Ezekiel 40 40

Ezekiel 40:40 kjv

And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.

Ezekiel 40:40 nkjv

At the outer side of the vestibule, as one goes up to the entrance of the northern gateway, were two tables; and on the other side of the vestibule of the gateway were two tables.

Ezekiel 40:40 niv

By the outside wall of the portico of the gateway, near the steps at the entrance of the north gateway were two tables, and on the other side of the steps were two tables.

Ezekiel 40:40 esv

And off to the side, on the outside as one goes up to the entrance of the north gate, were two tables; and off to the other side of the vestibule of the gate were two tables.

Ezekiel 40:40 nlt

Outside the entry room, on each side of the stairs going up to the north entrance, were two more tables.

Ezekiel 40 40 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Ezekiel 4038-39: "And by the side of the gate, northward, were four tables..."Placement of other tables
Ezekiel 4041: "...and four tables in the porch of the gate, to prepare..."Parallel statement for the porch
Ezekiel 4044: "And in the inner court were chambers, and forty cubits was the length..."Measurement and spatial context
Ezekiel 4045: "Then he brought me into the inner court..."Transition to inner court
Ezekiel 4313-17: Description of the altar dimensions and structure.Symbolic dimensions and structure
Exodus 271-8: Instructions for the altar of burnt offering.Ritualistic furniture in the tabernacle
Leviticus 427-29: Guidelines for sin offerings, emphasizing preparation.Purpose of preparation tables
John 214-16: Jesus overturning the tables of money changers in the temple.Temple activities and disruption
Acts 31-10: Healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate.Activity at the temple gates
Revelation 2122: "And I saw no temple in it..."Contrast with New Jerusalem
Revelation 111-2: The measuring of the temple.Measuring and future temple themes
Hebrews 92-7: Description of the furnishings of the tabernacle.Ritual furnishings
1 Corinthians 619-20: The believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.Body as a temple
1 Corinthians 1031: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."Purpose of temple activities
Isaiah 567: "even them I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer..."Place of worship and joy
Jeremiah 711: "Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers...?"Corruption of the temple
Matthew 2112-13: Jesus cleansing the temple.Temple cleansing and order
Malachi 31-3: The Lord appearing in His temple.Divine presence in the temple
Psalm 8410: "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere."Value of God's house
John 142-3: "In my Father's house are many rooms..."Preparations in God's presence

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 40 Meaning

This verse describes the specific placement of a particular table within the outer east gate. It is to be situated in the "porch of the gate." This refers to a specific, identifiable area within the complex structure of the temple described in Ezekiel's vision. The number forty likely emphasizes completeness or a symbolic measure, highlighting the importance of this table and its location.

Ezekiel 40 40 Context

Ezekiel's vision in chapters 40-48 describes a new temple, which is both symbolic and a prophecy of future restoration. This particular verse, 40:40, falls within the description of the outer east gate. This gate is a significant entrance point. The tables mentioned in this section of Ezekiel are generally understood to be associated with the preparation of sacrifices and ritual necessities. The context emphasizes detailed architectural plans, highlighting the order and sanctity associated with this future temple. This contrasts with the destruction and corruption of the earlier temple.

Ezekiel 40 40 Word Analysis

  • "And forty":

    • (Hebrew: וְ) - Conjunction, meaning "and." Connects this verse to the preceding description.
    • arba'im (Hebrew: אַרְבָּעִים) - The cardinal number "forty." This number often symbolizes a period of trial, probation, or completeness in scripture. It can signify a generation, a full measure, or a designated time.
  • "cubits":

    • ammah (Hebrew: אַמָּה) - A unit of length, typically measured from the elbow to the fingertip. Its exact measurement varied but was roughly 18-22 inches (45-55 cm). In this context, it signifies the tangible dimensions of the sacred space.
  • "shall be":

    • Implies existence, establishment, or setting.
  • "on the one side":

    • Indicates a specific position relative to the structure of the gate.
  • "the one side":

    • Reinforces the specific and ordered placement.
  • "northward":

    • Specifies directionality within the temple complex, consistent with scriptural protocols often associating specific functions with particular orientations.
  • "of the porch":

    • Refers to the vestibule or an open entryway area of the gate structure.
  • "in the gate":

    • Locates the tables within the defined area of the east gate.
  • "were":

    • Indicates presence or placement.
  • "four tables":

    • arba (Hebrew: אַרְבָּעָה) - The cardinal number "four." Represents foundation, establishment, or completeness in various contexts (e.g., four cardinal directions, four living creatures).
    • shulchan (Hebrew: שֻׁלְחָן) - Table. In a religious context, tables are often associated with the presentation of offerings, provisions, or sacred meals.

Ezekiel 40 40 Bonus Section

The precise details of Ezekiel's temple vision are often debated in terms of literal future fulfillment versus symbolic representation of God's dwelling with His people. However, the emphasis on orderly placement and functional design, even for preparatory elements like tables, speaks to God's nature – He is a God of order and holiness. The northward orientation for some elements can be seen as conforming to established religious practices of the time or carrying specific symbolic weight related to divine presence or judgment. The mention of tables for preparing sacrifices points to the continued need for atonement and worship, even in this idealized future state.

Ezekiel 40 40 Commentary

This verse details the arrangement of sacrificial preparation tables within the outer east gate's porch. The precise number "forty" cubits and the quantity "four" tables likely signify completeness and divine order. These tables served a functional purpose in the ritualistic activities described for this temple. The specific location—northward, in the porch of the gate—underscores the meticulous design and intended use of the sanctuary spaces. It highlights a restoration of proper temple order, in stark contrast to historical instances of disarray or desecration. The arrangement suggests efficiency and sacred intent in the preparatory stages of worship.