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.

So he measured {H4058} the court {H2691}, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} long {H753}, and an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} broad {H7341}, foursquare {H7251}; and the altar {H4196} that was before {H6440} the house {H1004}.

Then he measured the courtyard at 175 feet long and 175 feet wide - it was square. The altar was in front of the house.

Next he measured the court. It was square, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. And the altar was in front of the temple.

And he measured the court, a hundred cubits long, and a hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar was before the house.

Context of Ezekiel 40:47

This verse is part of the prophet Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new temple, described in chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. Given to the prophet during the Babylonian exile, this detailed blueprint for a magnificent temple complex served as a powerful message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Israelites. Chapters 40-42 meticulously detail the measurements, gates, courts, and chambers of this visionary structure. Ezekiel 40:1 introduces the vision itself, where Ezekiel is brought by a divine being to a very high mountain to witness these intricate details.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous measurements—"an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare"—underscore God's absolute precision and His divine blueprint for worship. Every detail is significant, reflecting the perfection and order of God's plans.
  • The Centrality of the Altar: The mention of "the altar [that was] before the house" highlights its supreme importance. In Old Testament worship, the altar was the place of sacrifice and atonement, where reconciliation between God and man occurred. Its prominent position signifies that access to God and fellowship with Him is predicated upon a means of cleansing and forgiveness.
  • Restoration and Future Glory: For the exiles, this vision of a perfectly measured temple and a central altar was a promise of future restoration, a return to proper worship, and God's renewed presence among His people. It speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in times of judgment and displacement.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubit" refers to an ancient unit of measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The consistency of these measurements throughout Ezekiel's vision emphasizes the exactness of the divine instruction.

The description "foursquare" (Hebrew: rābûaʿ) denotes perfect symmetry and completeness. This geometric perfection is often associated with divine order and stability in biblical imagery, such as in the dimensions of the Tabernacle's altar in Exodus 27:1 or the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's temple vision has various interpretations (literal future temple, spiritual reality, symbolic of the church), the principles conveyed remain relevant:

  • God is a God of Order: The detailed measurements remind us that God is not chaotic but works with purpose and precision. This can bring comfort and confidence in His overarching plan for our lives and the world.
  • Worship is Central: The altar's prominent position reminds us that true worship, focused on sacrifice and atonement, is foundational to our relationship with God. For Christians, this points to Jesus Christ as our ultimate sacrifice and the "altar" through whom we approach God (see Hebrews 9:22 for the necessity of blood for atonement).
  • Hope in God's Promises: Just as this vision gave hope to exiles, it assures us that God's plans for restoration and redemption are sure, even when circumstances seem bleak. He is faithful to bring about His perfect will.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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 40:27

    ¶ 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.

  • 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.

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