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Ezekiel 40:23

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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.

And the gate {H8179} of the inner {H6442} court {H2691} was over against the gate {H8179} toward the north {H6828}, and toward the east {H6921}; and he measured {H4058} from gate {H8179} to gate {H8179} an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}.

There were gates to the inner courtyard across from the gates to the north and east; he measured 175 feet from each outer gate to its corresponding inner gate.

There was a gate to the inner court facing the north gate, just as there was on the east. He measured the distance from gateway to gateway to be a hundred cubits.

And there was a gate to the inner court over against the other gate, both on the north and on the east; and he measured from gate to gate a hundred cubits.

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 40:23

Ezekiel 40 marks a significant turning point in the book of Ezekiel, initiating a lengthy and detailed vision of a new temple given to the prophet while he was in Babylonian exile. This comprehensive architectural blueprint follows chapters of judgment and promise, offering a powerful message of hope and restoration for a desolate people. Verses 1-22 describe the outer court and its gates. Ezekiel 40:23 specifically focuses on the inner court, detailing the precise location of its gates and the exact distance of one hundred cubits between them. This meticulous description underscores the divine origin and importance of the vision, emphasizing order and specific requirements for access to God's sacred space.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exacting measurements, such as the "hundred cubits" (approximately 150-175 feet or 45-53 meters), highlight God's meticulous attention to detail and His desire for order in worship and in His dwelling place. This precision signifies the holiness and perfection associated with God's presence.
  • Access and Separation: The mention of gates for both the inner and outer courts emphasizes controlled access. The inner court was a more restricted area, typically reserved for priests and specific sacrificial rites, signifying a deeper level of holiness and separation from the common areas. This design reflects God's nature as holy and set apart.
  • Symbolism of God's Dwelling: While there is ongoing theological discussion about whether this temple is a literal future structure or a symbolic representation of spiritual realities (such as the Church or the New Jerusalem), the detailed blueprint points to God's enduring desire to dwell among His people in a structured, holy manner. It prefigures the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity as described in Revelation 21:3.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubits" (Hebrew: 'ammah) was a standard ancient unit of measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally around 18-21 inches. The repetition of "hundred cubits" throughout this chapter for various dimensions (e.g., Ezekiel 40:19) reinforces the theme of exactness in God's architectural plan.

Practical Application

This verse, though seemingly technical, offers profound spiritual insights. It reminds us that God values order, precision, and holiness in our approach to Him. Just as the ancient temple had specific pathways and measurements for worship, our spiritual lives should reflect intentionality and reverence in drawing near to God. It encourages us to consider the sacredness of God's presence and to live lives that reflect His divine order, preparing our hearts as a spiritual dwelling place for Him, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 40:19 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 40:28 (3 votes)

    And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

  • Ezekiel 40:44 (2 votes)

    And without the inner gate [were] the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which [was] at the side of the north gate; and their prospect [was] toward the south: one at the side of the east gate [having] the prospect toward the north.

  • Exodus 38:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court [were of] fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

  • Exodus 38:12 (2 votes)

    And for the west side [were] hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver.

  • Exodus 27:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side: