Exodus 27:18
The length of the court shall be an hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.
Original Language Analysis
הֶֽחָצֵר֩
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵר֩
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
2 of 14
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
מֵאָ֨ה
shall be an hundred
H3967
מֵאָ֨ה
shall be an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
3 of 14
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
11 of 14
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
Historical Context
The 5-cubit height was tall enough to prevent animals from jumping over and to create clear boundaries, yet low enough that activities at the altar and laver remained visible to the congregation gathered outside. This balance between transparency and separation characterized the old covenant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God balance revelation (we can see) with mystery (we can't fully see)?
- What does the courtyard's defined dimensions teach about God creating appropriate sacred space?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Summary: the courtyard's complete dimensions—100 × 50 cubits, 5 cubits high (approximately 150' × 75' × 7.5'). These specific measurements create defined sacred space, neither too vast (overwhelming) nor too small (restrictive). The 5-cubit height (about 7.5 feet) allowed visibility of activity inside while maintaining separation—a reminder that God's workings are neither completely hidden nor fully exposed. We see 'through a glass darkly' but we do see (1 Corinthians 13:12).