Ezekiel 40 38

Ezekiel 40:38 kjv

And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.

Ezekiel 40:38 nkjv

There was a chamber and its entrance by the gateposts of the gateway, where they washed the burnt offering.

Ezekiel 40:38 niv

A room with a doorway was by the portico in each of the inner gateways, where the burnt offerings were washed.

Ezekiel 40:38 esv

There was a chamber with its door in the vestibule of the gate, where the burnt offering was to be washed.

Ezekiel 40:38 nlt

A door led from the entry room of one of the inner gateways into a side room, where the meat for sacrifices was washed.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 38 meaning

Ezekiel 40:38 details specific facilities within the visionary temple described by Ezekiel. It identifies particular "chambers" (lishkot) and their "vestibules" (or porticoes) situated by the gates. The primary function of these dedicated spaces was for the preparatory ritual of "washing the burnt offering," underscoring the strict requirements for ritual purity and meticulousness in the sacrificial system. This verse highlights the practical, logistical arrangements necessary for temple service and emphasizes the sacred nature of even the preparatory stages of worship.

Ezekiel 40 38 Context

Ezekiel 40:38 is part of the extensive and highly detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a new temple (chapters 40-48). This vision, received in the 25th year of the Judean exile (Ezek 40:1), served as a source of hope and instruction for the exiled people. Chapter 40 specifically begins the description of this elaborate temple structure, focusing on its outer perimeter, gates, and the surrounding courts. The preceding verses (Ezek 40:1-37) provide precise measurements and architectural details of the outer court and its impressive gates, particularly those on the east, north, and south. The description of these gate structures includes guardrooms for the Levitical priests. Verse 38 specifically narrows down to a particular functional area within these elaborate gate complexes—the facilities designated for the preparation of sacrificial animals, emphasizing the meticulousness required for sacred worship in the presence of God. The overall context speaks to the divine order, purity, and comprehensive restoration of worship.

Ezekiel 40 38 Word analysis

• The chambers (Heb. לִשְׁכּוֹת - lishkot): These are specific rooms or cells. The term often denotes designated spaces within the temple or palace complex, implying a specialized purpose. Here, it suggests enclosed areas designed for particular tasks, ensuring privacy and cleanliness for the preparation of the offering.
• and the vestibules (Heb. אֵלֶיהָ פֶתַח - eleiha p̣etaḥ, usually rendered 'to it the opening' or 'its entrance'). The KJV and other translations often render this as 'arches' or 'porches.' The meaning refers to the immediate entryway or an antechamber connected to these chambers, allowing for practical movement and access from the larger gate area into the preparatory rooms. This arrangement signifies an ordered, hierarchical space for the sacred task.
• adjoining them: Implies a direct physical connection and functional relationship between the chambers and these vestibule-like structures. They were part of a coherent unit, integral to the overall gate complex design.
• whose doorway was beside the gates: Pinpoints the location precisely. Being "beside the gates" (שַׁעַר - sha'ar, referring to the main temple gates described earlier) signifies convenience for priests entering with animals and yet maintaining a measure of separation for the sacred process of preparation, likely also for public visibility as they would be bringing animals in for sacrifice through the gates.
• were for washing (לִרְחֹץ - lirḥōts): The infinitive "to wash" denotes the explicit and primary purpose. This ritual cleansing was fundamental in Old Testament sacrificial law, signifying purification and removal of defilement before presentation to God. It highlights the absolute requirement for ceremonial purity.
• the burnt offering (הָעוֹלָה - hā'ōlāh): Refers specifically to the "ascension offering" or "whole burnt offering." This was the most comprehensive and complete of all Israelite sacrifices, where the entire animal (minus the hide, sometimes) was consumed on the altar by fire. It symbolized total dedication, propitiation, and atonement, indicating the complete devotion and surrender required when approaching God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The chambers and the vestibules adjoining them: This grouping describes the architectural features dedicated to this specific purpose. The presence of both 'chambers' (enclosed spaces) and 'vestibules' (connecting passages) points to a functional layout, potentially separating different stages of preparation or providing separate work areas, emphasizing order and efficiency within the sacred tasks.
• whose doorway was beside the gates: This phrase establishes the strategic positioning of these facilities. Their proximity to the main entrance gates suggests logistical convenience for handling sacrificial animals and the orderly flow of temple worship. It implies that these preparation areas were immediately accessible to those bringing offerings and were a foundational step before the animals reached the altar itself.
• were for washing the burnt offering: This phrase succinctly states the singular, dedicated function of these areas. The washing of the ‘olah underscores the critical importance of ritual purity before presenting any offering to Yahweh. It highlights a key aspect of Israelite worship—the recognition of God's holiness requiring a sanctified approach and sacrifice. The "burnt offering" being specified means these rooms were particularly dedicated to the complete, atoning offering, underscoring its foundational role in their spiritual life.

Ezekiel 40 38 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on detailed measurements and specific functions in Ezekiel 40-48, including verse 38, speaks to God's inherent nature of order, precision, and holiness. The vision is not just a building plan but a theological statement about a purified Israel restored to a right relationship with God, where worship is perfectly performed according to His will. This precision stood in stark contrast to the corrupt worship practices that led to Judah's exile and the defilement of the former temple. The focus on ritual cleansing for the burnt offering prefigures the New Covenant truth that our hearts and lives must be washed clean through Christ's blood to offer acceptable spiritual sacrifices (Rom 12:1, 1 Pet 2:5).

Ezekiel 40 38 Commentary

Ezekiel 40:38 reveals a specific, meticulous detail in the prophetic blueprint of the new temple, underscoring the unwavering divine standard for worship. The existence of dedicated "chambers and vestibules" for "washing the burnt offering" signifies that even the preparatory stages of approaching God demanded sacred order, cleanliness, and purpose. This isn't merely architectural convenience but theological intentionality. The ceremonial washing of the sacrificial animal, as prescribed in Levitical law (Lev 1:9), was a tangible representation of the inner purity required to stand before a holy God. This verse serves as a reminder that defilement cannot approach the divine presence. The 'burnt offering' itself (the 'olah) represented complete surrender and atonement, being entirely consumed. Thus, its prior purification ritual highlights the seriousness with which God views complete dedication, foreshadowing the need for an utterly pure and complete sacrifice in Christ (Heb 9:14, Heb 10:10). The detail emphasizes that true worship is not chaotic or casual, but meticulously structured, sanctified, and intentionally purposed for God's glory. The future temple envisions a system of worship rooted in precise adherence to divine command, reflecting both God's majestic order and His demand for holiness from His people.