Ezekiel 40:20

Translations

Modern

He also measured the length and width of the gateway of the outer court facing north.

Traditional

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.

Literal

And the gateway of the outer court that had its face toward the north, he also measured its length and its width.

Latin

Portam quoque quæ respiciebat viam aquilonis atrii exterioris, mensus est tam in longitudine quam in latitudine.

Original

Hebrew

English

He also measured the length and width of the gateway of the outer court facing north.

Notes

Ezekiel 40:20–27

The north gateway and the south gateway are described in similar ways to the east gateway. However, the description gives fewer details than it does for the east gateway. Even so, these gates were strong and impressive structures.

Like the east gateway, they served as a powerful defensive barrier. They were meant to prevent any defilement (anything unclean or impure) from entering the sacred area.

There was no west gateway to either the outer court or the inner court. The area behind the main temple building was closed off. This design prevented anyone from entering the temple area from the rear.

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