Ezekiel 46:22

KJV

In the four corners of the court [there were] courts joined of forty [cubits] long and thirty broad: these four corners [were] of one measure.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the four {H702} corners {H4740} of the court {H2691} there were courts {H2691} joined {H7000} of forty {H705} cubits long {H753} and thirty {H7970} broad {H7341}: these four {H702} corners {H7106} were of one {H259} measure {H4060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

in the four corners of the courtyard were enclosed courtyards seventy feet long and fifty-two-and-a-half feet; the four courtyards in the corners were the same size.

Berean Standard Bible

In the four corners of the outer court there were enclosed courts, each forty cubits long and thirty cubits wide. Each of the four corner areas had the same dimensions.

American Standard Version

In the four corners of the court there were courts inclosed, forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four in the corners were of one measure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:22 meticulously describes the precise dimensions and uniform construction of the auxiliary courts located in each of the four corners of the temple complex within the prophet's grand vision. This verse underscores the divine blueprint's exactness, emphasizing God's inherent order, the intentionality behind every element of sacred space, and the pervasive theme of holiness that permeates the entire structure. It highlights that even seemingly minor components are integral to the divine design, contributing to the overall perfection, symmetry, and functional purity of God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:22 is situated within the climactic section of the Book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail the prophet's extensive vision of a new, eschatological temple. This vision follows the devastating news of Jerusalem's destruction and the exile of its people, offering a profound message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring presence among His people. Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the temple's outer and inner courts, gates, and chambers, establishing the physical layout. Chapters 43-46 shift to the sacred rituals, the return of God's glory (as seen in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of God Returns")), and the regulations for priests and the prince, emphasizing the functional aspects of worship. Specifically, [Ezekiel 46](/ezekiel/46 "Ezekiel 46 - Ordinances for the Prince and Offerings") outlines the prince's offerings and the rules for entering and exiting the temple gates. Verses 19-24 of this chapter describe specific cooking areas for the priests and temple servants, with [Ezekiel 46:22](/ezekiel/46-22 "Ezekiel 46:22 - Dimensions of the Corner Courts") providing the exact dimensions of these corner courts, setting the stage for the explanation of their purpose in [Ezekiel 46:24](/ezekiel/46-24 "Ezekiel 46:24 - Purpose of the Cooking Courts"). The detailed measurements throughout this entire section reinforce the divine origin and perfect nature of this future temple.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophetic ministry occurred during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The destruction of the First Temple in 586 BC and the forced displacement from their homeland left the exiles questioning God's covenant faithfulness and their future. Against this backdrop of despair, Ezekiel's temple vision served as a powerful source of hope and a promise of future restoration, providing a tangible blueprint for God's renewed presence. The meticulous architectural details, including precise measurements like those in [Ezekiel 46:22](/ezekiel/46-22 "Ezekiel 46:22 - Dimensions of the Corner Courts"), would have resonated deeply with a people whose identity was intimately tied to the temple as the dwelling place of God. The concept of "cubits" was a standard unit of measurement in ancient Near Eastern architecture, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approx. 45-53 cm), emphasizing the tangible and practical nature of the divine blueprint. The emphasis on designated areas for preparing sacrifices reflects the ancient Israelite sacrificial system, where ritual purity and order were paramount in approaching a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in Ezekiel's temple vision, to which [Ezekiel 46:22](/ezekiel/46-22 "Ezekiel 46:22 - Dimensions of the Corner Courts") contributes significantly, include **Divine Presence and Glory** (the return of the *kavod* of Yahweh, as seen in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of God Returns to the Temple")), **Holiness and Purity** (the strict regulations for priests and temple access, exemplified in [Ezekiel 44](/ezekiel/44 "Ezekiel 44 - Ordinances for the Temple and Priests")), and **Restoration and Hope** for Israel's future. This verse specifically highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating that God's plan is not haphazard but meticulously designed, down to the dimensions of every court. The uniformity ("of one measure") points to **Completeness and Symmetry**, suggesting a perfect, harmonious divine design where every part is integrated and balanced. Furthermore, the functional purpose of these courts (as revealed in [Ezekiel 46:24](/ezekiel/46-24 "Ezekiel 46:24 - Purpose of the Cooking Courts") for preparing offerings) underscores the theme of **Worship and Sacrifice**, emphasizing that even the preparatory stages of worship require specific, consecrated spaces, reinforcing the sanctity of all activities within God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **corners (Hebrew, _maqtsôwaʻ_ H4740):** This term refers to an "angle or recess," derived from a root meaning to bend. In the context of architecture, it denotes the specific angular spaces or "corners" of the main court. The repetition of "four corners" emphasizes the symmetrical and comprehensive nature of the design, indicating that these specialized courts were located at each of the main cardinal points, ensuring a uniform and complete layout for the sacred complex.
* **joined (Hebrew, _qâṭar_ H7000):** This primitive root means "to inclose" or "join." In this verse, it indicates that these corner courts were not freestanding structures but were seamlessly integrated or connected to the main court structure. This suggests a unified architectural plan, where these auxiliary spaces were an intrinsic and inseparable part of the larger temple complex, rather than detached additions, signifying a holistic divine design.
* **measure (Hebrew, _middâh_ H4060):** Derived from a root meaning "extension," this word signifies "height or breadth," or more broadly, a "measure" including its standard. The phrase "of one measure" (with H259 'echâd, "one") is crucial, emphasizing the absolute uniformity and identical dimensions of all four corner courts. This highlights the divine precision and the absence of any deviation or imperfection in God's architectural blueprint, underscoring the perfect order and harmony of the sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the four corners of the court":** This phrase immediately establishes the precise location of the described structures within the larger temple complex, specifically at the four extremities or angles of the main court. The repetition of "four" emphasizes a complete, symmetrical arrangement, pointing to a divinely ordered and comprehensive design that encompasses the entire sacred precinct.
* **"[there were] courts joined":** This indicates the existence of distinct, yet integrated, auxiliary courts within each of the aforementioned corners. The word "joined" implies a seamless connection or inclusion within the overall architectural scheme, suggesting these were not isolated structures but an intrinsic part of a unified and coherent divine design.
* **"of forty [cubits] long and thirty broad":** This provides the precise dimensions of these corner courts. The numbers "forty" and "thirty" are significant, representing specific, divinely ordained measurements. This meticulous detail underscores the exactness and intentionality of God's design, leaving nothing to chance or human improvisation, and highlighting the tangible reality of the vision.
* **"these four corners [were] of one measure":** This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the perfect uniformity and identical nature of all four corner courts. The phrase "of one measure" emphasizes symmetry, balance, and completeness. It signifies that each of these specialized areas was precisely identical, reflecting a divine standard of perfection and order throughout the sacred space, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:22 primarily employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to convey its message. The precise numerical measurements ("forty cubits long and thirty broad") are a hallmark of Ezekiel's temple vision, emphasizing the divine blueprint's exactness and the meticulous nature of God's design. This **Precision** serves to underscore the reality, tangibility, and divine authority of the vision, contrasting with the destruction and chaos of the exile. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "four corners" and the concluding "these four corners were of one measure," which reinforces the idea of symmetry, completeness, and uniformity. This repeated emphasis on identical dimensions across all four corners highlights the perfect order and balance inherent in God's sacred architecture, suggesting a comprehensive and perfectly harmonious divine plan that leaves no room for human error or improvisation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:22, with its emphasis on precise measurements and uniform design, speaks profoundly to the character of God as a God of order, precision, and holiness. The meticulous detail in the temple blueprint reflects a divine intention where every element, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the overall sanctity and functionality of the sacred space. This divine order is not merely aesthetic but serves a theological purpose: to facilitate proper worship and maintain the purity required for God's holy presence. The designated nature of these courts for specific functions (as revealed in [Ezekiel 46:24](/ezekiel/46-24 "Ezekiel 46:24 - Purpose of the Cooking Courts")) underscores that true worship requires intentionality, preparation, and adherence to divine standards. This vision, given in a time of national devastation, offered a tangible promise of restoration and a future where God's presence would dwell among a purified people, in a perfectly ordered sanctuary, thereby instilling hope and reaffirming His covenant faithfulness.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed architectural specifications in Ezekiel 46:22, though describing a literal or symbolic temple, offer timeless principles for our spiritual lives. The divine emphasis on order, precision, and uniformity reminds us that God is not a God of chaos but of perfect design. This calls us to approach our own lives, our worship, and our service with intentionality and diligence, understanding that every detail matters in God's eyes when offered with a pure heart. Just as the temple's corner courts were specifically designed for the preparation of holy offerings, our lives are meant to be consecrated spaces where we prepare ourselves to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. This verse encourages us to pursue holiness and order in our personal walk, our families, and our communities, reflecting the character of the God we serve. It challenges us to consider if our lives truly reflect the meticulous and purposeful design of our Creator, and if we are dedicating our "corners"—even the seemingly mundane parts of our existence—to His glory, ensuring that every aspect of our being is aligned with His divine blueprint for our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine emphasis on precision and order in the temple blueprint challenge my own approach to personal discipline and spiritual growth?**
* **In what "corners" or seemingly small areas of my life might I need to apply greater intentionality and order to reflect God's character and purpose?**
* **How does the concept of dedicated spaces for holy preparation (like these courts) inform my understanding of the need for intentional preparation in my worship and service to God today?**

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

Answer: The precise measurements, such as those in [Ezekiel 46:22](/ezekiel/46-22 "Ezekiel 46:22 - Dimensions of the Corner Courts"), are highly significant for several reasons. First, they underscore the **divine origin and authority** of the vision, indicating that this is not a human construct but a meticulously revealed blueprint from God. Second, they emphasize God's character as a God of **order, precision, and perfection**, demonstrating that His plans are exact and comprehensive, leaving nothing to chance. Third, for the exilic community, these tangible details offered **concrete hope and assurance** of a future restoration, providing a vivid picture of God's renewed presence among His people. Finally, the exactness highlights the **holiness and sanctity** of the temple, where every dimension and function is divinely ordained to facilitate proper worship and maintain purity in God's presence.

**Were these "courts joined" for a specific purpose?**

Answer: Yes, indeed. While [Ezekiel 46:22](/ezekiel/46-22 "Ezekiel 46:22 - Dimensions of the Corner Courts") describes their dimensions and location, [Ezekiel 46:24](/ezekiel/46-24 "Ezekiel 46:24 - Purpose of the Cooking Courts") clarifies their specific purpose. These corner courts were designated as **"boiling places"** for the temple servants to prepare the sacrifices of the people. This highlights the meticulous nature of temple worship, where even the preparation of offerings required specific, consecrated areas. It ensured ritual purity and order, separating the sacred act of preparing sacrifices from other activities within the temple complex, thereby emphasizing the holiness required in all aspects of approaching God and the importance of proper handling of sacred offerings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel's temple vision provides a detailed blueprint for a physical structure, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are profoundly realized in Christ. The meticulous order and holiness emphasized in [Ezekiel 46:22](/ezekiel/46-22 "Ezekiel 46:22 - Dimensions of the Corner Courts"), particularly the designated spaces for preparing sacrifices, foreshadow the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its precise dimensions and sacrificial system, served as a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern")). Jesus, as the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the sacrificial requirements, rendering the elaborate temple rituals obsolete. His body became the true temple, destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). The "one measure" of the corner courts, signifying uniformity and perfection, points to the singular, perfect, and complete work of Christ, through whom believers now have direct access to God's presence, not in a physical temple, but through the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way") He inaugurated. Ultimately, the order and holiness of Ezekiel's vision find their spiritual culmination in the Church, the body of Christ, which is built together into a [holy temple in the Lord](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - The Church as a Holy Temple"), and in the heavenly city, the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem"), where God Himself and the Lamb are its temple, signifying perfect, eternal access to His glorious presence.

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.