TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
In the four corners of the court there were courts enclosed, forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four in the corners were of one measure.
Geneva Bible (1599)
In the foure corners of the court there were courts ioyned of fourty cubits long, and thirty broad: these foure corners were of one measure.
Young's Literal Translation
In the four corners of the court are perfume courts, forty long, and thirty broad, one measure is to the four corners.
In the KJVVerse 21,678 of 31,102
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Commentary on Ezekiel 46 verses 19–24
19 ¶ After he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there was a place on the two sides westward.
20 Then said he unto me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear them not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.
21 Then he brought me forth into the utter court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and, behold, in every corner of the court there was a court.
22 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.
23 And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about.
24 Then said he unto me, These are the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.
We have here a further discovery of buildings about the temple, which we did not observe before, and those were places to boil the flesh of the offerings in, Eze 46:20. He that kept such a plentiful table at his altar needed large kitchens; and a wise builder will provide conveniences of that kind. Observe, 1. Where those boiling-places were situated. There were some at the entry into the inner court (Eze 46:19) and others under the rows, in the four corners of the outer court, Eze 46:21-23. These were the places where, it is likely, there was most room to spare for this purpose; and this purpose was found for the spare room, that none might be lost. It is a pity that holy ground should be waste ground. 2. What use they were put to. In those places they were to boil the trespass-offering and the sin-offering, those parts of them which were allotted to the priests and which were more sacred than the flesh of the peace-offerings, of which the offerer also had a share. There also they were to bake the meat-offering, their share of it, which they had from the altar for their own tables, Eze 46:20. Care was taken that they should not bear them out into the outer court, to sanctify the people. Let them not pretend to sanctify the people with this holy flesh, and so impose upon them; or let not the people imagine that by touching those sacred things they were sanctified, and made any the better or more acceptable to God. It should seem (from Hag 2:12) that there were those who had such a conceit; and therefore the priests must not carry any of the holy flesh away with them, lest they should encourage that conceit. Ministers must take heed of doing any thing to bolster up ignorant people in their superstitious vanities.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 19–24. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 19 and following) And he led me through the entrance that was on the side (or behind) the gate into the treasuries of the sanctuary, to the priests (or into chambers and rooms) that faced north. And there was a place there that faced west (or the sea: and as the LXX translated, separated). And he said to me: This is the place where the priests boil for the offense and for the sin (or for ignorance and therefore) where they boil the sacrifice (or the manna and the offering) so that they do not carry it out into the outer court, and the people may be sanctified. And he led me into the outer courtyard, and he led me around the four corners of the courtyard. And behold, there was a smaller courtyard in the corner of the courtyard, with a smaller courtyard in each corner of the courtyard. In the four corners of the courtyard, the smaller courtyards were arranged, forty cubits in length and thirty cubits in width. The measurements of each were the same: and a wall surrounded the four smaller courtyards in a circle. And kitchens were built underneath the colonnades around (or near) the dining areas, which Aquila interpreted as recesses, Symmachus as enclosures, and Theodotion put the Hebrew word Turoth itself. And he said, 'This is the house of the kitchens, where the ministers of the house cook the sacrifices of the people. For in Hebrew, Zeba means a man who holds a reed in his hand and a string of a mason, with which he measures the building. He led me, he says, through the entrance, which was on the side of the gate or behind the gate. He did not specify which gate, whether eastern, southern, or of another direction, but left it uncertain so that I would go to the place of the sanctuary, and to the treasury, or to the chambers of the priests, which faced north and the sea, namely, to the north and west. Holy Scripture has the custom of always calling the sea the west, according to the position of the land of Judaea. And it is to be noted that the place of the priests, where they cook sacrifices for transgressions, or ignorance, and for sins, so that they are not offered raw, is situated in the outer court facing north and west, from where the coldest wind arises and where the light of the sun sets. From this it is evident that whatever pertains to food is either for error or for sin. But if a sacrifice is offered also for ignorance, how much more for the consciousness of a transgression! Hence, Job offered a daily morning sacrifice for his sons, fearing that they had transgressed in ignorance. But what follows, 'So that they do not offer in the outer court, and the people who were not prepared for sanctification may be sanctified,' means that we should not lightly give holy things to those who are not sanctified, nor should we cast pearls before swine, nor give what is holy to dogs, as the Gospel says. Finally, Moses wished the people to be sanctified for three days from all impurity and from the embrace of their wives, so that they might approach Mount Sinai and receive the holy things when they were sanctified. But if they were commanded to be sanctified from their wives in order to approach and receive the words of God, it is clear that it is contained in the Law of the Apostles: 'Do not defraud one another, unless by consent for a time, so that you may give yourselves to prayer.' And with consent, we must abstain from our wives so that we may give ourselves to prayer. After this, it is written, 'And he led me into the outer court and led me around the four corners of the court. And behold, there was a small courtyard in the corner of the court, with small courtyards placed in each corner of the court, arranged in the four corners of the court.' That man, whom he often mentions, led him out from the place of the priests, which faced north or was separate, where the priests cook for transgressions, sins, or ignorance, and led him into the outer court. From this we understand that the court from which he went out was inside, and there were many courts in the Holy Scriptures, about which we read, 'You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.' And in John, 'And I have other sheep that are not of this fold, and it is necessary that I bring them also, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one fold and one shepherd.' For this in Greek is called αὐλὴ, which the simple Latin translation rendered as a sheepfold. But when he says, 'of this fold,' he shows that there is another one, which is either demonstrated in the multitude of the nations for the distinction from Israel or in heaven for the separation of the earthly fold. And according to the quality of merits, each office is assigned to a particular court, about which we have spoken more fully earlier. But this court that is now being discussed had small courtyards at each of its four corners, which the Seventy call minor, and we have called them small courtyards for the sake of easier understanding. They were forty cubits long and thirty cubits wide. Concerning these numbers, I remember that I have discussed in this same work that one refers to tribulations and narrowness, the other to perfect age. For forty days, Moses, Elijah, the Lord and Savior fasted in the wilderness, and they reach the priestly office not after the twenty-fifth year of age, but after the thirtieth. Therefore, the Lord was thirty years old when he came for baptism, and in this same work, the thirtieth year is mentioned at the beginning. Wherever there is food, there is also distress and temptation through which provisions are obtained. And when we reach the perfect age of man, everything must be trampled upon, and we must say, 'Having food and clothing, let us be content with these.' And, 'If the Lord gives me food to eat and clothes to cover me.' Or certainly, 'Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will destroy both it and them.' For we will not eat or drink in the future, but we will be nourished by the bread that descends from heaven, about which it is sung in the Psalms, 'Man ate the bread of angels.' And, 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me.' But concerning the measure of the small courtyards, which possessed the corners of the large court, it signifies the four regions of the world. For in the sweat of our faces we eat bread, and every laborally profiting conduces to the stomach. Those four small courtyards or one wall surrounded, and kitchens were built underneath the colonnades all around, or they had nearby alcoves, so that where there is food, there is also the preparation of measures. And lest the prophet might not know what these things that he saw were, he said to him, 'This is the house of the kitchens, where the ministers of the Lord cook the sacrifices of the people.' Indeed, the sacrifices of the people, which are offered for transgressions, sins, and ignorance, are the food and refreshment of the priests, so that they remember not to seek anything else when the meats are also prepared for their refreshment in the temple.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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), and the regulations for priests and the prince, emphasizing the functional aspects of worship. Specifically, Ezekiel 46 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 providing the exact dimensions of these corner courts, setting the stage for the explanation of their purpose in Ezekiel 46:24. 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, 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 contributes significantly, include Divine Presence and Glory (the return of the kavod of Yahweh, as seen in Ezekiel 43:1-5), Holiness and Purity (the strict regulations for priests and temple access, exemplified in Ezekiel 44), 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 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
Verse Breakdown
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) 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.
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
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, 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 describes their dimensions and location, Ezekiel 46:24 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, 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). Jesus, as the ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, 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). 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 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, and in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where God Himself and the Lamb are its temple, signifying perfect, eternal access to His glorious presence.