So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.

EZEKIEL 41:19KJV
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Ezekiel 41:19 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 41:19 mean?

Ezekiel 41:19 describes a decorative pattern in the temple vision, where carvings of a man's face and a young lion's face are placed on either side of a palm tree, and this design is repeated throughout the temple. The verse highlights the specific arrangement and repetition of these images as part of the temple's interior decoration.

In this vision, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown detailed plans for a future temple by God, with an angelic guide explaining the features. The mention of both human and lion faces next to palm trees suggests a symbolic or artistic design, reflecting both human and animal qualities, and the palm tree is a common symbol of beauty and righteousness in the Bible.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 41:19

  • "face" (פָּנִים, panim): This word refers to the front or surface, often used for a face or presence. Here, it emphasizes the direction each carved face is looking in relation to the palm tree.
  • "man" (אָדָם, adam): This is the common Hebrew word for a human being, stressing the human aspect of the decoration.
  • "lion" (כְּפִיר, kefir): This word means a young lion, which often symbolizes strength and majesty in biblical imagery.
  • "tree" (תָּמָר, tamar): This refers specifically to a palm tree, a symbol of uprightness and flourishing in ancient Israel.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): Used here for the temple, reminding the reader that these decorations are part of God's house, not just any building.

Why Ezekiel 41:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple vision is not just about measurements but also about meaningful artistic details, showing the care and intentionality in God's design.
  • The pairing of human and lion faces may hint at a balance between humanity and strength, or perhaps a harmony of creation, which is a theme in other temple descriptions.
  • Understanding these details helps readers appreciate the symbolic richness of Ezekiel's temple vision and its connection to other biblical imagery, such as the cherubim and the use of palm trees in Solomon's temple.

Where else these words appear

“tree” Hebrew H8561 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.
  • Ezekiel 40:37 And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

“lion” Hebrew H3715 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 14:5 Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
  • Proverbs 19:12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
  • Ezekiel 19:3 And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.