Ezekiel 40:9 kjv
Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
Ezekiel 40:9 nkjv
Then he measured the vestibule of the gateway, eight cubits; and the gateposts, two cubits. The vestibule of the gate was on the inside.
Ezekiel 40:9 niv
it was eight cubits deep and its jambs were two cubits thick. The portico of the gateway faced the temple.
Ezekiel 40:9 esv
Then he measured the vestibule of the gateway, eight cubits; and its jambs, two cubits; and the vestibule of the gate was at the inner end.
Ezekiel 40:9 nlt
It was 14 feet across, with supporting columns 3 1?2 feet thick. This entry room was at the inner end of the gateway structure, facing toward the Temple.
Ezekiel 40 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 40:6 | And at the door of the gate were... | Detail of gate construction |
| Ezekiel 40:10 | And in the side chambers of the gate... | Structure of side chambers |
| Ezekiel 40:11 | And the doorposts thereof by the gate of the entry... | Details of doorposts |
| Ezekiel 40:13 | The little chamber was five cubits... | Measurements of chamber |
| Ezekiel 40:14 | From the threshold unto the lower sill... | Sills of the gate |
| Ezekiel 40:16 | And there were narrow windows... | Windows of the gate |
| Ezekiel 40:23 | And he brought me to the door of the gate of the outer court... | Outer court gateway context |
| Ezekiel 40:24 | Then brought he me toward the south gate... | Southern outer gate |
| Ezekiel 40:28 | And he brought me into the inner court by the south gate... | Inner court connection |
| Ezekiel 40:32 | And into the inner court by the south gate... | Access to inner court |
| Ezekiel 40:35 | And the north gate was of the same make... | Northern outer gate |
| Ezekiel 40:37 | And the side chambers thereof... | Side chambers of north gate |
| Ezekiel 40:40 | And on the one side... four bases. | Supporting structures |
| Ezekiel 40:44 | And in the inner court were chambers... | Inner court chambers |
| Ezekiel 43:1 | Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east. | Vision of eastern gate |
| Ezekiel 43:4 | And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose face is toward the east. | Divine presence entering |
| Ezekiel 44:1 | Then he brought me back to the gate of the sanctuary... | Sanctuary entrance |
| John 10:9 | I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved... | Christ as the door |
| Revelation 21:12 | And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels... | Heavenly Jerusalem gates |
| Revelation 21:25 | And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day... | Gates of eternal city |
| Revelation 22:14 | Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. | Access through gates |
| Isaiah 60:11 | Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night... | Gates of Zion perpetual |
Ezekiel 40 verses
Ezekiel 40 9 Meaning
This verse describes the initial gateway of the visionary temple, the eastern gate, which is an ornate structure belonging to the outer court. It is specifically described as having seven steps leading up to it, emphasizing its grandeur and importance within the overall plan.
Ezekiel 40 9 Context
Ezekiel 40 marks the beginning of a new vision granted to the prophet. After the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, Ezekiel receives a detailed blueprint for a future temple. This chapter describes the magnificent outer eastern gate, a gateway to the outer court. The steps signify ascent and approach to a sacred space. This vision serves as a message of hope, restoration, and a renewed covenant relationship with God for the post-exilic community. The specificity of the measurements and architectural details emphasizes the holiness and divine order of God's presence.
Ezekiel 40 9 Word Analysis
"seven": The number seven in scripture often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine fullness.
"steps": This refers to a series of rising levels or stairs. The number seven further reinforces the idea of a complete or divinely appointed ascent.
"before": In this context, it indicates what was located in front of or leading to the gate.
"it": Refers to the eastern gate itself.
"up to": Denotes movement towards a higher point, specifically reaching the gate's level.
"seven steps upward": This phrase highlights a deliberate and significant ascent to the gate. It can be understood symbolically as the stages of approaching God's presence or the completeness of access granted through this entrance. The repetition of seven (first, the gate is associated with divine attributes, and now its access involves a complete set of steps) emphasizes its importance and sanctity.
Ezekiel 40 9 Bonus Section
The Eastern Gate in Ezekiel's vision holds particular symbolic weight. In Jewish tradition, the Messiah is expected to enter Jerusalem through the Eastern Gate. Furthermore, the "glory of the Lord" returning to the temple via the Eastern Gate connects this vision to God's Shekinah presence and the restoration of His covenant people. The multiple references to gates in both the Old and New Testaments (e.g., gates of heaven, gates of the heavenly city) underscore their theological significance as points of entry into divine presence or realms.
Ezekiel 40 9 Commentary
The seven steps leading up to the eastern gate symbolize the complete provision God has made for His people to approach Him. This isn't an arbitrary number; seven is frequently associated with divine perfection and completion throughout the Bible. These steps represent a gradual, divinely ordered pathway of access, signifying a renewed and purified approach to the sacred. In the broader context of Ezekiel's vision, the eastern gate itself is significant as the gate through which the glory of God will re-enter the temple (Ezekiel 43:4). The structure, down to the number of steps, emphasizes that God's presence is holy, ordered, and accessed through His divine plan, not human presumption.