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Ezekiel 40

Ezekiel 40:9

The East Gate · Ezekiel 40:5–16
Read Ezekiel 40

Translations

Modern
…it was eight cubits deep, and its jambs were two cubits thick. And the portico of the gateway faced the temple.
Traditional
Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
Literal
And he measured the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the gateposts, two cubits; and the porch of the gateway was on the inside.
Latin
Et mensus est vestibulum portæ octo cubitorum, et frontem ejus duobus cubitis: vestibulum autem portæ erat intrinsecus.

Original

Hebrew
English
…it was eight cubits deep, and its jambs were two cubits thick. And the portico of the gateway faced the temple.

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).

Events

Measurements

  • eight cubits deep: About 14 ft (4.3 m)
  • two cubits thick: About 3.5 ft (1.1 m)

Glossary

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