Ezekiel 40:14

KJV

He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.

KJV (with Strong's)

He made {H6213} also posts {H352} of threescore {H8346} cubits {H520}, even unto the post {H352} of the court {H2691} round about {H5439} the gate {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the posts 105 feet, likewise the posts of the other gates around the courtyard.

Berean Standard Bible

Next he measured the gateposts to be sixty cubits high. The gateway extended around to the gatepost of the courtyard.

American Standard Version

He made also posts, threescore cubits; and the court reached unto the posts, round about the gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:14 is a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's visionary tour of a new temple, described extensively in chapters 40-48. This verse specifically outlines the significant dimensions of the "posts" or pillars within the elaborate gate complex leading into the temple's outer court, emphasizing the meticulous divine blueprint for God's future dwelling place among His people. It contributes to the overall theme of divine order, restoration, and the sacredness of God's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40 marks a pivotal shift in the book of Ezekiel, moving from prophecies of judgment and destruction (chapters 1-39) to a profound vision of restoration and hope. Following the devastating news of Jerusalem's fall and the temple's destruction, Ezekiel is transported in a vision to a very high mountain, where an angelic guide meticulously measures and describes a new, ideal temple. Chapters 40-42 are dedicated to the architectural details of this temple, beginning with the outer court and its gates. Verse 14 is embedded within this detailed description of the eastern gate, following measurements of its various chambers and thresholds, and preceding further details about the outer court itself. The precise measurements, including the "threescore cubits" for the posts, underscore the divine origin and perfect order of this visionary structure, contrasting sharply with the desolation left by the Babylonian invasion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40-48 was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for the Israelites. The First Temple, built by Solomon, had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, and the people were far from their homeland and their sacred center of worship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their destruction signified the deity's abandonment or defeat. For the exiled Israelites, the destruction of the temple was a theological catastrophe. Ezekiel's vision, therefore, served as a powerful message of hope, promising God's renewed presence and the restoration of His covenant with Israel. The meticulous architectural details would have resonated deeply with a people who understood the importance of sacred space and the precise rituals associated with it, offering a tangible vision of future glory and the re-establishment of proper worship.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed descriptions in Ezekiel 40:14 and the surrounding chapters contribute to several key themes. First, **Divine Precision and Order** are paramount, highlighted by the exacting measurements of every architectural element. This meticulousness signifies God's absolute sovereignty and His perfect design for His dwelling place and the worship of His people, contrasting with human imperfection and chaos. Second, the vision embodies **Hope and Restoration** for the exiled nation. The promise of a new, glorious temple signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant, assuring Israel of a future where His presence would once again dwell among them, as depicted in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple"). This vision served as a spiritual anchor, providing a future-oriented hope that transcended their present suffering. Third, the emphasis on the temple structure underscores the **Sacredness of God's Presence** and the importance of proper boundaries for approaching Him. The gates and courts, with their specific dimensions, delineate holy space, preparing the way for the return of God's glory and emphasizing the reverence required in His presence, a concept foundational throughout the Old Testament, from the tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Instructions for the Tabernacle") to the First Temple in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "Solomon Builds the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **posts (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From the same root as "strength," this word properly denotes anything strong. In an architectural context, as here, it specifically refers to a strong support such as a pilaster, doorpost, or jamb. The use of "posts" emphasizes the structural integrity and foundational strength of the gate system, crucial for a sacred edifice.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This term refers to an ancient unit of length, primarily based on the fore-arm (from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger). While its precise length varied historically, it was typically around 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). The specification of "threescore cubits" (sixty cubits) for the posts underscores the immense scale and grandeur of the visionary temple, far exceeding typical human constructions and highlighting its divine origin.
* **court (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** This word describes an enclosed space, such as a yard or, in this context, a court within the temple complex. The mention of the "post of the court" indicates that these massive posts were integral to the entrance of the temple's outer court, serving as a boundary and a point of entry into the sacred precincts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He made also posts of threescore cubits,"**: This initial clause introduces the construction of specific architectural elements—the "posts" or pillars. The phrase "threescore cubits" (sixty cubits) provides an astonishingly large dimension for these posts, emphasizing the monumental scale of the visionary temple. This detail immediately conveys a sense of grandeur and divine design, far beyond what human hands could typically construct or even imagine for a temple of that era. The verb "made" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) suggests the divine architect's active role in bringing this structure into being, even if only in vision.
* **"even unto the post of the court"**: This phrase clarifies the location and function of these massive posts. They extend "unto the post of the court," indicating their integration into the entrance structure of the temple's outer court. This connection highlights their role as foundational elements of the gateway, marking the transition from the profane to the sacred space. The repetition of "post" (H352, _ʼayil_) emphasizes the specific architectural feature being described and its importance in defining the boundaries of the court.
* **"round about the gate."**: This final phrase specifies that these posts encircle or are integral to the entire gate structure. The term "gate" (H8179, _shaʻar_) refers to the grand entrance, a significant point of access and control in ancient architecture. The phrase "round about" (H5439, _çâbîyb_) suggests a comprehensive and encompassing design, where these large posts form a consistent and imposing feature throughout the entire perimeter of the gate, reinforcing the sense of order, security, and sacred demarcation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:14, like much of the temple vision, employs several literary devices. Most prominently, **Detailed Description** and **Precision** are used to convey the divine origin and perfect nature of the temple. The exact measurements, such as "threescore cubits," serve not merely as architectural specifications but as a literary means to emphasize God's meticulousness and the absolute order of His plans. This extensive detailing also functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical structure of the temple symbolizes God's renewed presence, His faithfulness to His covenant, and the restored relationship with His people. The sheer scale implied by "sixty cubits" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the transcendent and awe-inspiring nature of God's future dwelling, a structure far grander than any earthly temple. The vision itself is a form of **Prophetic Vision**, a common literary device in prophetic books, allowing for the communication of future realities and divine truths through symbolic imagery and detailed narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:14, with its precise architectural details, contributes significantly to the broader biblical theology of God's dwelling among His people and the sacredness of His presence. The meticulous measurements and grand scale of the visionary temple underscore God's absolute sovereignty and His desire for perfect order in worship and in the lives of His people. This vision served as a profound reassurance to the exiled Israelites that God had not abandoned them, but was preparing a glorious future where His presence would be restored in an even more magnificent way. It speaks to the enduring truth that God cares about the details, not just the grand narrative, and that His dwelling place, whether a physical temple or His people, is to be set apart and holy. The emphasis on the "gate" and "posts" also highlights the concept of access to God—it is divinely ordained, structured, and requires reverence.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build the Tabernacle") - God commanded Moses to build the tabernacle according to a precise pattern, demonstrating His demand for order and detail in His dwelling place from the very beginning.
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "The Earthly Sanctuary and Its Services") - This passage describes the earthly tabernacle and its services, highlighting its symbolic nature and its role as a shadow of heavenly realities, connecting to the idea of a divinely designed sacred space.
* [Revelation 21:10-27](/revelation/21-10-27 "The New Jerusalem") - The vision of the New Jerusalem, with its precise measurements and gates, echoes Ezekiel's temple vision, portraying the ultimate and eternal dwelling of God with humanity, where the city itself is the temple.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the dimensions of the posts in Ezekiel 40:14, might seem far removed from our daily lives, yet they convey profound truths for contemporary believers. They remind us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. His plans are not haphazard but perfectly conceived and executed, even in the midst of human chaos and brokenness. This should inspire confidence in His sovereignty over our lives and the world. Just as the temple was designed for God's glory and the proper worship of His name, our lives as believers are called to reflect His character and order. We are living temples of the Holy Spirit, and the details of our lives—our habits, our words, our actions—matter to God. This vision also speaks to the enduring hope of God's presence. For the exiles, it was a promise of physical restoration; for us, it is a reminder that God desires to dwell with us, both individually through the Spirit and corporately as the Church. We are called to cultivate an environment, both personally and communally, that honors His sacred presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's temple vision challenge my own approach to order and intentionality in my spiritual life?**
* **In what ways can I, as a "living temple," better reflect God's meticulous design and sacredness in my daily choices and relationships?**
* **How does the hope of God's restored presence, central to Ezekiel's vision, encourage me in times of personal or collective desolation?**

### FAQ

**Was the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 ever built?**

Answer: No, the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 was never built exactly as detailed in the vision. While a Second Temple was constructed after the return from exile (completed around 516 BC), its dimensions and features did not match Ezekiel's elaborate blueprint. Scholars generally interpret Ezekiel's temple vision in one of three ways: as a literal temple yet to be built in a future millennial age, as a symbolic representation of God's ideal dwelling and the perfect worship He desires, or as a prophetic picture fulfilled spiritually in Christ and His Church. The immense and intricate details, including the "threescore cubits" for the posts in [Ezekiel 40:14](/ezekiel/40-14 "Dimensions of the Temple Posts"), suggest an ideal, divinely perfect structure that transcends a mere physical building.

**What is the significance of the precise measurements in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The precise measurements, such as the "threescore cubits" for the posts, are highly significant. They emphasize God's meticulousness, His perfect order, and His absolute control. In a time of chaos and destruction for Israel, these exact specifications provided a tangible vision of divine order and a future where God's presence would be restored in a perfectly designed sacred space. The precision underscores the holiness and sacredness of the temple, indicating that every detail matters to God. It also serves to highlight the divine origin of the vision, as such an intricate and immense design would be beyond human capacity to conceive or execute without divine guidance. This attention to detail speaks to God's character as a God who is purposeful and intentional in all His plans, from the grandest to the most minute, as seen in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's temple vision, with its massive posts and meticulously measured gates, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment not in a physical edifice, but in Jesus Christ and the new covenant He inaugurated. While the vision spoke of a restored physical dwelling for God, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the true temple, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. As [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and His Resurrection") declares, Jesus spoke of the temple of His body, which would be destroyed and raised in three days. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became the perfect access point to God, fulfilling the symbolic function of the temple's gates and courts. Furthermore, the Church, comprised of believers, is now the spiritual temple, the dwelling place of God's Spirit on earth, as [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "You Are God's Temple") teaches. The meticulous order and sacredness emphasized in Ezekiel's vision are thus realized in the holiness of Christ and the call to holiness for His body, the Church. Ultimately, the vision points to the eternal reality of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "The New Heaven and New Earth"), where there is no physical temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple," signifying God's direct and unmediated presence with His people forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 27:9

¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

Ezekiel 8:7

¶ And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.

Ezekiel 42:1

¶ Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that [was] over against the separate place, and which [was] before the building toward the north.

Psalms 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

Isaiah 62:9

But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.

1 Chronicles 28:6

And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father.

Exodus 35:17

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,