Ezekiel 40:27

KJV

¶ And [there was] a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was a gate {H8179} in the inner {H6442} court {H2691} toward {H1870} the south {H1864}: and he measured {H4058} from gate {H8179} to gate {H8179} toward {H1870} the south {H1864} an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The inner courtyard had a gate on the south; he measured from gate to gate toward the south 175 feet.

Berean Standard Bible

The inner court also had a gate facing south, and he measured the distance from gateway to gateway toward the south to be a hundred cubits.

American Standard Version

And there was a gate to the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south a hundred cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:27 is a precise architectural detail within a grand prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This verse specifically describes a gate located in the inner court of the visionary temple, facing south, and meticulously records the exact distance of one hundred cubits between this gate and another gate also facing south, emphasizing the divine precision and order in God's future plans for His people and His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40 marks a pivotal shift in the book, transitioning from prophecies of judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple (Ezekiel 8-24) to a detailed vision of restoration and a new temple. This chapter begins the final major section of the book (Ezekiel 40-48), which is entirely dedicated to this elaborate architectural blueprint. The vision is presented by a divine guide who systematically measures every part of the temple complex, starting with the outer court gates, then moving to the inner court, and eventually the temple building itself. Verse 27 fits within this meticulous survey, specifically detailing an aspect of the inner court's southern access, following descriptions of the outer court's southern gate in [Ezekiel 40:24](/ezekiel/40-24 "Ezekiel 40:24 - Outer Court Southern Gate") and preceding further measurements of the inner court. The repetitive nature of the measurements throughout [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") underscores the divine origin and exactness of the revelation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Ezekiel 40 was received in 573 BC, the twenty-fifth year of Ezekiel's exile in Babylon, fourteen years after Jerusalem and its temple had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar's forces (587/586 BC). For the exiled Israelites, the destruction of the temple, the center of their worship and national identity, was a profound spiritual and psychological blow. The detailed vision of a new, majestic temple offered immense hope and reassurance. It countered the despair of exile by demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His intention to restore His presence among His people. The emphasis on measurements and structure would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern cultures, where temple architecture often conveyed theological meaning and divine order. The concept of a "gate" was not merely an entrance but often a place of judgment, assembly, and significant activity in ancient cities and sacred spaces.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader vision of [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**. The meticulous measurements, down to the cubit, emphasize God's exactness and the perfectly orchestrated nature of His redemptive plans, contrasting with the chaos and destruction previously experienced. Secondly, it powerfully conveys **Future Restoration and Hope**. For a people in despair over their destroyed temple and land, this vision served as a tangible promise of God's future dwelling among them, a renewed center of worship and a return to holiness. This points to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, as seen in earlier promises of restoration in [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Restoration and New Heart"). Lastly, the architectural details, including gates and courts, underscore the theme of **Holiness and Regulated Access**. The various sections of the temple, with their specific dimensions and entry points, delineate sacred space and emphasize the reverence required to approach God's presence, preparing the way for the return of God's glory described in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** This term refers to an opening, specifically a door or gate. In the context of a temple or city, gates were not merely points of entry but significant architectural features that controlled access, symbolized authority, and often served as places of public gathering, judgment, and commerce. In Ezekiel's vision, the gates are crucial for defining the sacred boundaries and regulating movement within the temple complex, emphasizing the holiness of the inner court.
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." The repeated use of this verb throughout Ezekiel 40 underscores the divine precision and exactness of the vision. It signifies that the temple's design is not arbitrary but divinely ordained and perfectly proportioned, reflecting God's meticulous planning and sovereignty over His creation and His redemptive work.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This unit of measurement, derived from the word for "mother" (referring to the forearm), typically represented the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While a standard cubit was around 18 inches, Ezekiel 40:5 specifies a "cubit and an hand breadth," indicating a longer, perhaps "royal" or "sacred" cubit (around 20.5-21 inches). This larger cubit emphasizes that the measurements are of a divine standard, signifying the extraordinary nature and divine origin of the visionary temple.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [there was] a gate in the inner court toward the south:"** This clause establishes the presence and location of a specific gate. It is situated in the "inner court," which is the more sacred area of the temple complex, closer to the actual temple building. Its orientation "toward the south" specifies its direction within the overall layout, indicating a methodical and comprehensive description of the temple's architecture.
* **"and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits."** This clause details a precise measurement. The divine guide (the man with the measuring reed) is measuring the distance between two gates that are both oriented toward the south. The repetition of "gate to gate" and "toward the south" reinforces the exactness and directional consistency of the measurement. The "hundred cubits" provides a concrete, divinely revealed dimension, highlighting the order and scale of the visionary temple.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:27, like the entire chapter, is characterized by **Detailed Description**, a pervasive literary device that provides an exhaustive, almost architectural blueprint of the visionary temple. Every dimension, orientation, and feature is meticulously enumerated, creating a sense of divine precision and reality for the exiled audience. The **Repetition** of phrases like "toward the south" and "gate to gate" serves to emphasize the exactness of the measurements and the systematic nature of the divine revelation, ensuring clarity and reinforcing the divine order. Furthermore, the entire temple vision, of which this verse is a part, functions as **Symbolism**. While described with literal dimensions, the temple ultimately symbolizes God's renewed presence among His people, the restoration of true worship, and the establishment of a holy community. The gates themselves can symbolize access to God's presence, the boundaries of holiness, and the ordered entry into His sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:27, with its precise measurements and architectural specificity, underscores God's meticulous nature and His commitment to order in His redemptive plan. For the exiled Israelites, this vision of a perfectly measured temple was a powerful symbol of hope, signaling that God had not abandoned them but was actively preparing for a glorious future where His presence would once again dwell among His people. It speaks to the enduring truth that God's promises are not vague but are rooted in a divine blueprint, ensuring their certain fulfillment. The emphasis on gates and courts also highlights the theological concept of holiness and the need for regulated access to God's sacred presence, a theme that pervades Old Testament worship and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Isaiah 54:11-14](/isaiah/54-11 "Future Glory of Zion")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "The New Covenant")
* [Revelation 21:10-27](/revelation/21-10 "The New Jerusalem's Dimensions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Ezekiel 40:27 and the broader temple vision serves as a profound reminder of God's intentionality and precision in all His dealings, especially concerning His people and His dwelling place. In times of chaos, uncertainty, or despair, this vision offers immense comfort: God's plans are not haphazard but are perfectly designed and will be perfectly executed. Just as He had a precise blueprint for this future temple, He has a detailed and sovereign plan for our lives and for the unfolding of history. This should inspire trust and patience, knowing that even when we cannot see the full picture, God is working according to His perfect design. Furthermore, the concept of a holy, ordered space reminds us of the importance of cultivating order and holiness in our own lives, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that our lives should reflect the divine order and beauty of God's character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's vision encourage you regarding God's control over your own life, especially in uncertain times?**
* **What does the emphasis on "gates" and "courts" in the temple vision teach us about approaching God and the concept of holiness?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, reflect the "order" and "holiness" of God's design in our daily lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**Is the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 meant to be a literal, physical temple built in the future, or is it primarily symbolic?**

Answer: This is a long-standing debate among scholars. Some interpret the vision literally, believing that a physical temple matching these dimensions will be built in Jerusalem during a future millennial reign of Christ. They point to the extreme detail of the measurements and the lack of explicit allegorical language. Others view it primarily as symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's renewed presence among His people in the New Covenant era, the church, or the New Jerusalem. They argue that the sacrifices and rituals described in later chapters seem to contradict the finished work of Christ. A third view suggests it's a combination: a literal blueprint with profound spiritual significance, perhaps fulfilled in a way that transcends our current understanding, or a vision that emphasizes the *principles* of God's holy presence and ordered worship, even if the exact physical structure is not literally replicated. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the vision powerfully communicates God's faithfulness, His desire to dwell with His people, and the ultimate restoration of His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulously measured temple of Ezekiel's vision finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment not in a building of stone and mortar, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate "gate" through whom humanity gains access to God, declaring, "[I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")". Just as the temple was the dwelling place of God's glory, Christ is the very embodiment of God, in whom "all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). The precise measurements and ordered structure of Ezekiel's temple foreshadow the divine order and perfection found in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the Law and opened a "new and living way" into the holiest of holies ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). Furthermore, the vision's promise of God dwelling with His people is realized in the New Covenant, where believers collectively become the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples")) and the church is built up as a "spiritual house" with Christ as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5-6](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5-6 - A Spiritual House")). Ultimately, the grand vision of God's dwelling finds its final consummation in the New Jerusalem, where there is no need for a physical temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). Thus, Ezekiel 40:27 points beyond itself to the perfect and eternal reality of God's presence fully realized in Christ and His redeemed people.

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

Ezekiel 40:23

And the gate of the inner court [was] over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.

Ezekiel 40:32

And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.

Ezekiel 40:19

Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward.

Ezekiel 40:47

So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar [that was] before the house.