Ezekiel 8:2

Authorized King James Version

Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֶרְאֶ֗ה
Then I beheld
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#3
דְמוּת֙
and lo a likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#4
כְּמַרְאֵה
as the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#5
אֵ֑שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#6
כְּמַרְאֵה
as the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#7
וּמִמָּתְנָ֣יו
and from his loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#8
וּלְמַ֖טָּה
even downward
downward, below or beneath; often adverbially with or without prefixes
#9
אֵ֑שׁ
fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#10
וּמִמָּתְנָ֣יו
and from his loins
properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins
#11
וּלְמַ֔עְלָה
even upward
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
#12
כְּמַרְאֵה
as the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#13
זֹ֖הַר
of brightness
brilliancy
#14
כְּעֵ֥ין
as the colour
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#15
הַחַשְׁמַֽלָה׃
of amber
probably bronze or polished spectrum metal

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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