And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.

EZEKIEL 40:15KJV
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Ezekiel 40:15 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:15 mean?

Ezekiel 40:15 describes the measured distance from the front of the gateway entrance to the front of the porch of the inner gate as fifty cubits. This verse is part of a detailed account of the temple’s architecture, focusing here on the length of a specific gateway structure.

The prophet Ezekiel is being shown a vision by a heavenly guide, who is measuring the future temple in Jerusalem. In this verse, the guide is measuring one of the gates that leads into the temple complex, providing exact dimensions to show the careful design and order of the structure.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:15

  • "face" (פָּנִים, panim): This word is used twice, indicating the "front" or "surface" of both the gate and the porch. It emphasizes the specific starting and ending points of the measurement.
  • "gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): Refers to the main entrance structure, highlighting the importance of the gateways in the temple’s layout.
  • "entrance" (מִפְתָּן, miptan): Points to the threshold or entryway, clarifying that the measurement begins at the very start of the gateway.
  • "porch" (אוּלָם, ulam): Refers to the vestibule or porch area at the inner end of the gate, marking the endpoint of the measurement.
  • "fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim) and "cubits" (אַמָּה, ammah): Together, these specify the exact length, which is about 75 feet or 23 meters, showing the scale of the temple’s construction.

Why Ezekiel 40:15 matters

  • This verse helps clear up how precise and intentional the temple’s design is, showing that every part was measured and planned.
  • By focusing on the gateway’s length, Ezekiel 40:15 highlights the importance of access and boundaries in the temple, which was central to Israel’s worship.
  • The detailed measurements connect this vision to earlier temple descriptions, helping readers see continuity and fulfillment in God’s plans for worship spaces.

Where else these words appear

“porch” Hebrew H197 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,
  • Ezekiel 40:40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.

“inner” Hebrew H6442 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:27 And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.
  • Ezekiel 8:16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.
  • Ezekiel 41:17 To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure.

“cubits” Hebrew H520 · used in 132 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
  • Ezekiel 40:9 Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.