Ezekiel 8:16

Authorized King James Version

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיָּבֵ֣א

H935

And he brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֹתִ֗י

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֲצַ֣ר

H2691

court

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בֵּית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַפְּנִימִית֒

H6442

me into the inner

interior

וְהִנֵּה

H2009

lo!

פֶ֜תַח

H6607

and behold at the door

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

#10

הֵיכַ֤ל

H1964

of the temple

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

#11

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

בֵּ֤ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#13

הָֽאוּלָם֙

H197

between the porch

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

#14

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#15

הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ

H4196

and the altar

an altar

#16

כְּעֶשְׂרִ֥ים

H6242

and twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

#17

וַחֲמִשָּׁ֖ה

H2568

were about five

five

#18

אִ֑ישׁ

H376

men

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)

#19

אֲחֹ֨רֵיהֶ֜ם

H268

with their backs

the hinder part; hence (adverb) behind, backward; also (as facing north) the west

#20

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#21

הֵיכַ֤ל

H1964

of the temple

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

#22

יְהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#23

וּפְנֵיהֶ֣ם

H6440

and their faces

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#24

קֵ֖דְמָה

H6924

toward the east

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

#25

וְהֵ֛מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#26

מִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֥ם

H7812

and they worshipped

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

#27

קֵ֖דְמָה

H6924

toward the east

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

#28

לַשָּֽׁמֶשׁ׃

H8121

the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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