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Ezekiel 40

Ezekiel 40:19

The Outer Court · Ezekiel 40:17–19
Read Ezekiel 40

Translations

Modern
Then he measured the distance from the front of the lower gateway to the outside of the inner court; it was a hundred cubits on the east side as well as on the north.
Traditional
Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward.
Literal
And he measured the width from the front of the lower gateway to the front of the inner court on the outside, a hundred cubits toward the east and the north.
Latin
Et mensus est latitudinem a facie portæ inferioris usque ad frontem atrii interioris extrinsecus: centum cubitos ad orientem et ad aquilonem.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then he measured the distance from the front of the lower gateway to the outside of the inner court; it was a hundred cubits on the east side as well as on the north.

Notes

Ezekiel 40:17–19

The outer courtyard formed a buffer zone (a space that protects another space) around the holy things in the inner courtyard. This open area separated common space from the most sacred space. In this way, it helped guard what was holy.

Thirty rooms were built along the walls of the outer courtyard. The text does not clearly state the purpose of these rooms. It also does not give their exact measurements. This lack of detail increases the contrast between the less important outer area and the central holy space, which receives much more attention.

These rooms were most likely used by the Levites. The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi who served in temple worship. They probably used these rooms for different tasks related to their service.

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).

Events

Measurements

  • a hundred cubits: About 175 ft (53.3 m)

Glossary

Arch Book of Revelation Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Judaism Laver New Jerusalem Porch Sadducees Son of Man Temple Theocracy

Topics

Window: General Scriptures Concerning