And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.

EZEKIEL 40:26KJV
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Ezekiel 40:26 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:26 mean?

Ezekiel 40:26 describes the approach to the south gate of the outer court in the temple Ezekiel sees in his vision. The seven steps show that the entrance stands above the ground in front of it. Palm-tree decorations mark the posts on either side of the gate.

The KJV’s “arches” refers to part of the gate structure near the entrance. The palm trees are part of the gate’s decoration, giving the entrance a balanced appearance.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:26

  • “arches” — אֻלָּם (ullam): This word often refers to a porch or entrance hall. The KJV’s “arches” may suggest curved structures, but the Hebrew points more generally to a roofed entrance space.
  • “posts” — אַיִל (ayil): This word can refer to a pillar or a projecting part of a gateway. Here it identifies the supports or structural features that carry the palm-tree decorations.

Why Ezekiel 40:26 matters

  • The entrance has a deliberate design, not just a way through a wall. The matching palm trees on the two sides show attention to balance.
  • The seven steps help the reader picture the layout in the wider passage. Ezekiel’s guide is showing him a complex with gates, courts, and changes in level, rather than a single flat building.

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 40:24 After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.
  • 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;

“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: