And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

EZEKIEL 40:34KJV
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Ezekiel 40:34 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:34 mean?

Ezekiel 40:34 describes part of the temple vision where the arches of a gateway face the outer court, with palm tree decorations on the posts on both sides, and eight steps leading up to it. This verse gives a detailed description of the temple’s architecture as seen by Ezekiel in his vision.

In this part of Ezekiel, the prophet is being shown a future temple by a heavenly guide. The verse highlights specific features: the direction of the arches, the decorative palm trees, and the number of steps. These details help paint a vivid picture of the temple’s structure and beauty, emphasizing order and symbolism in the design.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:34

  • "arches" (אֵילָם, 'eylam): This word refers to a porch or vestibule, often understood as a grand entrance or gateway. Its use here points to the impressive and formal entryways of the temple.
  • "outward" (חִיצוֹן, ḥiṣon): This word means "outer" or "external," clarifying that the gateway faces the outer court, not the inner areas of the temple.
  • "trees" (תָּמָר, tamar): This is the word for "palm tree." Palm trees were a common decorative motif in ancient temples, symbolizing beauty and victory.
  • "posts" (אֵיל, 'eyl): This word means "pillar" or "post," referring to the structural supports at the entrance, which were decorated with palm trees.
  • "eight" (שְׁמוֹנֶה, shemoneh): This is the number eight, specifying the exact number of steps leading up to the gateway, which may have symbolic significance in temple design.
  • "steps" (מַעֲלָה, ma‘alah): This word means "step" or "stair," describing the physical ascent to the gateway.

Why Ezekiel 40:34 matters

  • Ezekiel 40:34 helps clarify the layout and design of the visionary temple, showing that the entrances were both functional and richly decorated.
  • The mention of palm trees and the specific number of steps highlights the importance of symbolism and order in the temple’s construction, which was meant to reflect God’s holiness and beauty.
  • This verse connects to the larger passage by showing the careful attention to detail in Ezekiel’s vision, reinforcing that every part of the temple had meaning and purpose.

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.

“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.