And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.

EZEKIEL 40:39KJV
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Ezekiel 40:39 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:39 mean?

Ezekiel 40:39 describes how, in the porch area of the temple gate, there were four tables—two on each side—set up specifically for slaughtering animals for different types of offerings: burnt offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings. This detail shows the arrangement and preparation for sacrifices in the temple vision Ezekiel is describing.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being shown around a future temple by a heavenly guide. The verse gives a glimpse into the practical setup for sacrifices, emphasizing the order and care in the temple’s design. The mention of specific offerings highlights the importance of ritual worship and atonement in Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:39

  • "porch" (אוּלָם, 'ulam): This word refers to the entrance hall or vestibule of the gate, marking a transition space between the outside and the temple’s inner areas. Its mention shows the sacrifices took place in a designated, semi-public area.
  • "slay" (שָׁחַט, shachat): This verb means to slaughter or kill, specifically in the context of ritual sacrifice. It clarifies that these tables were not for display but for the actual preparation of offerings.
  • "burnt offering" (עֹלָה, olah), "sin offering" (חַטָּאָה, chatta'ah), "trespass offering" (אָשָׁם, asham): Each term refers to a distinct type of sacrifice with its own purpose—dedication, atonement for sin, and restitution for wrongdoing, respectively. Their listing together shows the full range of sacrificial worship envisioned in the temple.

Why Ezekiel 40:39 matters

  • Ezekiel 40:39 clears up that the temple vision includes detailed, practical instructions for worship, not just symbolic or spiritual ideas.
  • The verse highlights the importance of ritual purity and order in Israel’s worship, showing that sacrifices were to be handled with care and in specific places.
  • This detail connects to the wider passage by showing how the new temple is designed to restore proper worship practices, which had been lost or corrupted before the exile.

Where else these words appear

“porch” Hebrew H197 · used in 29 verses

  • 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.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,
  • Ezekiel 40:40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.

“offering” Hebrew H817 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 26:10 And Abimelech said, What is this thou hast done unto us? one of the people might lightly have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldest have brought guiltiness upon us.
  • Leviticus 7:37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meat offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings;
  • Numbers 6:12 And he shall consecrate unto the LORD the days of his separation, and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering: but the days that were before shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

“tables” Hebrew H7979 · used in 62 verses

  • Exodus 25:23 Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
  • 1 Samuel 20:29 And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
  • Nehemiah 5:17 Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.

“slay” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 2 Kings 10:7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him them to Jezreel.