Ezekiel 40 47

Ezekiel 40:47 kjv

So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.

Ezekiel 40:47 nkjv

And he measured the court, one hundred cubits long and one hundred cubits wide, foursquare. The altar was in front of the temple.

Ezekiel 40:47 niv

Then he measured the court: It was square?a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. And the altar was in front of the temple.

Ezekiel 40:47 esv

And he measured the court, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits broad, a square. And the altar was in front of the temple.

Ezekiel 40:47 nlt

Then the man measured the inner courtyard, and it was a square, 175 feet wide and 175 feet across. The altar stood in the courtyard in front of the Temple.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 47 Meaning

This verse describes the measurement of the inner court of the temple, specifically the gate towards the north. It marks a significant measurement related to the divine dwelling and the renewed worship described in Ezekiel's vision. The focus is on the specific dimensions given to a part of this futuristic temple.

Ezekiel 40 47 Context

Ezekiel chapter 40 begins a lengthy vision of a restored temple, which appears after the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. This vision is symbolic and restorative, highlighting God’s continued presence and holiness even after judgment. Chapter 40 focuses on the outer courts, gates, and measurements, emphasizing divine order and access. Verse 47 specifically details the measurements of the inner court, marking the priestly area, and its northern gate. This section contributes to the grand design of God’s dwelling place, pointing to future restoration and holiness for His people. Historically, the vision would have provided hope to the exiled Jews, illustrating God's faithfulness to His promises and His enduring relationship with Israel.

Ezekiel 40 47 Word Analysis

• וּבִכְתֵּ֣ף (uvik’tef): "And on the shoulder" or "and on the side."
  • Originates from the Hebrew root meaning "shoulder," suggesting a projecting part or side.
  • Implies a position to the side of a larger structure.
• הַצָּפֹו֘נִ֘ית (hatzaponit): "the northern."
  • From the Hebrew word "tsafon" (צָפוֹן), meaning "north."
  • Indicates directionality and placement relative to the other parts of the temple complex.
• לִּ֤שְׁכַּת֙ (lishkat): "for the chamber."
  • From the Hebrew root "shakah" (שָׁכַן), related to dwelling or residing.
  • Refers to a specific room or apartment, in this case, designated for the priests.
• הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים (hakohenim): "the priests."
  • The plural form of "kohen" (כֹּהֵן), meaning priest.
  • Identifies the specific group who would use this chamber.
• שָׁ֧מָּה (shammah): "there."
  • An adverb of place, pointing to the specific location within the inner court.
• לִּשְׁכַּת֙ (lishkat): "the chamber."
  • Again, referring to a dedicated room.
• הַקֹּדֶשׁ֙ (hakodesh): "the holy."
  • From "qadosh" (קָדוֹשׁ), meaning holy, sacred, set apart.
  • Emphasizes the sanctity of this specific chamber within the temple precinct.

Words Group Analysis:

• "And on the shoulder, the northern, for the chamber of the priests": This phrase denotes a specific chamber located on the north side, designated for priestly use. It highlights the spatial organization and function within the temple. The "shoulder" implies it's adjacent to a main structure.
• "there for the chamber of the holy": This emphasizes the sacred purpose of this priestly chamber, explicitly labeling it as "holy." This reinforces the segregation of holy functions and spaces within the temple complex, essential for maintaining divine presence.

Ezekiel 40 47 Bonus Section

The precise measurements and detailed layout presented in Ezekiel 40-48 are often debated among scholars. Some view the temple vision as a literal blueprint for a future terrestrial temple during a millennial reign of Christ, while others interpret it symbolically, representing God's presence, order, and perfection in His people, particularly the church, or even the eternal state in the New Jerusalem. The emphasis on holiness and separation is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God’s nature and His expectations for His people. The priestly chambers, being holy, directly relate to the mediating role of priests in ancient Israel, a role ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, as depicted in the New Testament. The inclusion of such detail serves to magnify God’s glory and His careful provision for His relationship with humanity.

Ezekiel 40 47 Commentary

Verse 47 meticulously defines the location and purpose of a significant priestly chamber within Ezekiel's visionary temple. Situated on the north side and referred to as a "shoulder," it forms part of the inner court's architecture. The description emphasizes its function: housing priests who ministered in this sacred space. The repeated use of "chamber" (lishkah) points to organized, functional areas, underscoring the ordered nature of divine worship. The designation "the holy" (hakodesh) highlights the sacred separation required for priestly service, differentiating these areas from the common spaces. This verse contributes to the overall depiction of a perfectly structured, divinely inhabited sanctuary, emphasizing the sanctity of those who serve God.