Ezekiel 40 36

Ezekiel 40:36 kjv

The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

Ezekiel 40:36 nkjv

also its gate chambers, its gateposts, and its archways. It had windows all around; its length was fifty cubits and its width twenty-five cubits.

Ezekiel 40:36 niv

as did its alcoves, its projecting walls and its portico, and it had openings all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

Ezekiel 40:36 esv

Its side rooms, its jambs, and its vestibule were of the same size as the others, and it had windows all around. Its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth twenty-five cubits.

Ezekiel 40:36 nlt

The guard alcoves, dividing walls, and entry room of this gateway had the same measurements as in the others and the same window arrangements. The gateway passage measured 87 1?2 feet long and 43 3?4 feet wide.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 36 Meaning

This verse describes one of the four pillars of the north gate's inner court, detailing its height and the design of its bases. It continues the detailed architectural vision of the restored Temple.

Ezekiel 40 36 Context

Ezekiel 40 begins a new section of the prophecy where Ezekiel is taken in a vision to a high mountain in Israel, shown a magnificent city and Temple. This vision, occurring during the Babylonian exile, offered a message of hope and a future restoration. The detailed architectural specifications represent God's enduring presence and a purified sanctuary for His people. Chapter 40 focuses on the East Gate of the outer court, its guard chambers, gate, and the measurement of its components, setting the stage for the detailed reconstruction. Verse 36 specifically addresses the bases and height of the pillars at the north gate of the outer court, contributing to the comprehensive blueprint of the envisioned Temple.

Ezekiel 40 36 Word analysis

• וְאֶחַד (ve'echad) - "and one": This conjunction connects this description to the preceding verse, continuing the enumeration of parts. The "one" signifies a single instance of this structural element.
• לַמְּקוֹמוֹת (lammeqomoth) - "for the places": Hebrew מָקוֹם (makom) means place, site, or station. Here it likely refers to the specific architectural slots or bases intended for the pillars.
• לְשַׁעֲרוֹ (lesha'aro) - "for its gate": Hebrew שַׁעַר (sha'ar) means gate, an entrance or portal. This links the bases directly to the structure of the gate.
• וּמִצְעַד (umits'ad) - "and the base" or "foot": Hebrew מִצְעָד (mits'ad) can mean a step or pace, but in architectural contexts, it refers to the foundation or base upon which something rests.
• אֶחָד (echad) - "one": Refers to a single base for the pillar.
• עֶשֶׂר (eser) - "ten": A numerical value indicating ten cubits. This specifies the measurement of the bases.
• וְיַד (veyad) - "and the forearm" or "side": Hebrew יָד (yad) means hand or arm, but can also denote a side, margin, or measurement like a cubit (literally "forearm"). Here it signifies a measurement.
• וּשְׂעִיר (us'ir) - This word is unusual in this context and seems to be a scribal error or a variant reading. Some scholars suggest it might relate to a cubit measure or a specific part of the base. However, standard Masoretic text versions and critical editions usually do not include "ush'ir" here but directly proceed to the next measurement or detail related to the cubits. The verse describes the bases being ten cubits. If interpreted as "cubit," it would mean ten cubits and one cubit, totaling eleven, but this is not a standard phrasing. It's more likely related to the cubit measurement of the base, emphasizing its proportion or depth.
• וְשֵׁשׁ (veshesh) - "and six": Indicates six cubits, detailing another dimension of the base.

Group Analysis:

The phrases "its bases" (מִצְעַד) and "ten cubits" (עֶשֶׂר אַמּוֹת) specify the foundational measurement for the pillars associated with the gate structure. The mention of "one" for the bases indicates singular or perhaps a unified base design, while the numerical dimensions (ten and six cubits) provide precise architectural detail for the Temple's grandeur and order.

Ezekiel 40 36 Bonus section

The specific measurements (ten and six cubits) might allude to symbolic numbers. Ten often represents completion and divine order, while six can represent humanity or imperfection, or even man's work in preparation. This could suggest a built structure that is complete in God's plan but built by human hands in anticipation of ultimate divine fulfillment. The mention of "bases" also emphasizes the groundedness and support of the sacred structure, reflecting the foundational nature of God's covenant and promises.

Ezekiel 40 36 Commentary

The vision in Ezekiel’s prophecy is highly symbolic, pointing beyond the physical Temple to the spiritual realities of God's presence and His people. The precise measurements and structures represent perfection and holiness. The north gate, like the other gates, serves as a passageway into sacred space, and its supporting pillars and bases are crucial to its stability and grandeur. These architectural details underscore the immense care and deliberate design of God’s dwelling place. In the New Testament, Christ is the true Temple and the true Gate (John 10:7), through whom believers have access to God. The restored Temple vision foreshadows the perfection and unhindered access believers have in Christ to God’s presence. The meticulous building plans in Ezekiel serve as a testament to God's orderly nature and His desire for a holy sanctuary, both in the past and in the eschatological fulfillment.