וּכְמַרְאֵ֨ה הַמַּרְאֶ֜ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאִ֗יתִי כַּמַּרְאֶ֤ה אֲשֶׁר־רָאִ֨יתִי֙ בְּבֹאִי֙ לְשַׁחֵ֣ת אֶת־הָעִ֔יר וּמַרְאֹ֕ות כַּמַּרְאֶ֕ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָאִ֖יתִי אֶל־נְהַר־כְּבָ֑ר וָאֶפֹּ֖ל אֶל־פָּנָֽי׃
And like the appearance of the vision that I saw, like the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city, and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the River Kevar, and I fell upon my face.
Explanation of Feature
This verse from Ezekiel 43:3 highlights two key grammatical features:
1. Repetitive comparative clauses using the particle כְּ (“like/as”) combined with אֲשֶׁר (“which/that”) to form descriptive comparisons.
2. The emphatic and rhythmic use of repetition to convey the clarity and consistency of prophetic vision. Ezekiel is confirming the divine source and sameness of the visions he’s received.
Examples from Ezekiel 43:3
| Phrase | Structure | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| כְּמַרְאֵה הַמַּרְאֶה אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתִי | Preposition + noun + relative clause | “Like the appearance of the vision that I saw” – first point of comparison |
| כַּמַּרְאֶה אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתִי בְּבֹאִי לְשַׁחֵת אֶת־הָעִיר | Comparison + relative + infinitive clause | “Like the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city” – identifying the past prophetic event |
| מַרְאֹות כַּמַּרְאֶה אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתִי אֶל־נְהַר־כְּבָר | Plural noun + comparison + relative clause | “The visions were like the vision that I saw by the River Kevar” – connecting this moment to his inaugural vision in Ezekiel 1 |
| וָאֶפֹּל אֶל־פָּנָי | Wayyiqtol + prepositional phrase | “And I fell on my face” – standard prophetic reaction to divine glory |
Related Grammatical Insight
– The preposition כְּ + noun introduces comparative clauses, and is often paired with אֲשֶׁר to define which vision is being referred to.
– Hebrew often reinforces meaning through structured repetition, especially in prophetic or poetic speech, emphasizing recognition and legitimacy of divine revelation.
– The phrase וָאֶפֹּל אֶל־פָּנָי is a fixed expression describing awe and submission in prophetic contexts.
This verse affirms that Ezekiel’s current vision is not new or foreign—it’s identical to his earlier, authorized visions, linking his experience to the consistent presence and glory of YHWH.
