
He measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#2
ר֥וּחַ
side
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#3
הַקָּדִ֖ים
the east
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#4
בִּקְנֵ֥ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#5
הַמִּדָּ֖ה
with the measuring
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
#6
חֲמֵשׁ
five
five
#7
אֵמ֥וֹת
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)
#8
בִּקְנֵ֥ה
reed
a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)
#9
בִּקְנֵ֥ה
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
הַמִּדָּ֖ה
with the measuring
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
#11
סָבִֽיב׃
round about
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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