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.

EZEKIEL 40:31KJV
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Ezekiel 40:31 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:31 mean?

Ezekiel 40:31 describes part of the temple vision Ezekiel receives, specifically noting that the gateway’s arches faced the outer court, palm trees decorated the posts, and there were eight steps leading up to it. This verse gives architectural details about one of the entrances to the temple complex Ezekiel saw in his vision.

In this section, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown a detailed vision of a future temple by a heavenly guide. The verse focuses on the north gate of the inner court, describing its features and how it connects to the outer court. The mention of palm trees and the number of steps highlights the care and order in the temple’s design, showing both beauty and structure.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:31

  • "Utter" (חִיצוֹן, ḥiṣon): This word means "outer" or "external." Here, it clarifies that the arches faced toward the outer court, emphasizing the orientation of the gateway.
  • "Palm trees" (תָּמָר, tamar): This word refers to the decorative carvings or designs of palm trees on the posts, a symbol often associated with beauty and righteousness in biblical imagery.
  • "Posts" (אֵיל, ’ēl): This term means the supporting pillars or columns of the gate. Their decoration with palm trees suggests attention to both strength and ornamentation.
  • "Steps" (מַעֲלָה, ma‘alah): This word means "steps" or "stairs," and the mention of eight steps is specific, possibly indicating a deliberate design choice or symbolic meaning in the temple’s layout.

Why Ezekiel 40:31 matters

  • Ezekiel 40:31 helps readers visualize the temple Ezekiel saw, showing that the vision is detailed and concrete, not just symbolic or abstract.
  • The verse highlights the importance of order and beauty in the temple’s design, with specific numbers and decorative elements like palm trees.
  • This detail connects to the larger passage, where Ezekiel is led through a careful, step-by-step tour of the temple, emphasizing God’s attention to every aspect of worship and space.

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 40:30 And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.

“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;

“up” Hebrew H4608 · used in 18 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Judges 8:13 And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,
  • Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.

“utter” 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.