And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.

EZEKIEL 40:22KJV
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Ezekiel 40:22 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:22 mean?

Ezekiel 40:22 describes the architectural features of a northern gate in the temple vision, noting that its windows, arches, and palm tree decorations matched those of the eastern gate, and that it was approached by seven steps with arches in front. The verse highlights the symmetry and careful design of the temple’s entrances as Ezekiel saw them in his vision.

In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown detailed measurements and features of a future temple by a heavenly guide. The focus is on the north-facing gate, comparing its structure to the east-facing one previously described. The mention of windows, arches, palm trees, and the seven steps shows the attention to detail and orderliness in the vision, emphasizing the importance of design and repetition in the temple’s layout.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:22

  • "windows" (חַלּוֹן, ḥallon): This word refers to openings for light and air. The mention of windows in the gate emphasizes both function and beauty in the temple’s construction.
  • "arches" (אֵילָם, eylam): This term often means porch or vestibule, indicating a covered entrance area. The repetition of arches before the gates shows a consistent architectural style.
  • "palm trees" (תָּמָר, tamar): Palm tree carvings were decorative features, symbolizing beauty and possibly victory or righteousness in ancient Israelite art.
  • "measure" (מִדָּה, middah): This word means measurement or size, underlining that the north gate was built to the same specifications as the east gate, reinforcing the theme of order and symmetry.

Why Ezekiel 40:22 matters

  • Ezekiel 40:22 helps clear up that the temple vision is not random or haphazard; every gate and feature is intentionally designed and measured, showing a sense of divine order.
  • The verse connects the north gate to the east gate, emphasizing that all entrances to the temple share the same dignity and importance, not favoring one direction over another.
  • By describing specific architectural details, Ezekiel 40:22 sets the stage for the rest of the temple vision, helping readers picture the grandeur and holiness of the place Ezekiel is shown.

Where else these words appear

“arches” Hebrew H361 · used in 12 verses

  • Ezekiel 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.
  • Ezekiel 40:25 And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
  • Ezekiel 40:31 And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps.

“trees” Hebrew H8561 · used in 16 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 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.
  • Ezekiel 41:18 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;

“windows” Hebrew H2474 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
  • 1 Kings 6:4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
  • Ezekiel 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.

“steps” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
  • Psalms 132:1 A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: