Ezekiel 48:31

Authorized King James Version

And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שַׁ֥עַר
And the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#2
הָעִ֗יר
of the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
שְׁמוֹת֙
shall be after the names
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
of the tribes
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
#6
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#7
שַׁ֥עַר
And the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#8
שְׁלוֹשָׁ֖ה
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#9
צָפ֑וֹנָה
northward
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#10
שַׁ֥עַר
And the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#11
רְאוּבֵ֞ן
of Reuben
reuben, a son of jacob
#12
אֶחָֽד׃
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#13
שַׁ֥עַר
And the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#14
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#15
אֶחָֽד׃
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#16
שַׁ֥עַר
And the gates
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#17
לֵוִ֖י
of Levi
levi, a son of jacob
#18
אֶחָֽד׃
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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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