Ezekiel 40:12

Translations

Modern

In front of each gate chamber was a wall one cubit high, and the gate chambers were six cubits square.

Traditional

The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.

Literal

And there was a space before the face of the gate chambers, one cubit and one cubit on this side, and the chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on this side.

Latin

Et marginem ante thalamos, cubiti unius, et cubitus unus finis utrimque: thalami autem sex cubitorum erant hinc et inde.

Original

Hebrew

English

In front of each gate chamber was a wall one cubit high, and the gate chambers were six cubits square.

Notes

Ezekiel 40:5–16

The exact architectural details of the temple are difficult to translate. Some of the building terms are hard to understand in every language. However, the overall impression of these gates is clear.

The gates looked like fortresses (strong buildings used for defense). They were built to keep out people who did not have permission to enter. These gates protected the holy space of the temple.

The eastern gateway is described first because it was the most important. It stood on the sacred east–west line (a straight line from east to west) on which the whole temple was built. This gateway is also important because the glory of the Lord (God’s visible and powerful presence) would return through it (Ezekiel 43:1–5).

Ezekiel 40:1–46:24

The prophet’s tour of the new temple began outside the building. He then moved step by step toward its center.

After reaching the inside, he walked outward again. The tour ended at the kitchens located in the corners of the outer courtyard (Ezekiel 46:19–24).

Theme notes and profiles

Israel’s Geography as Theology Temple Design as a Picture of God's Truth Temple Legislation as Theology The Church as God’s Temple The New Community