Ezekiel 40 49

Ezekiel 40:49 kjv

The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits, and he brought me by the steps whereby they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.

Ezekiel 40:49 nkjv

The length of the vestibule was twenty cubits, and the width eleven cubits; and by the steps which led up to it there were pillars by the doorposts, one on this side and another on that side.

Ezekiel 40:49 niv

The portico was twenty cubits wide, and twelve cubits from front to back. It was reached by a flight of stairs, and there were pillars on each side of the jambs.

Ezekiel 40:49 esv

The length of the vestibule was twenty cubits, and the breadth twelve cubits, and people would go up to it by ten steps. And there were pillars beside the jambs, one on either side.

Ezekiel 40:49 nlt

The entry room was 35 feet wide and 21 feet deep. There were ten steps leading up to it, with a column on each side.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 49 meaning

Ezekiel 40:49 meticulously describes the porch, the grand entry vestibule, of the visionary temple. It specifies its dimensions as twenty cubits in length and ten cubits in breadth, and notes the presence of steps leading up to it, flanked by pillars on either side of the entrance posts. This precise detail underscores the divine exactitude, order, and majesty inherent in God's future dwelling, indicating that every aspect of the sacred space is divinely ordained and set apart for holiness.

Ezekiel 40 49 Context

Ezekiel 40:49 concludes the detailed description of the magnificent outer east gate complex of Ezekiel's visionary temple. This vision, spanning chapters 40-48, was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (c. 573 BC), offering a blueprint for a future, ideal temple. The immediate context of chapter 40 involves a divine guide leading Ezekiel on a tour, meticulously measuring the external courts and their various structures. Verse 49, specifically detailing the 'ullam (porch), acts as the culmination of the entrance gateway's design before the prophet is guided deeper into the temple courts. Historically, the meticulous measurements served to instill hope in the exiled people that God’s presence, which had departed from the previous temple due to defilement (Ezek 8-11), would return to a perfectly ordered and holy dwelling. Culturally, large and ornate porches were common in Near Eastern temple architecture, but Ezekiel's vision sets this one apart by its divine origin and exact specifications, presenting a direct polemic against any human attempt to design or defile God's dwelling, underscoring God's ultimate authority and demand for perfect purity.

Ezekiel 40 49 Word analysis

• The length (וְאָרְכּוֹ - v^e'ārokô)
  • וְ (v^e): "and," a conjunction, linking this measurement to the preceding architectural descriptions.
  • אָרְכּוֹ ('ārokô): From the root אֶרֶךְ ('ereḵ), meaning "length" or "long." The suffix -וֹ (-ô) means "its." Signifies the longitudinal dimension, essential for precise construction.
• of the porch (הָאוּלָם - hā'ûllām)
  • הָ (hā-) definite article "the."
  • אוּלָם ('ûllām): "porch," "vestibule," or "portico." This is a significant architectural feature in ancient Near Eastern temples, particularly prominent in Solomon's Temple (1 Ki 6:3). It served as an impressive entrance, a grand antechamber leading to the main sanctuary, signifying transition and reverence.
• was twenty cubits (עֶשְׂרִים בָּאַמָּה - 'eśrîm bā'ammāh)
  • עֶשְׂרִים ('eśrîm): "twenty." A numerical value emphasizing exactness.
  • בָּאַמָּה (bā'ammāh): "in the cubit." בָּ (bā-) is "in" or "by." אַמָּה ('ammāh) is "cubit," a unit of measurement roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Ezekiel's cubit is generally understood as a "long cubit," one handbreadth longer than the common cubit, thus about 21 inches, highlighting the divine standard for measurements rather than a human one.
• and the breadth (וְרָחְבּוֹ - v^erāḥbô)
  • וְ (v^e): "and."
  • רָחְבּוֹ (rāḥbô): From the root רֹחַב (roḥaḇ), meaning "breadth," "width," or "room." The suffix -וֹ (-ô) means "its."
• ten cubits (עֲשָׂרָה אַמָּה - 'aśārāh 'ammāh)
  • עֲשָׂרָה ('aśārāh): "ten." Note: Some older English versions (KJV/NKJV) translate this as "eleven cubits," possibly due to a variant textual tradition or interpretation (e.g., in some Greek Septuagint manuscripts). However, the standard Masoretic Text clearly reads "ten cubits," which is upheld by most modern critical translations. The precision of numerical values reinforces the divine design.
  • אַמָּה ('ammāh): "cubit." As above, referring to the specified unit of measurement.
• and by the steps (וּבְמַעֲלוֹת - ûv^ema'alôṯ)
  • וּ (û-) is "and."
  • בְּ (b^e-) is "by," "at," "with."
  • מַעֲלוֹת (ma'alôṯ): Plural of מַעֲלָה (ma'ălâ), meaning "steps," "ascents," or "degrees." The presence of steps emphasizes a rising, an ascent necessary to enter the sacred space, symbolizing intentional movement, separation, and perhaps spiritual elevation or purification required to approach God.
• by which they went up to it (אֲשֶׁר יַעֲלֶה־בָּהּ - 'ăšer ya'ăleh-bāhh)
  • אֲשֶׁר ('ăšer): "which" or "that." Relative pronoun.
  • יַעֲלֶה (ya'ăleh): From the root עָלָה ('ālāh), "to go up," "ascend." Third person masculine singular imperfect, indicating continuous or habitual action.
  • בָּהּ (bāhh): "in it" or "to it." The feminine suffix refers to the porch ('ullam).
• there were pillars (וְאֵילִים - v^e'êlîm)
  • וְ (v^e): "and."
  • אֵילִים ('êlîm): "pillars," "posts," or "doorposts" (sometimes meaning rams, but in architectural context, it refers to strong structural supports or ornate columns). Here, it signifies the stately, firm, and perhaps ornamental features flanking the entrance, similar to the pillars (Jachin and Boaz) of Solomon's Temple. They impart an impression of strength, grandeur, and demarcation.
• by the posts on both sides (אֶל־אוּלַמָּהּ מִזֶּה וּמִזֶּה - 'el-'ûllammāh mizzéh ûmizzéh)
  • אֶל־אוּלַמָּהּ ('el-'ûllammāh): "אֶל־" ('el-) means "to" or "at." "אוּלַמָּהּ" ('ûllammāh) is "its porch," referring to the sides of the porch opening. Often translated as "doorposts" in similar contexts.
  • מִזֶּה וּמִזֶּה (mizzéh ûmizzéh): "מִזֶּה" (mizzéh) means "from this side" or "on this side," repeated with "וּ" (û-) "and" indicates "on both sides" or "from here and from there." It highlights symmetry and complete flanking of the entrance.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth ten cubits": This phrase emphasizes the precise and divinely ordained dimensions of the entrance area. The detailed measurements preclude human error or arbitrary design, signaling that this is a blueprint for God’s own dwelling, demanding exact adherence. It underscores the order, purpose, and separation intrinsic to sacred spaces in God's plan.
• "and by the steps by which they went up to it": This describes the method of approach, emphasizing that entering the temple's porch was not merely walking in but involved an ascent. The steps symbolize an intentional, measured, and perhaps reverential process of elevation towards a holy place. It distinguishes the temple as a distinct, elevated realm separate from the mundane, requiring a conscious effort to enter.
• "there were pillars by the posts on both sides": This indicates the grandeur, stability, and demarcation of the entrance. The pillars provide structural support but also contribute to the architectural magnificence and act as visual markers of the entry. Their symmetrical placement "on both sides" reinforces the concept of order, strength, and possibly a ceremonial pathway into a holy space. They stood as sentinels, silent witnesses to the sacred nature of the building.

Ezekiel 40 49 Bonus section

The repeated use of "cubit" throughout Ezekiel 40-48, specifically understood as Ezekiel's "long cubit" (six common cubits and a handbreadth), emphasizes a non-standardized, divinely distinct system of measurement. This transcends mere human construction methods, signaling that the entire vision is not for human architectural replication as much as it is a theological statement about divine perfection and separation. The porch, being the initial entry point, acts as a filter, requiring a specific mode of entry (steps) and immediately impressing upon the entrant the solemnity of the space. While these pillars are structural, their mere presence evokes a sense of ancient strength and enduring sacred architecture, echoing similar significant pillars in other biblical narratives without needing specific symbolic names here.

Ezekiel 40 49 Commentary

Ezekiel 40:49 is not merely a blueprint detail; it is a foundational statement about the nature of God's presence and dwelling place. The exact dimensions – twenty by ten cubits – of the 'ullam or porch signify divine order and holiness, indicating that God's plan leaves no room for human estimation or imperfection. This precision is a subtle polemic against the carelessness or defilement that led to the destruction of the first temple, emphasizing that the future temple will adhere strictly to God’s design. The "steps" to "go up to it" highlight an intentional, ascending approach to the sacred. This act of elevation physically separates the worshipper from the common ground, symbolizing the need for spiritual preparation and reverence to draw near to God. The "pillars by the posts on both sides" underscore the grandeur, strength, and secure demarcation of this holy entrance. These architectural elements transform the porch from a simple antechamber into a powerful symbol of awe, stability, and structured access to the divine presence, reinforcing the lesson that approach to God must be according to His appointed ways and within His divinely established boundaries.