Ezekiel 40:45
Ezekiel 40:45 in Multiple Translations
Then the man said to me: “The chamber that faces south is for the priests who keep charge of the temple,
And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.
And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house;
And he said to me, This room, facing south, is for the priests who have the care of the house.
The man told me: “The room that faces south is for the priests in charge of the Temple,
And he said vnto me, This chamber whose prospect is towarde the South, is for the Priestes that haue the charge to keepe the house.
And he speaketh unto me: 'This chamber, whose front [is] southward, [is] for priests keeping charge of the house;
He said to me, “This room, which faces toward the south, is for the priests who perform the duty of the house.
And he said to me, This chamber, whose prospect is towards the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.
And he said to me: This chamber, which looketh toward the south shall be for the priests that watch in the wards of the temple.
The man said to me, “The room whose door faces south is for the priests who are in charge of the work in the temple.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 40:45
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 40:45 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
אֵלָ֑/י
זֹ֣ה
הַ/לִּשְׁכָּ֗ה
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
פָּנֶ֨י/הָ֙
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
הַ/דָּר֔וֹם
לַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
הַ/בָּֽיִת
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
זֹ֣ה
zôh
H2090
this
Pron
הַ/לִּשְׁכָּ֗ה
lishkâh
H3957
chamber
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
פָּנֶ֨י/הָ֙
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הַ/דָּר֔וֹם
dârôwm
H1864
south
Art | N-ms
לַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Prep | N-mp
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 40:45
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֖ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלָ֑/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
זֹ֣ה
zôh
H2090
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, used to point out something specific. It is often translated as it, this, or that in the Bible.
Definition: this
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: as well as another, it, this, that, thus and thus. See also: Judges 18:4; Ecclesiastes 2:24; Psalms 132:12.
הַ/לִּשְׁכָּ֗ה
lishkâh
H3957
"chamber"
Art | N-fs
A room or chamber in a building, like a storage room or a bedroom. This word is used in 1 Kings 20:30 to describe a room in the king's palace.
Definition: room, chamber, hall, cell
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chamber, parlour. Compare H5393 (נִשְׁכָּה). See also: 1 Samuel 9:22; Jeremiah 36:20; Jeremiah 35:2.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
פָּנֶ֨י/הָ֙
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הַ/דָּר֔וֹם
dârôwm
H1864
"south"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the direction south or the south wind. It is used to describe geographical locations or the movement of air. The south was an important direction in ancient Israel, often associated with warmth and sunshine.
Definition: south
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: south. See also: Deuteronomy 33:23; Ezekiel 40:28; Ezekiel 42:18.
לַ/כֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
הַ/בָּֽיִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 40:45
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 40:45 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:45
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 40:45
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:45
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 40:45
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
- Sermons on Ezekiel 40:45
Context — Chambers for Ministry
43The double-pronged hooks, each a handbreadth long, were fastened all around the inside of the room, and the flesh of the offering was to be placed on the tables.
44Outside the inner gate, within the inner court, were two chambers, one beside the north gate and facing south, and another beside the south gate and facing north.
45Then the man said to me: “The chamber that faces south is for the priests who keep charge of the temple,
46and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may approach the LORD to minister before Him.” 47Next he measured the court. It was square, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. And the altar was in front of the temple.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 9:23 | So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. |
| 2 | Psalms 134:1 | Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! |
| 3 | Leviticus 8:35 | You must remain at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days and keep the LORD’s charge so that you will not die, for this is what I have been commanded.” |
| 4 | Revelation 1:6 | who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. |
| 5 | Numbers 3:32 | The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. |
| 6 | Numbers 3:27–28 | From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites. The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. |
| 7 | Numbers 18:5 | And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 13:11 | Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 6:49 | But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. |
| 10 | Numbers 3:38 | Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. |
Ezekiel 40:45 Summary
Ezekiel 40:45 tells us about a special room in the temple that faces south, and it's for the priests who take care of the temple. This shows how important it is for God's people to have leaders who help them worship and follow God's commands, just like in Exodus 19:6 where the Israelites are called to be a kingdom of priests. The priests' role is to help the community stay close to God and follow His ways, which is similar to the role of believers as described in 1 Peter 2:9. By understanding the significance of the priests' role, we can better appreciate the importance of our own responsibilities as believers to care for and serve one another, as seen in Galatians 5:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the chamber that faces south in Ezekiel 40:45?
The chamber that faces south is designated for the priests who are responsible for the care and upkeep of the temple, as stated in Ezekiel 40:45, highlighting the importance of their role in maintaining a holy and sacred space for worship, similar to the responsibilities given to the Levites in Numbers 18:1-7.
Why are the priests who keep charge of the temple mentioned specifically in this verse?
The mention of the priests who keep charge of the temple in Ezekiel 40:45 emphasizes their crucial role in the spiritual well-being of the community, as seen in Exodus 19:6 where the Israelites are called to be a kingdom of priests, and in 1 Peter 2:9 where believers are described as a royal priesthood.
How does this verse relate to the overall vision of the temple in Ezekiel's prophecy?
Ezekiel 40:45 is part of a larger description of the temple and its surroundings, highlighting the precision and detail of God's plan for His people's worship and community, as seen in Ezekiel 40-48, which provides a comprehensive vision of the restored temple and its significance for the people of God.
What can we learn from the organization and structure of the temple in this verse?
The organization and structure of the temple, including the chamber that faces south, demonstrate God's attention to detail and His desire for order and holiness in the lives of His people, as reflected in 1 Corinthians 14:40, where believers are encouraged to do everything decently and in order.
Reflection Questions
- What does the designation of the chamber for the priests who keep charge of the temple reveal about God's priorities for His people's worship and community?
- How does the role of the priests in Ezekiel 40:45 relate to the role of believers as priests in 1 Peter 2:9, and what implications does this have for our lives and ministry?
- In what ways can we, as believers, contribute to the upkeep and care of the 'temple' of God, which is now the body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17?
- What does the emphasis on the priests' responsibility for the temple suggest about the importance of stewardship and accountability in our own lives and ministries?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:45
And he said unto me,.... The illustrious Person that appeared in a human form, measuring the several parts of the temple, said to the prophet, as follows: this chamber, whose prospect is toward the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 40:45
And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
He, who appeared with measuring line and reed, . This chamber; this range of chambers, for this single number refers to the whole row, not to one particular chamber. For the priests the sons of Aaron, yet, I think, not excluding others, who had charge under the priests. The keepers, while, according to their courses, they had the charge of the house of God, and attended on the service of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
Ezekiel 40:45 And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect [is] toward the south, [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.Ver. 45. For the priests.] Let none else intrude into them. See 2 Chronicles 26:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
(44) Without the inner gate.—Without must here be understood in a different sense from the without of Eze 40:40, because this is expressly said to be “in the inner court;” it means, therefore, only outside the gateway.Chambers of the singers.—The description of the chambers in Ezekiel 40:44-46 is not very clear, and has caused very great difference of opinion, and even a disposition to modify the text. But the text as it stands is supported by the ancient versions, Greek, Chaldee, and Syriac, as well as by the Masoretic punctuation. There seem to have been three or more chambers altogether, two at least at the side of the north gate opening to the south, i.e., towards the altar, and one at the east gate opening toward the north. The purpose of the chamber at the east gate is perfectly clear; it was “for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar,” i.e., for those priests who were on duty at the time in connection with the sacrifices. It is not mentioned on which side of the gate it was placed, nor how large it was, but it is drawn on the plan on the north (Plan II., O). The chambers at the north gate (N), however, are called (Ezekiel 40:44) “chambers of the singers,” and yet in Ezekiel 40:45 one of them is said to be for the priests “in charge of the house.” The difficulty arises simply from the very common use of the plural in connection with only one of several persons or things, the other being separately specified. To make it entirely clear, we should say, “the chambers, one for the singers, and one for the priests.” The singers were particular families of the Levites (1 Chronicles 6:31-37; 1 Chronicles 9:33; 1 Chronicles 25; 2 Chronicles 5:12), and were not of the priestly order. The general arrangement appears to have been as follows: the offerer brings his victim into the outer court (C) near to the north gate leading into the inner court; there the Levites slay it (at x) and prepare it for the altar upon the tables provided, and then hang its flesh upon the hooks within the porch of the gate; the priests “in charge of the house” in the chamber near the inner end of the gate (N) now notify the singers in the other chamber and also the priests on duty at the altar in the chamber at the east gate (O), that both may enter upon their functions.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:45
45. charge of the house] “House” is used generally of the whole temple buildings. Here those having the charge of the house are called “priests,” elsewhere the charge of the house is assigned to the Levites, cf. ch. Ezekiel 44:15-31. This charge embraced several duties: e.g. that of keeping the gates (Ezekiel 44:11), and that of slaying the sacrifices (Ezekiel 44:11) and preparing the sacrificial meal for the people (Ezekiel 46:24).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 40:45
The priests, whose chambers (L) are here provided, were those whose business it was to exercise this oversight which had devolved upon them as descendants of Aaron Numbers 3:32.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:45
44-46. In Ezekiel 40:44 the LXX. seems to have followed a better text in rendering, “And he led me into the inner court, and behold, two chambers in the inner court, one at the side of the gate that
Sermons on Ezekiel 40:45
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.3 & 4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the potter and the clay from the book of Jeremiah. The speaker emphasizes that God does not give up on us even when we fail to re |
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Psalm 134 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the exhortation for the ministers of the sanctuary to bless the Lord, with blessings invoked on the speaker in response. Public worship is emphasized as a |
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Exposition on Psalm 135 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord, highlighting the goodness of God and the privilege of serving Him. He emphasizes the need for gratitude, acknowledgin |
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Standing Firm in the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the Lord, using the imagery of the Tabernacle's boards made of acacia wood that remained standing even when stripped |
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Worship in the Night by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound blessing of worshiping God in times of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing that true faith is tested and revealed in the midst of challen |
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Training Below for Service Above, Part 1 by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the eternal life believers will have with the Lord, walking in white as worthy servants in His temple. She emphasizes that the Blessed will serv |
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The Grounds of Our Faith by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman discusses the dangers inherent in every system of theology, including the tendency towards evil that arises from human corruption and external influences. He highlights |