And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.

EZEKIEL 40:20KJV
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Ezekiel 40:20 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:20 mean?

Ezekiel 40:20 describes how the man guiding Ezekiel measures the northern gate of the outer court of the temple, recording both its length and its width. This verse is part of a detailed account of the temple’s structure, focusing here on the exact dimensions of one specific gate.

In this scene, Ezekiel is being shown a vision by a heavenly guide, who is carefully measuring different parts of a future temple. The attention to the northern gate’s measurements highlights the importance of order and precision in the temple’s design. This verse fits into a larger section where Ezekiel records each part of the temple complex as it is measured.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:20

  • "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): This word refers specifically to a gateway or entrance, emphasizing the importance of access points in the temple’s layout.
  • "outward" (חִיצוֹן, ḥiṣon): This word means "outer" or "external," clarifying that the gate being measured is not an inner gate but one on the perimeter of the temple complex.
  • "court" (חָצֵר, ḥaṣer): This term refers to an open enclosure, showing that the gate leads into a larger, open area rather than a building.
  • "measured" (מָדַד, madad): This verb means to measure or determine dimensions, highlighting the careful, deliberate process of recording the temple’s specifications.

Why Ezekiel 40:20 matters

  • This verse shows the level of detail and care in God’s instructions for the temple, suggesting that every part of worship and community space is significant.
  • By focusing on the northern gate, Ezekiel 40:20 helps the reader picture the temple as a real, physical place, not just a symbol or idea.
  • The act of measuring each gate and court connects to the broader theme in Ezekiel 40–48 of restoration and order after a time of chaos and loss for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“outward” Hebrew H2435 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 10:5 And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
  • Ezekiel 42:7 And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.

“measured” Hebrew H4058 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • Ezekiel 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
  • Ezekiel 41:13 So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

“breadth” Hebrew H7341 · used in 89 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 6:20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
  • Ezekiel 41:3 Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.

“length” Hebrew H753 · used in 90 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 6:3 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.
  • Ezekiel 40:36 The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.