Ezekiel 8:3

Authorized King James Version

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַח֙

H7971

And he put forth

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

תַּבְנִ֣ית

H8403

the form

structure; by implication, a model, resemblance

יָ֔ד

H3027

of an 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

וַיִּקָּחֵ֖נִי

H3947

and took

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

בְּצִיצִ֣ת

H6734

me by a lock

a floral or wing-like projection, i.e., a forelock of hair, a tassel

רֹאשִׁ֑י

H7218

of mine head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וַתִּשָּׂ֣א

H5375

lifted me up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֹתִ֣י

H853

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

ר֣וּחַ׀

H7307

and the spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#10

בֵּֽין

H996

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

#11

הָאָ֣רֶץ

H776

between the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

וּבֵ֣ין

H996

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

#13

הַשָּׁמַ֡יִם

H8064

and the heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#14

וַתָּבֵא֩

H935

and brought

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

#15

אֹתִ֨י

H853

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

#16

יְרוּשָׁלְַ֜מָה

H3389

to Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#17

בְּמַרְא֣וֹת

H4759

me in the visions

(causatively) a mirror

#18

אֱלֹהִ֗ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#19

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#20

פֶּ֜תַח

H6607

to the door

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

#21

שַׁ֤עַר

H8179

gate

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#22

הַפְּנִימִית֙

H6442

of the inner

interior

#23

הַפּוֹנֶ֣ה

H6437

that looketh

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

#24

צָפ֔וֹנָה

H6828

toward the north

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

#25

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#26

שָׁ֣ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#27

מוֹשַׁ֔ב

H4186

where was the seat

a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population

#28

סֵ֖מֶל

H5566

of the image

a likeness

#29

הַקִּנְאָ֥ה

H7068

of jealousy

jealousy or envy

#30

הַמַּקְנֶֽה׃

H7069

which provoketh to jealousy

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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