Ezekiel 40:15

KJV

And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate [were] fifty cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And from the face {H6440} of the gate {H8179} of the entrance {H2978} unto the face {H6440} of the porch {H197} of the inner {H6442} gate {H8179} were fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The distance along the passage from the outer opening of the gateway to the far side of the entranceway at the inner end of the gateway was eighty-seven-and-a-half feet.

Berean Standard Bible

And the distance from the entrance of the gateway to the far end of its inner portico was fifty cubits.

American Standard Version

And from the forefront of the gate at the entrance unto the forefront of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:15 offers a precise architectural measurement within the prophet Ezekiel's monumental vision of a new temple. This specific verse delineates a distance of fifty cubits from the outer face of the entrance gate to the inner face of the porch of the inner gate, a crucial dimension that contributes to the meticulously detailed blueprint of God's future dwelling place. It profoundly underscores the divine precision, order, and inherent holiness embedded within God's redemptive plans for His people, emphasizing the tangible and authoritative nature of the visionary revelation granted to Ezekiel during the profound despair of the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40 marks a pivotal transition in the book of Ezekiel, shifting dramatically from prophecies of judgment, destruction, and exile (chapters 1-39) to a profound and hopeful vision of restoration, renewal, and a meticulously detailed new temple (chapters 40-48). This chapter initiates an extensive architectural tour, where Ezekiel is guided by a celestial figure through the visionary complex. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 40:1-14) meticulously describe the outer court and the precise dimensions of the outer gate, establishing the foundational measurements for the entire structure. Ezekiel 40:15 seamlessly integrates into this systematic description, providing a specific measurement crucial for understanding the transition and flow from the outer to the inner parts of the temple complex. The subsequent verses (Ezekiel 40:16ff) continue to elaborate on the various chambers, gates, and courts, progressively building a comprehensive and intricate picture of the temple's divine layout.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was composed during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a time of immense national despair and theological crisis for the Jewish people. Jerusalem had been utterly destroyed, Solomon's Temple lay in ruins, and the covenant people were forcibly removed from their promised land. In this profound context of desolation and perceived divine abandonment, God graciously grants Ezekiel this elaborate vision of a restored temple and land. This vision served as an incredibly powerful message of hope, divine faithfulness, and future restoration for Israel. In the ancient Near East, temple architecture was not merely functional; it was deeply symbolic, often reflecting cosmic order, divine presence, and the stability of the deity. The hyper-detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision would have resonated deeply with this cultural understanding, signifying the divine origin, perfect order, and inviolable holiness of this future sanctuary, starkly contrasting with any humanly conceived or constructed edifice.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous architectural details presented in Ezekiel 40, including the precise measurement in verse 15, are foundational to several overarching themes woven throughout the book. Foremost among these is **Divine Precision and Order**, revealing God as the ultimate architect whose plans are perfectly conceived, meticulously detailed, and flawlessly executed, even amidst human chaos and destruction. This emphasis on exact dimensions also powerfully underscores **Holiness and Separation**, as the intricate design of gates, courts, and chambers symbolizes the necessary progression from the common or profane to the sacred and holy, emphasizing the reverence, purity, and intentionality required to approach God's glorious presence. Furthermore, for a people languishing in exile, this profoundly detailed vision of a new temple was an unparalleled message of **Future Hope and Restoration**. It served as an unwavering affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, holding forth the certain prospect of a time when His glory would return to dwell powerfully among His people, as vividly depicted in the climactic vision of the glory of God filling the temple in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of God Returns to the Temple"). This vision was designed to counteract the pervasive despair of exile, offering a tangible and divinely guaranteed promise of a future where God's presence would be re-established in perfect order and unblemished holiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This word (H6440) appears twice in the verse, "from the face of the gate... unto the face of the porch." Derived from an unused root signifying "to turn," _pânîym_ literally refers to the front or the turning part of something, hence "face." In a broader sense, it can denote presence, surface, or appearance. In architectural contexts like Ezekiel 40, its repetition emphasizes a precise point of reference – the *outermost front surface* or *leading edge* of the gate and the porch. This specificity is crucial for understanding the exact dimensions and the precise spatial relationship between different components of the temple complex, highlighting the objective and measurable reality of the vision.
* **Porch (Hebrew, _ʼûwlâm'_):** The term (H197) refers to a vestibule, portico, or an open, covered entranceway leading into a larger structure. In ancient temple architecture, the porch was often a significant and sometimes ornate feature, serving as a transitional area between the outer courts and the more sacred inner sanctuary. Its specific inclusion in this measurement indicates a distinct architectural component of the inner gate, not merely the gate itself, further emphasizing the granular detail of Ezekiel's vision. It suggests a deliberate design for controlled access and sacred transition within the holy space.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This unit of measure (H520) was a standard ancient measurement, typically defined as the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). The specific "cubit" used in Ezekiel's vision is explicitly stated in Ezekiel 40:5 as the "long cubit," which was a handbreadth longer than the common cubit, making it approximately 20.65 inches (52.5 cm). The consistent use of _ʼammâh_ throughout chapters 40-42 underscores the tangible, measurable reality of the vision, providing concrete dimensions for every part of the temple. It signifies divine precision and an exactitude that leaves no room for human estimation or imprecision, reflecting the divine architect's meticulous planning and the absolute certainty of His future plans.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from the face of the gate of the entrance":** This clause precisely establishes the starting point for the measurement. "The face of the gate" refers to the outermost front surface or leading edge of the primary entrance gate. This indicates a clear, unambiguous, and externally visible point from which the distance is to be calculated, underscoring the architectural precision and clarity of the visionary blueprint.
* **"unto the face of the porch of the inner gate":** This specifies the exact ending point of the measurement. It is not merely the inner gate itself, but specifically the "face of the porch" associated with that inner gate. This detailed distinction highlights the complex and multi-layered structure of the temple, where distinct architectural elements like porches serve as significant transitional and functional spaces. The measurement thus spans a considerable and specific architectural segment within the temple complex.
* **"[were] fifty cubits":** This final phrase provides the precise numerical distance. Fifty cubits, when calculated using the long cubit (approximately 20.65 inches or 52.5 cm), would be roughly 86 feet or 26.25 meters. This exact numerical value, like all other measurements throughout the vision, conveys an overwhelming sense of divine order, completeness, and exactitude, leaving no room for human estimation or imprecision in God's perfect design. It reinforces the reality and authority of the divine blueprint.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Ezekiel 40:15, and indeed pervading chapters 40-42, is **Precision and Detail**. The overwhelming emphasis on exact measurements, specific architectural components (such as "porch" and "gate of the entrance"), and clearly defined points of reference ("face of") serves to ground the visionary experience in a tangible, almost engineering-like reality. This meticulous detailing is not merely descriptive; it profoundly functions as **Symbolism**, where the precise dimensions and intricate layout symbolize divine order, perfection, and the absolute holiness of God's dwelling place. Every cubit, every chamber, and every architectural feature points to God's meticulous planning, His unwavering sovereignty, and His ultimate control over the future. Furthermore, the entire passage is a quintessential example of **Visionary Literature**, a common prophetic mode where complex spiritual truths and future realities are conveyed through elaborate, often symbolic, visual experiences. The vivid and concrete nature of these architectural descriptions makes the future hope and restoration promised by God feel both real and profoundly attainable to a people burdened by despair and exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:15, with its emphasis on precise measurements within the grand temple vision, connects deeply to the overarching biblical theme of God's meticulous design and sovereign order. This divine precision is never arbitrary but is a direct reflection of God's character as a God who brings perfect order out of chaos, whose plans are flawlessly conceived and executed. The temple, in all its detailed glory, serves as a powerful and tangible symbol of God's profound desire to dwell intimately among His people in holiness and righteousness—a foundational promise that undergirds the entire biblical narrative from Eden to the New Jerusalem. This vision speaks powerfully to the restoration of pure worship, the re-establishment of a righteous and unblemished relationship between God and Israel, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes for all creation.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - The Command to Build the Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")
* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 40:15, though seemingly a dry architectural detail, offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for the believer. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of infinite precision, perfect order, and unwavering intentionality. His plans are never haphazard or accidental but are meticulously laid out, even down to the "fifty cubits" of a visionary temple. For believers, this truth instills profound confidence in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, especially during times of chaos, uncertainty, or deep despair, much like the exiles to whom Ezekiel originally prophesied. We are profoundly encouraged to trust in God's perfect design for our individual lives and for the grand unfolding of His kingdom, knowing with certainty that every detail is within His purview and serves His ultimate, glorious purpose. This verse calls us to recognize and appreciate the inherent beauty and wisdom in divine order, prompting us to seek alignment with His perfect will and to cultivate a deep reverence for the holiness inherent in His presence. It reassures us that God is actively and precisely working, even in the unseen and seemingly insignificant details, to bring about His glorious future and our ultimate good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision evident in Ezekiel's temple vision encourage or challenge your understanding of God's meticulous involvement in the details of your own life?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God's meticulous planning, even when the full blueprint of His purpose is not yet visible to you?**
* **How might intentionally embracing God's order and intentionality impact your approach to personal discipline, spiritual growth, or your service within the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "fifty cubits" measurement in Ezekiel 40:15?**

Answer: The "fifty cubits" (approximately 86 feet or 26.25 meters) in Ezekiel 40:15 is highly significant because it is one of many precise and exact measurements given throughout Ezekiel's extensive temple vision. This meticulous detailing emphasizes God's absolute precision, perfect order, and unwavering intentionality in all His plans. It underscores that the vision is not a vague or symbolic dream but a divinely revealed blueprint, symbolizing the perfect order, holiness, and accessibility of God's future dwelling place among His people. The exactness of the dimensions conveys a profound sense of divine completeness and the tangible reality of God's redemptive purposes, reassuring the exiles of God's faithfulness.

**Is Ezekiel's temple a literal structure that will be built, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision (chapters 40-48) is a subject of ongoing and rich theological debate among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal temple that will be physically built in Jerusalem during a future millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's presence among His people, the church, or the perfected New Jerusalem. A third perspective suggests it is a blueprint for a future temple that will be built, but its primary significance is symbolic of God's restored relationship with Israel and the renewed, pure worship of God. Regardless of whether one holds a literal or symbolic interpretation, the vision's consistent emphasis on precision, order, and holiness profoundly points to the perfect order and glorious presence of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 40:15 describes a physical measurement within a visionary temple, its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual significance are found preeminently in Jesus Christ. The meticulous design and precise measurements of Ezekiel's temple powerfully foreshadow the perfect order, divine holiness, and ultimate accessibility embodied in Christ, who is the true and ultimate temple of God. As Jesus Himself declared, concerning the Jerusalem temple, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring prophetically to [the temple of his body](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Raising of the Temple"). In Him, the dwelling of God among humanity is perfectly and fully realized. The precise dimensions of Ezekiel's temple, symbolizing divine order and the pathway of access to God, find their spiritual reality in Christ, who emphatically proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," thereby becoming the only means by which we can truly [come to the Father](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Furthermore, through Christ's redemptive work, believers themselves become the spiritual temple of God, individually and corporately indwelt by the Holy Spirit, as the Apostle Paul teaches in [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple"). Thus, the detailed measurements of a physical structure ultimately point to the spiritual reality of God's perfect plan of redemption, meticulously executed in Christ, leading to a new creation where God's presence is fully realized not in a building made with hands, but in the Lamb and His redeemed people, as seen in the New Jerusalem where [there is no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem, for God and the Lamb are its Temple").

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.