The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

EZEKIEL 41:22KJV
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Ezekiel 41:22 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 41:22 mean?

Ezekiel 41:22 describes a wooden altar in the temple vision, giving its height and length, and states that its corners, length, and walls are all made of wood. The verse ends with the declaration that this altar is "the table that is before the LORD," highlighting its special place in God's presence.

In this vision, God is showing Ezekiel the detailed design of a future temple. Ezekiel is being guided by a heavenly messenger who points out the features of the sanctuary. The verse emphasizes the altar's construction and its role as a table before the LORD (Yahweh), connecting it to worship and the offering of sacrifices in the temple.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 41:22

  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach; "altar", H4196): This word means "altar," a place for offerings. Here, it is specifically described as being made of wood, which is unusual compared to the stone altars described elsewhere in the Old Testament.
  • עֵץ (etz; "wood", H6086): The repeated mention of wood underlines the material of the altar, setting it apart from other temple furnishings often made of metal or stone.
  • שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan; "table", H7979): The altar is called a "table," which is not the usual term for an altar. This suggests a close link between the altar and the idea of a table set before God, possibly highlighting fellowship or communion.
  • לִפְנֵי יְהוָה (lifnei YHWH; "before the LORD", H6440, H3068): This phrase stresses that the altar/table stands directly in God's presence, marking it as central to worship.

Why Ezekiel 41:22 matters

  • Ezekiel 41:22 clarifies that the altar in this vision is made entirely of wood, which is different from the stone or bronze altars described elsewhere, suggesting a unique design for this future temple.
  • By calling the altar a "table," the verse hints at a deeper meaning—possibly that offerings are seen as a meal shared before God, not just a ritual act.
  • This verse connects to the larger vision in Ezekiel 40–48, where detailed temple measurements and furnishings symbolize God's renewed presence among His people.

Where else these words appear

“corners” Hebrew H4740 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
  • Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.
  • Nehemiah 3:25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

“high” Hebrew H1364 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Job 41:34 He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride.
  • Isaiah 57:7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

“table” 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.

“walls” Hebrew H7023 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 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 8:8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.