King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
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.
Complete Jewish Bible:
On the outside, as one goes up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side of the entranceway to the gate were two tables.
Berean Standard Bible:
Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico.
American Standard Version:
And on the one side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And at the side{H3802} without{H2351}, as one goeth up{H5927} to the entry{H6607} of the north{H6828} gate{H8179}, were two{H8147} tables{H7979}; and on the other{H312} side{H3802}, which was at the porch{H197} of the gate{H8179}, were two{H8147} tables{H7979}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Ezekiel 40:40
Ezekiel 40:40 is a part of the broader vision described by the prophet Ezekiel, which spans from chapters 40 to 48. This vision is set during the Babylonian exile, around the early 6th century BCE, when the Jewish people were in captivity and the First Temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed. The verse specifically describes architectural details of a future temple that Ezekiel envisions, emphasizing symmetry and order.
In the vision, Ezekiel is given a tour of a new, idealized temple by an angelic guide. The verse in question refers to the outer side of the north gate, where there are two tables. These tables are likely for preparation of sacrifices or offerings, as the context of the vision includes intricate descriptions of temple practices and rituals. The mention of tables at both sides of the gate emphasizes balance and suggests a place of activity and service in the temple complex.
The historical context of this vision is significant. It was a time of great despair for the Israelites, having lost their nationhood, temple, and for many, their faith. Ezekiel's detailed description of a new temple served as a message of hope and restoration, promising a return to Jerusalem and the resumption of proper worship. The specificity of the measurements and elements, such as the tables by the gate, also underscores the importance of adherence to divine instruction and the anticipation of a divinely ordained future for the people of Israel.
In summary, Ezekiel 40:40 is a small part of a larger prophetic vision aimed at encouraging a dispirited people with the promise of a meticulously planned, future temple. It reflects themes of hope, restoration, and the importance of sacred space and ritual in the worship of God, while also providing a blueprint for the eventual reestablishment of the temple service after the exile.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3802
There are 58 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּתֵף
Transliteration: kâthêph
Pronunciation: kaw-thafe'
Description: from an unused root meaning to clothe; the shoulder (proper, i.e. upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anything; arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. - Strong's Number: H2351
There are 159 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חוּץ
Transliteration: chûwts
Pronunciation: khoots
Description: or (shortened) חֻץ; (both forms feminine in the plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors; abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. - Strong's Number: H5927
There are 817 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָלָה
Transliteration: ʻâlâh
Pronunciation: aw-law'
Description: a primitive root; to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative; arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. - Strong's Number: H6607
There are 154 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פֶּתַח
Transliteration: pethach
Pronunciation: peh'-thakh
Description: from פָּתַח; an opening (literally), i.e. door (gate) or entrance way; door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. - Strong's Number: H6828
There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: צָפוֹן
Transliteration: tsâphôwn
Pronunciation: tsaw-fone'
Description: or צָפֹן; from צָפַן; properly, hidden, i.e. dark; used only of the north as aquarter (gloomy and unknown); north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). - Strong's Number: H8179
There are 302 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שַׁעַר
Transliteration: shaʻar
Pronunciation: shah'-ar
Description: from שָׁעַר in its original sense; an opening, i.e. door or gate; city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). - Strong's Number: H8147
There are 647 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שְׁנַיִם
Transliteration: shᵉnayim
Pronunciation: shen-ah'-yim
Description: dual of שֵׁנִי; feminine שְׁתַּיִם; two; also (as ordinal) twofold; both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. - Strong's Number: H7979
There are 62 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֻׁלְחָן
Transliteration: shulchân
Pronunciation: shool-khawn'
Description: from שָׁלַח; a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal; table. - Strong's Number: H312
There are 271 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַחֵר
Transliteration: ʼachêr
Pronunciation: akh-air'
Description: from אָחַר; properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc.; (an-) other man, following, next, strange. - Strong's Number: H197
There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אוּלָם
Transliteration: ʼûwlâm
Pronunciation: oo-lawm'
Description: or (shortened), אֻלָם ; from אָלַם (in the sense of tying); a vestibule (as bound to the building); porch.