Ezekiel 8:16
Ezekiel 8:16 in Multiple Translations
So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.
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.
And he brought me into the inner court of Jehovah’s house; and behold, at the door of the temple of Jehovah, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of Jehovah, and their faces toward the east; and they were worshipping the sun toward the east.
And he took me into the inner square of the Lord's house, and at the door of the Temple of the Lord, between the covered way and the altar, there were about twenty-five men with their backs turned to the Temple of the Lord and their faces turned to the east; and they were worshipping the sun, turning to the east.
He took me to the inner courtyard of the Lord's Temple and right there at the entrance to the Temple, between the porch and the altar, were around twenty-five men. They had their backs to the Temple, and were facing towards the east. They were bowing in worship of the sun rising in the east.
And he caused me to enter into the inner court of the Lordes house, and beholde, at the doore of the Temple of the Lord, betweene the porche and the altar were about fiue and twentie men with their backs toward the Temple of the Lord, and their faces towarde the East, and they worshipped the sunne, towarde the East.
And He bringeth me in unto the inner court of the house of Jehovah, and lo, at the opening of the temple of Jehovah, between the porch and the altar, about twenty-five men, their backs toward the temple of Jehovah, and their faces eastward, and they are bowing themselves eastward to the sun.
He brought me into the inner court of the LORD’s house; and I saw at the door of the LORD’s temple, between the porch and the altar, there were about twenty-five men with their backs toward the LORD’s temple and their faces toward the east. They were worshiping the sun toward the east.
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 towards the temple of the LORD, and their faces towards the east; and they worshiped the sun towards the east.
And he brought me into the inner court of the house of the Lord: and behold at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men having their backs towards the temple of the Lord, and their faces to the east: and they adored towards the rising of the sun.
Then he took me into the courtyard outside the temple. There at the entrance of the temple, between the porch and the altar, were about 25 men. Their backs were toward the temple and their faces were toward the east, and they were bowing down to worship the sun as it rose in the east.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 8:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 8:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֵ֣א
אֹתִ֗/י
אֶל
חֲצַ֣ר
בֵּית
יְהוָה֮
הַ/פְּנִימִית֒
וְ/הִנֵּה
פֶ֜תַח
הֵיכַ֣ל
יְהוָ֗ה
בֵּ֤ין
הָֽ/אוּלָם֙
וּ/בֵ֣ין
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
כְּ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
וַ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
אִ֑ישׁ
אֲחֹ֨רֵי/הֶ֜ם
אֶל
הֵיכַ֤ל
יְהוָה֙
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֣ם
קֵ֔דְמָ/ה
וְ/הֵ֛מָּה
מִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֥ם
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
לַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
וַ/יָּבֵ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֹתִ֗/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חֲצַ֣ר
châtsêr
H2691
court
N-cs
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הַ/פְּנִימִית֒
pᵉnîymîy
H6442
inner
Art | Adj
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
פֶ֜תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הֵיכַ֣ל
hêykâl
H1964
temple
N-ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בֵּ֤ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הָֽ/אוּלָם֙
ʼûwlâm
H197
Portico
Art | N-ms
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-ms
כְּ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Prep | Adj
וַ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
châmêsh
H2568
five
Conj | Adj
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֲחֹ֨רֵי/הֶ֜ם
ʼâchôwr
H268
back
N-mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הֵיכַ֤ל
hêykâl
H1964
temple
N-ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֣ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | N-cp | Suff
קֵ֔דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms | Suff
וְ/הֵ֛מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
מִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֥ם
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
V-v
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms | Suff
לַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 8:16
וַ/יָּבֵ֣א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֹתִ֗/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חֲצַ֣ר
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הַ/פְּנִימִית֒
pᵉnîymîy
H6442
"inner"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word describes something as inner or interior, like the inner part of a person or a building. It is used in Psalm 51:17 to describe a broken spirit.
Definition: inner
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: (with-) in(-ner, -ward). See also: 1 Kings 6:27; Ezekiel 40:27; Ezekiel 46:1.
וְ/הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
פֶ֜תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הֵיכַ֣ל
hêykâl
H1964
"temple"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בֵּ֤ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הָֽ/אוּלָם֙
ʼûwlâm
H197
"Portico"
Art | N-ms
A portico is a covered area at the entrance of a building, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a vestibule or porch where people gather before entering the main building.
Definition: A hall or porch of the temple
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: porch. See also: 1 Kings 6:3; Ezekiel 40:7; Joel 2:17.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֔חַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
כְּ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Prep | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
וַ/חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲחֹ֨רֵי/הֶ֜ם
ʼâchôwr
H268
"back"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the back or rear side of something. It can also refer to a location or direction, like the West. In Genesis, it describes the back of the Tabernacle.
Definition: 1) the back side, the rear 1a) backwards 1b) hereafter (of time) 1c) behind
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: after(-ward), back (part, -side, -ward), hereafter, (be-) hind(-er part), time to come, without. See also: Genesis 49:17; Psalms 129:5; Psalms 9:4.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הֵיכַ֤ל
hêykâl
H1964
"temple"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וּ/פְנֵי/הֶ֣ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
קֵ֔דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms | Suff
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
וְ/הֵ֛מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מִשְׁתַּחֲוִיתֶ֥ם
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
V-v
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
קֵ֖דְמָ/ה
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms | Suff
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
לַ/שָּֽׁמֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Prep | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 8:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 8:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 8:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 8:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 8:16
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 8:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
- Sermons on Ezekiel 8:16
Context — The Vision of Idolatry in the Temple
14Then He brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of the LORD, and I saw women sitting there, weeping for Tammuz.
15“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Yet you will see even greater abominations than these.”
16So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.
17“Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see this? Is it not enough for the house of Judah to commit the abominations they are practicing here, that they must also fill the land with violence and continually provoke Me to anger? Look, they are even putting the branch to their nose! 18Therefore I will respond with wrath. I will not look on them with pity, nor will I spare them. Although they shout loudly in My ears, I will not listen to them.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:19 | When you look to the heavens and see the sun and moon and stars—all the host of heaven—do not be enticed to bow down and worship what the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 17:3 | and going to worship other gods, bowing down to them or to the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven—which I have forbidden— |
| 3 | Jeremiah 32:33 | They have turned their backs to Me and not their faces. Though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 2:27 | say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their backs to Me and not their faces, yet in the time of trouble they beg, ‘Rise up and save us!’ |
| 5 | Ezekiel 11:1 | Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. And there at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders of the people. |
| 6 | Job 31:26–28 | if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high. |
| 7 | Joel 2:17 | Let the priests who minister before the LORD weep between the portico and the altar, saying, “Spare Your people, O LORD, and do not make Your heritage a reproach, an object of scorn among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 43:5 | Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 44:17 | Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 16:14 | He also took the bronze altar that stood before the LORD from the front of the temple (between the new altar and the house of the LORD) and he put it on the north side of the new altar. |
Ezekiel 8:16 Summary
[This verse is talking about a group of men who are worshiping the sun instead of the one true God. They are standing in the temple, which is a place where people are supposed to worship the Lord, but they have their backs turned to the temple and are facing the east, where the sun rises. This is a sign of how far the people of Israel have strayed from the Lord, and it's a reminder that we should always prioritize our relationship with Him above everything else (see Exodus 20:3-5). The Lord wants us to love and worship Him alone, and to turn away from anything that might distract us from Him (see Deuteronomy 6:14-15).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the men worshiping the sun in Ezekiel 8:16?
The men worshiping the sun in Ezekiel 8:16 is a sign of idolatry and spiritual adultery, as they have turned their backs on the temple of the Lord and are facing the east, indicating their rejection of the one true God (see Exodus 20:3-5, Deuteronomy 6:14-15).
Why is the Lord showing Ezekiel these abominations in the temple?
The Lord is showing Ezekiel these abominations to illustrate the depth of Israel's sin and rebellion against Him, and to prepare Ezekiel for his prophetic ministry to call the people to repentance (see Ezekiel 2:3-7, 3:17-21).
What is the portico and the altar mentioned in this verse?
The portico and the altar mentioned in Ezekiel 8:16 refer to the areas in the temple complex where sacrifices and worship were offered to the Lord, highlighting the stark contrast between the rightful worship of the Lord and the idolatrous worship of the sun (see 1 Kings 8:64, 2 Chronicles 4:1).
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Ezekiel?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the book of Ezekiel, which emphasizes the Lord's judgment on Israel for their sin and idolatry, while also offering a message of hope and restoration for those who repent and turn back to Him (see Ezekiel 36:22-32, 37:1-14).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be turning my back on the Lord and worshiping idols in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper love and devotion to the one true God, and avoid the temptation of idolatry?
- What are some things in my life that I prioritize above my relationship with the Lord, and how can I reorder my priorities to reflect His importance?
- In what ways can I be a faithful witness to the Lord, like Ezekiel, and call others to repentance and faith?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 8:16
And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house,.... The court of the priests, where they offered sacrifice, and into which none might come but themselves: and, behold, at the door of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 8:16
Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these. Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
The inner court; the inmost, that which was next to the temple, called here the Lord’ s house. At the door of the temple: before he saw abominations in the gates of the courts, now he is come to the very house itself. The porch; that stately, large porch, beautified with the high, curious, and mighty brass pillars, Jachin and Boaz, of which see 7:15,21. The altar; the brazen altar for burnt-offerings, which was placed in the court before the front of the temple, and is here represented in its proper place, . This is not contradictory to , which speaks of the place where Ahaz had wickedly placed the altar, but this, , speaks of the same altar, as supposing it to be where it ought, as God commanded it should be, and Solomon placed it, . About five and twenty; an indefinite and undetermined number. Five and twenty men; either some principal men, or else some priests. If these, the greater sin in them to turn idolaters; if the other, the idolatry committed by them in a place they should not have entered appears presumptuous and greatly wicked. With their backs toward the temple; in contempt of God, with an open and designed abrenunciation of God and his worship. Worshipped the sun: though God had prohibited this, , with ; yet, in imitation of’ the Chaldees, Persians, Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Eastern idolaters, these Jews turn their back on God, who created the sun, and worship the creature in contempt of the Creator.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
Ezekiel 8:16 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.Ver. 16. Were about five and twenty men.] These, say some, were the king and his council See Ezekiel 11:1. With their backs toward the temple.] And yet in a part of it. Hoc fuit signum nimiae improbitatis. Veluti Dominum in certamen provocantes. Here to turn their posteriors upon God’ s house and ark, which they were commanded to look towards as a type of Christ, was to bid open defiance to him, and to renounce his service, cum ingenti contumelia sanctitatis Domini! Oh, the unspeakable patience of God! And they worshipped the sun.] So did the Persians, under the name of Mithra; the Assyrians, of Osiris; the Egyptians, of Orus son of Isis, &c. Heathens thought that Christians did so too, because anciently they prayed with their faces eastward. Tertul.
Apol.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
(16) Between the porch and the altar.—Ezekiel now returns to the court of the priests, and there sees—not about, but as it were (referring to the nature of the vision)—“twenty-five men.” These are probably the high priest and the heads of the twenty-four courses, representing the whole body of the priests, as the elders represented the whole body of the people. They were standing between the altar and the Temple, therefore in the most sacred part of the court, and there, turning their backs upon the Temple of the Lord, worshipped the sun. The adoration of the sun, probably the earliest form of false religion, was the especial worship of Persia, but had been long since practised by the kings and people of Judah (2 Kings 23:5; 2 Kings 23:11). Thus all classes of the nation are seen to be involved in common sin; and the priests particularly, the especial guardians of true religion, are found practising this sin under circumstances of peculiar insult to God. That the “chief priests” did pollute the sanctuary at this time is expressly asserted in the history at 2 Chronicles 36:14.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
Verse 16. Five and twenty men] These most probably represented the twenty-four courses of the priests, with the high priest for the twenty-fifth. This was the Persian worship, as their turning their faces to the east plainly shows they were worshipping the rising sun.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 8:16
16. The sun-worshippers in the inner court 16. about five and twenty] LXX., about twenty. These men were seen adoring the sun with their faces to the east, and their backs to the temple house. Their position between the temple and the altar seems to imply that they were priests (Joe 2:17), and it is not decisive against this view that they are called “elders” in ch. Ezekiel 9:6, for Jeremiah 19:1 refers to “the elders of the priests.” They may be supposed representatives of the priesthood. worshipped the sun] The worship of the sun, the queen of heaven, and the host of heaven, was adopted by Israel from their eastern conquerors: cf. 2 Kings 23:5; 2 Kings 23:11; Jeremiah 44:17; Job 31:26; Deuteronomy 4:19. (The Heb. is to be read mishtaḥ ?avim.)
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 8:16
The inner court - The court of the priests. About five and twenty men - Rather, as it were five etc. This was the number of the heads of the 24 courses (shifts) with the high priest presiding over them.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 8:16
16. With their backs toward the temple — “The very act was symbolical of their apostasy (2 Chronicles 29:6; Isaiah 1:4; Jeremiah 7:24). And they did this in order that they might look to the east and worship the rising sun.
Sermons on Ezekiel 8:16
| Sermon | Description | |
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Exposition on Psalm 114 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the significance of the events in the Bible, such as the crossing of the River Jordan, as both historical accounts and prophetic symbols for future genera |
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A Burning Heart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Jeremiah chapter 4 and Joel chapter 1. He emphasizes the need for repentance and laments the state |
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Weeping Between Porch and the Altar by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker contrasts the superficiality of modern Christian gatherings with the deep devotion and sacrifice of believers in the past. He highlights the story of a |
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Revival Lectures Series - Short by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and burden for the lost souls in the world. He highlights the alarming fact that there are more lost people |
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John 7:37 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a period of 400 years of darkness and stillness without any prophetic voice. Suddenly, a man appears in the wilderness, wearing a piece of old |
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From Groans to Glory by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and complexity of the human body, which God created as his masterpiece. He highlights the unique nature of human interaction, whe |
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The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu |