Bible Dictionary
EMINENT
A term used in the King James Version for something physically raised or elevated, and in some passages for a mound or vaulted place.
Definition
Eminent, in the King James Version passages where it occurs, refers to something physically raised, elevated, heaped up, or rounded. In some contexts it denotes a mound or vaulted place.
Biblical Usage
The term occurs in Ezekiel 16:24, 31, 39 and 17:22. The Revised Version renders the word “lofty” in Ezekiel 17:22 and “vaulted place” in the other passages, with “mound” or “a vaulted chamber” given as alternatives.
Historical Background
The differing translations reflect Hebrew terms associated with being uplifted, heaped up, rounded, or mound-like.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>em'-i-nent:</p><p>In the King James Version (only in Eze 16:24,31,39; 17:22) refers literally to physical elevation; the Revised Version (British and American) in the last passage renders "lofty" (Hebrew talul, "uplifted," "heaped up") and in the others "vaulted place" (Hebrew gabh, "rounded place," "mound" the English Revised Version, margin "a vaulted chamber").</p>