Ezekiel 40 15

Ezekiel 40:15 kjv

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

Ezekiel 40:15 nkjv

From the front of the entrance gate to the front of the vestibule of the inner gate was fifty cubits.

Ezekiel 40:15 niv

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

Ezekiel 40:15 esv

From the front of the gate at the entrance to the front of the inner vestibule of the gate was fifty cubits.

Ezekiel 40:15 nlt

The full length of the gateway passage was 87 1?2 feet from one end to the other.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 15 meaning

Ezekiel 40:15 describes a precise measurement within the visionary temple complex. The verse details the width of the main entry passageway of the gatehouse, taken from the outer face of one gate structure to the outer face of the opposite gate structure. This exact dimension of twenty-five cubits, marked by perfectly aligned doors, highlights the divine design's meticulous nature, order, and grand scale. It underscores the importance of exactness and symmetry in God's holy dwelling place.

Ezekiel 40 15 Context

Ezekiel 40:15 is situated within Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which describe a grand, visionary temple that the prophet Ezekiel sees during the 25th year of his Babylonian exile (c. 573 BCE), fourteen years after Jerusalem's fall. The initial audience comprised disheartened, captive Israelites, grappling with the destruction of Solomon's temple and the apparent abandonment by God. This elaborate blueprint for a future temple served as a profound source of hope and restoration, illustrating God's unyielding commitment to dwelling among His people and purifying their worship.

The vision functions as a direct contrast to the defiled temple practices that led to the first temple's destruction and subsequent exile. Its meticulously detailed measurements and architectural precision underscore a complete departure from human imperfection and idolatry, signifying an era of divine holiness and order. The measuring rod, mentioned early in chapter 40, indicates the divine authority and exactness of the entire plan, distinguishing it from any human endeavor. Notably, the measurements throughout these chapters use a "long cubit" (six regular cubits plus a handbreadth, Ez 40:5), making the envisioned structures larger and more impressive than earlier temples, highlighting the glorious scale of God's renewed presence. The detailed gate analysis, covering width, depth, chambers, and openings, forms a critical part of describing this purified, grand structure, which serves as a symbolic gate for the re-entry of God's glory into His redeemed sanctuary.

Ezekiel 40 15 Word analysis

• And he measured (וַיָּמֹד – wayyāmōḏ): "And he measured." This is a recurring phrase in Ezekiel 40, denoting precise, divinely orchestrated activity. The "he" refers to the angelic figure with the measuring rod, a guide in Ezekiel's vision (Eze 40:3). It signifies that every detail of this new temple is exactly as God intends, not left to human discretion.
• the breadth (רֹחַב – rōḥaḇ): This Hebrew noun refers to "width" or "breadth." It specifies the dimension being measured, indicating a horizontal extent rather than length or height.
• of the entry (פֶּתַח – peṯaḥ): This means "opening," "entrance," or "doorway." Here, it refers to the primary, open passage within the gate structure, not a closed door leaf. It highlights the main thoroughfare into the temple courts.
• of the gate (הַשָּׁעַר – haššāʿar): The "gate" refers to the entire gatehouse complex, a substantial defensive and administrative structure, rather than just a simple doorway. These elaborate gates control access and symbolize the sanctity of the temple courts.
• from the face (מִפְּנֵי – mipnê): Literally "from the faces of." "Face" or "front" here indicates the outer surface or façade of the architectural element. It signifies a measurement spanning across the full exterior dimensions of the gate structure.
• of the one gate (הַשַּׁעַר הָאֶחָד – haššāʿar hāʾeḥāḏ): "Of the one gate." This refers to one of the inner or outer projecting sections of the gate complex, acting as a defined structural boundary for the measurement.
• to the face (עַד־פְּנֵי – ʿaḏ-pənê): "To the faces of." This marks the terminus of the measurement, extending to the corresponding opposite external surface.
• of the other (הַשֵּׁנִי – haššēnî): "The second" or "the other." Specifies the opposing side of the structure from which the breadth is measured.
• five and twenty cubits (חָמֵשׁ וְעֶשְׂרִים אַמָּה – ḥāmeš wəʿeśrîm ʾammāh): A precise dimension of "25 cubits." Given Ezekiel's "long cubit" (Eze 40:5) of approximately 20.6 inches (52.3 cm), this width translates to roughly 42.9 feet (13.1 meters), a substantial and impressive dimension for an entrance, emphasizing its grand scale and importance.
• width against width / door facing door (שַׁעֲרִים עוּמַּת שַׁעֲרִים – šaʿarîm ʿûmmaṯ šaʿarîm): This phrase clarifies the nature of the measurement. Šaʿarîm is the plural of šaʿar (gate/door). ʿûmmaṯ means "opposite" or "against." It specifies that the measurement is taken where the opposing elements of the gate (be they doors, jambs, or inner facades) directly face each other, confirming a consistent and uniform width across the primary passage, signifying perfect symmetry and alignment.

Ezekiel 40 15 Bonus section

The profound detail of measurements throughout Ezekiel 40-48 often sparks debate among scholars regarding its literal or allegorical interpretation. While some view it as a blueprint for a future physical temple, others interpret it as a highly symbolic representation of God's renewed covenant presence, perfect order in a restored community, or the Church, ultimately fulfilled in the New Jerusalem (Revelation). Regardless of the interpretation, the emphasis on exact measurements, like the 25-cubit entry breadth in verse 15, powerfully conveys the concept of God's uncompromised standards and His design for perfect communion with His people. The consistent use of the "long cubit" adds an extra layer of grandiosity, distinguishing this temple vision as something truly monumental and divine in scale, surpassing prior temple constructions.

Ezekiel 40 15 Commentary

Ezekiel 40:15 is a snapshot of God's perfect plan for a restored sanctuary. It goes beyond mere architectural detail; it embodies principles of divine order, precision, and the holiness inherent in God's dwelling. The exact measurement of twenty-five "long" cubits for the gate's entry signifies grandeur and an emphasis on the significant transition from the profane to the sacred within this visionary temple. The phrase "door facing door" or "width against width" is key; it does not merely state the dimension but emphasizes the perfect alignment and symmetry of the entry. This isn't just a broad opening; it's a precisely engineered passage, reflecting God's nature that leaves nothing to chance, nothing askew. For the exiles, this vision was a concrete assurance that God's presence would return in a perfectly ordered, untainted environment, standing in stark contrast to the human failings and desecration that led to Jerusalem's downfall. It speaks of divine accountability, meticulously defining boundaries for holy space and holy access. Practically, it highlights that God's way is always marked by intentionality, order, and exactness, demonstrating His wisdom and foresight in establishing the parameters for interaction with Him.