הַֽהֵיכָ֖ל מְזוּזַ֣ת רְבֻעָ֑ה וּפְנֵ֣י הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ הַמַּרְאֶ֖ה כַּמַּרְאֶֽה׃
The temple had a square doorpost, and the face of the Holy Place was like the appearance of the other.
Morphology
- הַהֵיכָל (ha-heikhal) – Root: היכל (heikhal); Form: Definite noun masculine singular; Translation: “the temple”; Notes: Refers to the main sanctuary or hall of the temple complex, the central structure before the Holy of Holies.
- מְזוּזַת (mezuzat) – Root: מזז (mazaz); Form: Noun feminine singular construct; Translation: “doorpost of”; Notes: Indicates the supporting frame or pillar on either side of the temple entrance. The construct form connects it with the following adjective.
- רְבֻעָה (revuʿah) – Root: רבע (ravaʿ); Form: Adjective feminine singular; Translation: “square”; Notes: Describes the symmetrical shape of the temple doorway, emphasizing order and perfection in sacred design.
- וּפְנֵי (u-penei) – Root: פנים (panim); Form: Conjunction וְ + construct plural noun; Translation: “and the face of”; Notes: The “face” metaphorically represents the visible side or aspect of the sacred space.
- הַקֹּדֶשׁ (ha-qodesh) – Root: קדשׁ (qadash); Form: Definite noun masculine singular; Translation: “the Holy Place”; Notes: Refers to the inner sanctuary before the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), where the priests ministered.
- הַמַּרְאֶה (ha-marʾeh) – Root: ראה (raʾah); Form: Definite noun masculine singular; Translation: “the appearance”; Notes: Suggests visible form, referring to the aesthetic design or symmetry of the structure.
- כַּמַּרְאֶה (ka-marʾeh) – Root: ראה (raʾah); Form: Preposition כְּ + definite noun masculine singular; Translation: “like the appearance”; Notes: Draws a direct comparison, possibly between the inner and outer sanctuaries, emphasizing identical design proportions.