Eminent
The KJV Usage of 'Eminent'
The word "eminent" appears in the King James Version exclusively in the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 16:24, 31, 39 and 17:22). In each case, it translates a Hebrew word referring to something physically elevated, raised up, or prominent. Modern translations have largely replaced "eminent" with more precise terms like "vaulted place," "mound," or "lofty," since the modern English meaning of "eminent" (famous, distinguished) differs significantly from the physical elevation the Hebrew text describes.
The Eminent Place in Ezekiel 16
In Ezekiel 16, God uses an extended allegory to depict Jerusalem as an unfaithful wife. After being rescued, adorned, and elevated to royal status by God, Jerusalem turned to spiritual adultery through idol worship. Three times in this chapter (verses 24, 31, and 39), the KJV describes Jerusalem as building an "eminent place" — a raised platform or shrine used for pagan worship.
The Hebrew word used here suggests a rounded mound or elevated structure, possibly a domed chamber or vaulted shrine. These raised places were associated with Canaanite fertility worship and were set up at crossroads and public spaces, making Jerusalem's spiritual unfaithfulness visible to all. God declares that these eminent places will be torn down as part of his judgment against the city's idolatry (Ezekiel 16:39).
The Lofty Cedar in Ezekiel 17:22
In Ezekiel 17:22, "eminent" appears in a very different and more hopeful context. God declares, "I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender twig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain." The KJV uses "eminent" to describe this high mountain where God would plant a noble cedar that would produce fruit and shelter birds of every kind.
This passage is widely understood as a messianic prophecy. The cedar represents the Davidic royal line, and the tender shoot planted on the eminent mountain points to a future king whom God himself would raise up. The imagery of a tree providing shelter for all creatures foreshadows the universal scope of the Messiah's kingdom.
High Places in Israel's Worship
The concept of elevated places for worship has deep roots in Israel's history. While the patriarchs legitimately built altars on hills and mountains, the Canaanite high places became associated with idolatry. The prophets consistently condemned Israel for worshiping at these elevated shrines (1 Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 17:10-11). The "eminent places" in Ezekiel 16 represent the worst form of this practice — pagan worship imported into the very heart of God's holy city.
From Judgment to Restoration
The contrast between the "eminent places" of Ezekiel 16 and the "eminent mountain" of Ezekiel 17 captures Ezekiel's central message. Human pride builds elevated platforms for false worship, but God himself will establish a truly eminent work — planting the Messiah on a high mountain from which his kingdom will extend to all nations. What humanity corrupts through idolatry, God redeems through his sovereign plan.
Biblical Context
The word 'eminent' in the KJV appears four times, all in Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 16:24, 31, and 39, it describes raised platforms or shrines used for idolatrous worship in Jerusalem. In Ezekiel 17:22, it describes the lofty mountain where God will plant a messianic cedar. Modern translations render these as 'vaulted place,' 'mound,' or 'lofty' respectively.
Theological Significance
The eminent places of Ezekiel 16 represent humanity's tendency to elevate false worship, while the eminent mountain of Ezekiel 17 represents God's sovereign plan to establish his kingdom. The contrast teaches that true exaltation comes from God alone, not from human constructions. The messianic cedar imagery in Ezekiel 17:22 points to Christ's universal kingdom, where all nations find shelter.
Historical Background
Elevated worship platforms were common throughout the ancient Near East. Canaanite high places typically included altars, standing stones (massebot), and sacred poles (asherah). Archaeological excavations at sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Dan have uncovered raised worship platforms consistent with the biblical descriptions. The vaulted or domed structures mentioned in Ezekiel 16 may reflect the influence of Mesopotamian and Phoenician religious architecture on Jerusalem during the late monarchy period.