Ezekiel 42:4

Authorized King James Version

And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִפְנֵ֨י
And 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
#2
הַלְּשָׁכ֜וֹת
the chambers
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
#3
מַהֲלַךְ֩
was a walk
a walk, i.e., a passage or a distance
#4
עֶ֨שֶׂר
of ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#5
אַמָּ֣ה
cubit
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
רֹ֙חַב֙
breadth
width (literally or figuratively)
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
הַפְּנִימִ֔ית
inward
interior
#9
דֶּ֖רֶךְ
a way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#10
אַמָּ֣ה
cubit
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)
#11
אֶחָ֑ת
of one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#12
וּפִתְחֵיהֶ֖ם
and their doors
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
#13
לַצָּפֽוֹן׃
toward the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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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