Keraia
Ezekiel 40

Ezekiel 40:37

The Gates of the Inner Court · Ezekiel 40:28–37
Read Ezekiel 40

Translations

Modern
Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it.
Traditional
And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.
Literal
And its porticos were toward the outer court; palm trees were on its side pillars on this side and on this side, and eight steps were its ascent.
Latin
Et vestibulum ejus respiciebat ad atrium exterius: et cælatura palmarum in fronte ejus, hinc et inde: et in octo gradibus ascensus ejus.

Original

Hebrew
English
Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it.

Notes

Ezekiel 40:35–37

The text does not mention a wall around the inner courtyard. This may be because the inner court stood higher than the outer court. It was raised by another eight steps, which may have been about 2.4 meters (about 8 feet) high.

If there were no wall, there may have been a free-standing archway (an open structure shaped like an arch). This design would allow people to see what was happening inside. At the same time, the height would prevent anyone from stepping into the sacred area by accident.

Another possibility is that the text simply does not mention the wall. The writer may have left out that detail, even if a wall was present.

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

Glossary

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