Ezekiel 40:47

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:47 describes a specific segment of the visionary temple complex, focusing on the precise dimensions of the inner court—a perfect square of one hundred cubits by one hundred cubits—and the prominent placement of the altar within this sacred space, directly before the main temple building. This meticulous detail underscores the divine order and sanctity of the future worship God intends for His people, emphasizing the centrality of atonement and access to His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:47 is situated within the extensive and highly detailed vision of a new temple, which spans chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. This vision begins in [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - Vision of the Temple") with the prophet being transported by a divine being to a high mountain, where he is given a meticulous tour and measurement of a vast temple complex. Chapters 40-42 specifically focus on the architectural layout, including the outer and inner courts, gates, and various chambers. Our verse, [Ezekiel 40:47](/ezekiel/40-47 "Ezekiel 40:47 - Dimensions of the Inner Court and Altar"), provides the dimensions of the inner court and highlights the altar's position, signaling a transition in the tour from the general court layout to the specific sacred elements within it, leading up to the detailed description of the temple building itself in later verses. The repetitive nature of the measurements throughout these chapters emphasizes the divine precision and the tangible reality of this prophetic blueprint.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the new temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (circa 573 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The First Temple, built by Solomon, had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and the people were far from their homeland and the center of their worship. In this context, the temple vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises. For ancient Israelites, the Temple was not merely a building but the dwelling place of God's presence (the Shekinah glory), the locus of atonement, and the heart of their national identity and worship. The meticulous details of a future, perfect temple would have offered immense comfort and assurance that God had not abandoned His people and that proper worship would one day be restored, signifying a renewed relationship with their God.

* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes emerge from this verse and its broader context. Firstly, the theme of **Divine Precision and Order** is paramount; the exact measurements ("an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare") underscore God's meticulous design and His sovereignty over all things, including the details of worship. This contrasts sharply with the chaos and destruction experienced during the exile. Secondly, the **Centrality of Worship and Atonement** is highlighted by the altar's prominent position "before the house." In Old Testament worship, the altar was the primary place where sacrifices were offered for the expiation of sin, making it the essential point of access to a holy God. Its placement signifies that reconciliation and fellowship with God are predicated upon a divinely appointed means of cleansing, a concept deeply rooted in the Levitical laws (e.g., [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement")). Finally, the overall vision, including this verse, powerfully conveys **Hope and Restoration**. For a people in exile, the promise of a glorious, perfectly ordered temple was a tangible assurance of God's future redemptive work, a return to their land, and the re-establishment of His presence among them, echoing promises found in earlier prophets like [Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - Restoration Promises").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In Ezekiel 40:47, it emphasizes the precise, divinely ordained nature of the temple's dimensions. The act of measuring by the angelic guide signifies that every detail is intentional and part of God's perfect blueprint, not left to human estimation or error.
* **court (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** This term refers to an enclosed yard or open space, often surrounded by walls. In the context of the temple, it denotes a sacred area, specifically the inner court, which was accessible to priests and where the altar stood. Its measurement signifies the defined boundaries of sacred space, separating the holy from the common and emphasizing the order within God's dwelling.
* **foursquare (Hebrew, _râbaʻ'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be four-sided" or "quadrate," this term describes the perfect symmetry and completeness of the inner court's dimensions (100 cubits by 100 cubits). In biblical imagery, "foursquare" often symbolizes perfection, stability, and divine order, as seen in the dimensions of the Tabernacle's altar (e.g., [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Altar of Burnt Offering")) and later, the New Jerusalem (e.g., [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem")).
* **altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from the verb "to sacrifice," this word specifically denotes a structure for offering sacrifices. Its mention "before the house" (the temple building) highlights its supreme importance as the focal point of worship and atonement. It was the place where sins were covered, and reconciliation with God was achieved, making it the essential gateway to God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he measured the court":** The "he" refers to the angelic guide who is leading Ezekiel through the visionary temple. This guide is divinely commissioned to reveal the intricate details of the temple, emphasizing that these measurements are not human constructs but divinely revealed specifications. The "court" here specifically refers to the inner court, the most sacred outdoor area of the temple complex, where priests would minister.
* **"an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare":** This clause provides the precise dimensions of the inner court. A hundred cubits (approximately 150-175 feet, depending on the cubit standard) in both length and breadth means the court was a perfect square. The term "foursquare" reinforces this geometric perfection, symbolizing completeness, stability, and the divine order inherent in God's design. This exactness contrasts with the destruction and chaos of the exiled people's reality, offering a vision of perfect restoration.
* **"and the altar [that was] before the house":** This final phrase highlights the most significant feature within the inner court: the altar. Its position "before the house" (referring to the main temple building or sanctuary) signifies its central and foundational role in the worship system. The altar was the place of sacrifice and atonement, the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. Its prominence underscores that access to God's presence is always predicated on a means of reconciliation and forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 40:47, and indeed throughout the temple vision, is **Symbolism**. The temple itself is a powerful symbol of God's presence, His covenant faithfulness, and the restored relationship He desires with His people. The **Altar** specifically symbolizes the necessity of atonement and sacrifice for sin, serving as the divinely appointed means of access to God. Its prominent placement underscores its foundational role. Furthermore, the description of the court as **"foursquare"** is symbolic of perfection, completeness, and divine order, reflecting the nature of God's plans and the ideal state of worship He ordains. The meticulous **Precision and Detail** in the measurements (e.g., "an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad") also function as a literary technique, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the vision, leaving no doubt that this is God's perfect blueprint, not a human invention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:47 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire to dwell among His people and the means by which a holy God can relate to a sinful humanity. The meticulous dimensions and the centrality of the altar underscore that God's presence is not chaotic but ordered, and access to Him is not arbitrary but through a prescribed path of atonement. This vision, given during exile, served as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to restore His people and re-establish proper worship, pointing forward to a time when His glory would return. The "foursquare" perfection of the court anticipates the ultimate divine order and completeness found in God's eternal dwelling.

* [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") - Describes the dimensions and construction of the altar in the Tabernacle, showing the continuity of the altar's central role from the wilderness to the visionary temple.
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Atonement") - Emphasizes the theological principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins," directly connecting to the function of the altar in providing atonement.
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem") - Describes the New Jerusalem as "foursquare," mirroring the perfect dimensions of the temple court and symbolizing the ultimate, perfect dwelling place of God among His redeemed people.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision of the perfectly measured court and the centrally placed altar offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and intentionality. Just as every cubit and every placement in the temple was divinely ordained, so too does God orchestrate the details of our lives and His overarching plan for redemption. This should instill confidence and trust, knowing that our God is not chaotic but sovereign and precise. Furthermore, the altar's prominence serves as a timeless reminder of the centrality of atonement in our relationship with God. For Christians, this points directly to Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate altar and sacrifice, through whom we have access to God. True worship, therefore, must always be centered on His atoning work. This vision, given in a time of despair, also speaks powerfully to hope and restoration. Even when our circumstances seem bleak or our spiritual lives feel disordered, God is faithful to His promises and is continually at work to restore and renew, bringing about His perfect will in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's design for the temple challenge or affirm your understanding of His character and His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you prioritize "the altar"—that is, the atoning work of Christ and genuine worship—in your daily life and in your community of faith?**
* **Considering the exiles' context, how can this vision of divine order and future restoration inspire hope in your own periods of uncertainty or spiritual displacement?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "foursquare" dimensions of the court?**

Answer: The description of the court as "foursquare" (100 cubits by 100 cubits) signifies perfect symmetry, completeness, and stability. In biblical symbolism, the number four often represents universality or the created order, and a foursquare shape denotes wholeness and divine order. This imagery is consistent with other sacred structures like the Tabernacle's altar ([Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Altar of Burnt Offering")) and culminates in the description of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem"), which is also foursquare. It conveys that God's design is flawless, perfectly balanced, and eternally secure.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be interpreted literally as a future physical temple?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision is complex and debated among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple that will be built during the millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's presence among His people (the Church) or a perfected, ideal form of worship. Still others see it as a prophetic vision given to provide hope and a theological framework for the exiles, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the restoration of proper worship, without necessarily implying a literal future structure. Regardless of the literal-symbolic debate, the vision undeniably conveys profound theological truths about God's order, holiness, and the centrality of atonement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:47, with its emphasis on the perfectly measured court and the prominent altar, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous dimensions of the visionary temple underscore God's perfect design for worship and access to His presence, a design fully realized not in a building of stone, but in the person of Christ. Jesus himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")" referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, the altar, so central to the visionary temple, points directly to Christ's sacrificial work. He is both the perfect priest and the ultimate sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered once for all on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Through His atoning blood, we now have direct access to God's presence, entering the [Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access to God through Christ's Blood"). The "foursquare" perfection of the court foreshadows the complete and perfect redemption found in Christ and the ultimate, eternal dwelling of God with His people in the [New Jerusalem, which is also foursquare](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem"), where there is no longer a need for a temple building, for the [Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the 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.

Cross-References

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.