Ezekiel 47:3

Authorized King James Version

And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ancles.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּצֵאת
went forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#2
הָאִ֥ישׁ
And when the man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
קָדִ֖ים
eastward
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
#4
וְקָ֣ו
that had the line
a cord (as connecting), especially for measuring; figuratively, a rule; also a rim, a musical string or accord
#5
בְּיָד֑וֹ
in his hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
וַיָּ֤מָד
he measured
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
#7
אֶ֙לֶף֙
a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#8
בָּֽאַמָּ֔ה
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
וַיַּעֲבִרֵ֥נִי
and he brought me through
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#10
מֵ֥י
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#11
מֵ֥י
the waters
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
#12
אָפְסָֽיִם׃
were to the ankles
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

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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