Measurements of the Outer Court and Gateways
Ezekiel 40:5-16
Eze.40.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- חומה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מחוץ: PREP
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- סביב: ADV
- סביב: ADV
- וביד: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- באמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וטפח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הבנין: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וקומה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:3 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same vision — a man with a measuring reed of six cubits (plus an handbreadth) measuring the temple precincts; nearly identical verbal imagery and measurement detail.
- Zechariah 2:1-2 (verbal): A man with a measuring line appears to measure Jerusalem; similar motif of a divine messenger measuring a holy space or city.
- Revelation 11:1 (thematic): John is given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God and its worshippers — the act of measuring sacred space functions as a sign of divine inspection/possession.
- Revelation 21:15-17 (thematic): The New Jerusalem is measured with a golden reed (rod) to determine its dimensions; echoes the motif of measuring a holy structure to define its proportions and sanctity.
- 1 Kings 6:2 (structural): Solomon’s temple is described with specific cubit measurements (e.g., 60 cubits long); parallels the use of cubit-based dimensions for sacred architecture.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, a wall all around outside the house; and in the man's hand was a measuring reed six cubits long—each cubit a cubit and a handbreadth. He measured the breadth of the building—one reed—and its height—one reed.
- And behold, a wall on the outside of the house all around; and in the man's hand a measuring reed—six cubits by the cubit and a handbreadth—and he measured the breadth of the building: one reed, and its height: one reed.
Eze.40.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבוא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- שער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הקדימה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- במעלותיו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- סף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- סף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:5 (verbal): Same temple-vision context: a man carries a measuring reed and measures walls/gates—direct verbal and functional parallel to measuring the gate threshold with a reed.
- Revelation 21:15 (verbal): A heavenly messenger measures the holy city with a reed—shares the motif of measuring sacred space with a measuring rod/reed.
- 1 Kings 6:8 (structural): Description of stairways/ascending within Solomon’s temple (steps to upper chambers) parallels the image of going up the gate’s steps and architectural access to temple levels.
- Ezekiel 43:4-5 (thematic): The glory of the LORD comes from the east through the gate into the inner court—thematically linked to an east-facing gate and movement/entrance into the sacred precincts.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he went to the gate whose face looked toward the east and went up its steps; and he measured the threshold of the gate—one reed wide—and the entrance—one reed wide.
- He came to the gate whose front faced east, and he went up its steps and measured the threshold of the gate: one reed broad, and the jamb of the gate: one reed broad.
Eze.40.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והתא: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- ארך: ADJ,m,sg
- וקנה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- התאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וסף: ADV
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאצל: PREP
- אולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:5 (structural): Immediate context in the same vision describing gate chambers and measurements; continues the same system of cubit dimensions and the arrangement of side chambers adjoining the gateway.
- Ezekiel 42:1-5 (structural): Later chapter in Ezekiel's temple vision that gives measurements for the priests' chambers and separating walls—parallels in the use of precise cubit dimensions and the function/layout of rooms adjoining the sanctuary.
- Exodus 26:16-30 (verbal): Detailed cubit-based specifications for the tabernacle's boards, frames and intervals; parallels the use of exact cubit measurements and modular construction language in describing sacred architecture.
- 1 Kings 6:5-8 (thematic): Solomon's temple account describing side chambers built against the temple walls and their arrangement/thickness; parallels the structural solution of side rooms, thresholds and measured spacing in temple architecture.
Alternative generated candidates
- The chamber was one reed long and one reed wide, and between the chambers was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate toward the inner hall from the house was one reed.
- The recess was one reed long and one reed wide, and between the recesses five cubits; and the threshold of the gate from the front of the gateway to the house was one reed.
Eze.40.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- קנה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:3 (verbal): The vision begins with a man holding a measuring reed—same measuring action and instrument introduced just before the gate measurements in 40:8.
- Ezekiel 41:1 (structural): Continues the same program of temple measurement (inner sanctuary and doorposts), showing the sequence and consistency of Ezekiel’s architectural specifications.
- Zechariah 2:1-2 (thematic): A man with a measuring line appears to measure Jerusalem—similar prophetic motif of divine measurement and demarcation of holy space.
- Revelation 11:1 (allusion): John is instructed to measure the temple of God and the altar—an apocalyptic echo of the prophetic temple‑measuring scenes found in Ezekiel.
- 1 Kings 6:2-3 (thematic): Solomon’s temple is described with precise cubit dimensions; parallels Ezekiel’s concern with exact measurements and cubit‑based architectural description.
Alternative generated candidates
- He measured the gatepost toward the house—one reed.
- He measured the posts of the gate toward the house: one reed.
Eze.40.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אלם: PREP,3,m,pl
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שמנה: NUM,card,f,pl,abs
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואיליו: CONJ+PREP,3,m,sg
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ואלם: CONJ+PRT,acc
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מהבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:6 (verbal): Immediate context: continues the precise measurement language for the gate, using the same technical vocabulary and cubit measurements as v.9.
- Ezekiel 40:20 (structural): Another passage in the same temple vision that describes gate arrangement and measurements, reflecting the same architectural concern with proportions and cubits.
- 1 Kings 6:2-3 (thematic): Solomon's temple measurements are given in cubits; thematically parallels Ezekiel's concern with precise dimensional description of a cultic building.
- 2 Chronicles 3:3 (thematic): Chronicles repeats Solomon's temple dimensions (cf. 1 Kings), providing a comparative instance of ancient Israelite temple architecture described by cubit measurements.
Alternative generated candidates
- He measured the gatepost eight cubits, and its side two cubits toward the gatepost of the house.
- He measured the posts of the gate eight cubits, and the recesses beside them two cubits—these were the gateposts toward the house.
Eze.40.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הקדים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,pl
- שלשה: NUM,m
- מפה: ADV,prox
- ושלשה: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- מפה: ADV,prox
- מדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- לשלשתם: PREP+NUM,card,3,m,pl
- ומדה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- לאילם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מפה: ADV,prox
- ומפו: CONJ+ADV,prox
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:6 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: repeats the description of the gate recesses and their uniform measurements, continuing the detailed architectural vocabulary and measurements.
- Ezekiel 41:1 (structural): Continues the temple-plan sequence and orients the reader to entrances and measurements (entrance facing east), showing the same concern for precise spatial arrangement and access.
- 1 Kings 6:3-10 (structural): Solomon's Temple description with measurements of chambers, walls, and side rooms; parallels Ezekiel's interest in precise room divisions and repetitive structural units.
- 2 Chronicles 3:4-6 (structural): Chronicles' account of the temple porch and inner sanctuary gives measurements and layout for the holy place that echo the architectural focus and sacred-space planning found in Ezekiel's vision.
- Revelation 21:16 (thematic): Though a different genre, Revelation's measured vision of the holy city reflects the same theological motif of divine order expressed through precise measurements of sacred architecture.
Alternative generated candidates
- The gate chambers toward the front were three on one side and three on the other—one measure for all three, and one measure for the gateposts, face to face.
- The gate chambers facing east were three on this side and three on that side; the measure for all three was one measure, and the posts were one measure on this side and on that side.
Eze.40.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- ארך: ADJ,m,sg
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:5 (verbal): The measuring scene is introduced here—'a measuring reed' and the act of measuring—establishing the same verbal and procedural framework used in 40:11.
- Ezekiel 41:2 (verbal): Gives dimensions of the inner sanctuary using the same length/breadth language (e.g., 'length' and 'breadth' in cubits), paralleling the gate's measured dimensions in 40:11.
- Ezekiel 42:16-20 (structural): Continues the detailed, systematic measurements of chambers and courts later in the temple vision, reflecting the same structural concern for precise dimensions.
- 1 Kings 6:3 (thematic): Solomon's temple porch is measured in cubits (length and width, with a ten-cubit breadth), providing a historical-temple parallel to the use of cubit measurements and a 10-cubit dimension in Ezekiel 40:11.
- Revelation 21:15-17 (allusion): The New Jerusalem is measured with a reed/cubits, echoing the temple-measuring motif and the symbolic use of precise dimensions for sacred space, similar to Ezekiel's measurements.
Alternative generated candidates
- He measured the breadth of the gate opening—ten cubits; the depth of the gate—thirteen cubits.
- He measured the breadth of the gateway opening: ten cubits; the gate house was thirteen cubits long.
Eze.40.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגבול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- התאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחת: NUM,f,sg
- גבול: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מפה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והתא: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- מפו: PREP+PRON,3,ms
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- מפו: PREP+PRON,3,ms
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:5-8 (verbal): Immediate context: the same measuring-rod language and description of measurements of gates, thresholds, and porches — continuation of the same architectural survey.
- Ezekiel 41:2 (thematic): Continues the temple-measurement motif with specific dimensions for the inner house, porch, and chambers — same concern for cubit-based architectural detail.
- 1 Kings 6:2-10 (thematic): Solomon's temple description: systematic measurements of building, porches, and inner chambers — parallels Ezekiel's interest in precise temple dimensions and layout.
- Exodus 26:16-30 (thematic): Instructions for constructing the tabernacle's curtains, frames, and entrance — similar technical, cubit-based building specifications for a sacred space.
- Revelation 21:15-17 (allusion): Heavenly city is measured with a measuring rod; evokes the biblical motif of divine measurement of holy space, resonating with Ezekiel's temple survey.
Alternative generated candidates
- A space of one cubit stood before the chambers, and one cubit was the boundary on this side; the chamber was six cubits on this side and six cubits on the other.
- A partition before the chambers was one cubit, and on the other side a partition of one cubit; the chamber was six cubits on this side and six cubits on that side.
Eze.40.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מגג: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לגגו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+SUF,3,m,sg
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- אמות: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגד: PREP
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:8 (verbal): Same temple-measurement vocabulary and phrasing within the same sequence (repeated structural formula such as ‘opening opposite opening’ and measurements of gate chambers).
- Ezekiel 41:1 (thematic): Continues the detailed measuring of the temple’s inner spaces (use of cubits and architectural description connects the gate measurement to subsequent sanctuary dimensions).
- 1 Kings 6:5-10 (thematic): Solomon’s temple description includes chambers, windows and layered chambers around the house—parallel architectural language and concern for precise measurements and chamber widths.
- 1 Chronicles 28:11-12 (structural): David’s handing over of temple plans and measurements to Solomon resonates with Ezekiel’s visionary architectural plan and its emphasis on measured, ordered temple construction.
Alternative generated candidates
- He measured the gate from roof to roof; its breadth was twenty-five cubits—an opening opposite an opening.
- He measured the gate from roof to roof—twenty-five cubits; a doorway opposite a doorway.
Eze.40.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ששים: NUM,card
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- איל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החצר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- סביב: ADV
- סביב: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Kings 7:15-22 (thematic): Description of the two large pillars (Jachin and Boaz) set at the entrance of Solomon’s temple — parallels Ezekiel’s placing and function of massive pillars at the court/gate.
- 2 Chronicles 3:15-17 (thematic): Account of pillars set before the temple with capitals and placement at the porch — echoes the architectural feature of entrance-pillars in Ezekiel’s temple vision.
- Ezekiel 40:5-6 (structural): Immediate context in the same vision that measures gates, posts and courts; shows the same measuring-and-construction motif and explains the location/function of the pillars.
- Revelation 21:15-17 (allusion): The angelic measuring of the holy city with a rod echoes the temple-measurement motif in Ezekiel — both emphasize precise, symbolic dimensions and orderly divine architecture.
Alternative generated candidates
- He made the pillars sixty cubits; to the pillar of the court the gate was all around.
- He made the bulls sixty cubits; and toward the bulls the court of the gate was all around.
Eze.40.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האיתון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- על: PREP
- לפני: PREP
- אלם: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הפנימי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:6 (verbal): Immediate context describing the gate complex and its chambers; the language and setting are part of the same architectural description of the gate.
- Ezekiel 40:16 (structural): Direct continuation of the measurements for the gate area—repeats/extends the fifty-cubit specification and completes the gate-plan in the vision.
- Ezekiel 41:6-7 (thematic): Description of side-chambers attached to the temple building with specific dimensions and multiple levels; parallels the motif of built-in chambers forming part of sacred architecture.
- Ezekiel 42:5-12 (structural): Details chambers in the thickness of the temple wall for the priests, including measurements and functional notes—parallels Ezekiel’s systematic architectural measurements and priestly use of chamber spaces.
- 1 Kings 6:5-8 (allusion): Solomon’s temple featured side chambers and multi-story construction round the main house; serves as an antecedent architectural model echoed by Ezekiel’s temple measurements and chamber arrangements.
Alternative generated candidates
- On the face of the gate, before the inner gatepost, was fifty cubits.
- And on the face of the gateway, opposite the inner gateposts, were fifty cubits.
Eze.40.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחלנות: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אטמות: ADJ,ptc,pass,f,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- התאים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אליהמה: PREP+PRON,3,pl
- לפנימה: PREP+ADV
- לשער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סביב: ADV
- סביב: ADV
- וכן: ADV
- לאלמות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחלונות: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- סביב: ADV
- סביב: ADV
- לפנימה: PREP+ADV
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- איל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תמרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Ezekiel 40:22 (verbal): Same temple-section describing windows ‘round about’ toward the inner court and chambers; repeats the spatial arrangement of windows facing the inner court.
- Ezekiel 41:6 (verbal): Continues the Ezekiel temple’s architectural vocabulary—explicitly states that the windows were between the chambers, echoing 40:16’s placement of windows toward the inner rooms.
- 1 Kings 6:4-5 (structural): Solomon’s temple description of inner chambers and their windows (three stories and windows), a parallel Ancient Near Eastern temple architectural motif to which Ezekiel’s windows and inner rooms correspond.
- 1 Kings 6:15-20 (thematic): Detailed account of the inner rooms and sanctuary layout in Solomon’s temple (rooms adjoining, doorways, interior structure) that thematically parallels Ezekiel’s focus on chambers, courts, and window placement.
Alternative generated candidates
- There were closed windows to the chambers and to their doorways, looking inward to the gate all around; likewise for the gateposts and the windows all round inward, and to the pillar of the palm trees.
- The windows were barred toward the chambers and toward the inner rooms, inward to the gate all around; likewise to the gateposts and the windows all around, inward toward the inner court.
And behold, a wall all around outside the house. And in the man's hand was a measuring reed—six cubits long, each cubit a cubit and a handbreadth. He measured the breadth of the building—one reed—and its height—one reed. And he came to the gate whose face was toward the east, and went up its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate—one reed wide; and the threshold of the inner gate was one reed wide.
The chamber was one reed long and one reed broad, and between the chambers five cubits. And the threshold of the gate toward the vestibule of the gateway from the house was one reed.
He measured the posts of the gate toward the house—one reed.
He measured the gateposts eight cubits, and to their jambs two cubits—this was the gatepost toward the house.
The gate chambers toward the east were three on one side and three on the other; they shared one measure for the three, and one measure belonged to the posts on this side and on that side.
He measured the breadth of the entrance of the gateway—ten cubits; the gateway chamber was thirteen cubits long. And a border before the chambers was one cubit, and a dividing wall one cubit; the chamber was six cubits on this side and six cubits on that side.
He measured the gate from the roof of one chamber to the roof of the opposite—twenty-five cubits across—an opening opposite an opening.
He made the pillars sixty cubits, and the pillar of the court at the gateway all around.
From the face of the gateway to the face of the inner gateposts was fifty cubits.
There were windows recessed into the chambers and into their inner doors toward the inner court, all around the gate; likewise for the posts—windows all around toward the inside and toward the pillar of the court.