Ezekiel 40:15

Translations

Modern

And the distance from the entrance of the gateway to the far end of its inner portico was fifty cubits.

Traditional

And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.

Literal

And from the front of the gate at the entrance to the front of the porch of the inner gate was fifty cubits.

Latin

Et ante faciem portæ quæ pertingebat usque ad faciem vestibuli portæ interioris, quinquaginta cubitos.

Original

Hebrew

English

And the distance from the entrance of the gateway to the far end of its inner portico was fifty cubits.

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