Ezekiel 40:22
And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵילַמָּ֖ו
and the arches
H361
וְאֵילַמָּ֖ו
and the arches
Strong's:
H361
Word #:
2 of 15
a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e., a pale (or portico)
וְתִ֣ימֹרָ֔ו
and their palm trees
H8561
וְתִ֣ימֹרָ֔ו
and their palm trees
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
3 of 15
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
כְּמִדַּ֣ת
were after the measure
H4060
כְּמִדַּ֣ת
were after the measure
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃
that looketh
H6440
לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃
that looketh
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
toward
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
8 of 15
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הַקָּדִ֑ים
the east
H6921
הַקָּדִ֑ים
the east
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
9 of 15
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
וּבְמַעֲל֥וֹת
steps
H4609
וּבְמַעֲל֥וֹת
steps
Strong's:
H4609
Word #:
10 of 15
elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o
שֶׁ֙בַע֙
unto it by seven
H7651
שֶׁ֙בַע֙
unto it by seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
11 of 15
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יַֽעֲלוּ
and they went up
H5927
יַֽעֲלוּ
and they went up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
12 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Cross References
Ezekiel 40:37And the posts thereof were toward the utter 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 40:31And 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 40:6Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad.Ezekiel 40:49The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; and he brought me by the steps whereby they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.Ezekiel 40:16And 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 40:26And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.Ezekiel 40:34And 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.
Historical Context
The eastern orientation held theological significance—God's glory departed eastward when judgment came (Ezekiel 11:23) and will return from the east in restoration (Ezekiel 43:1-5). The seven steps echo the seven-branched lampstand (menorah) and seven days of creation. Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured stepped approaches, but here the steps symbolize graduated holiness and the progressive journey into God's presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the imagery of ascending steps toward God's presence challenge you to view spiritual growth as a progressive journey rather than a single decision?
- What do the consistent measurements across all gates teach you about God's impartiality and the equal access all believers have to His presence through Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east—The architectural consistency across all gates emphasizes equality of access and uniformity of holiness. Seven steps (שֶׁבַע מַעֲלוֹת, sheva ma'alot) led up to the outer court gates, while eight steps led to the inner court (40:31, 34, 37), symbolizing progressive ascent into God's presence. The number seven represents completeness and covenant perfection.
The timmorot (תִּמֹּרֹת, palm trees) decorated the gate posts as ornamental carvings, recalling Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:29, 32) and symbolizing righteousness and flourishing life (Psalm 92:12). Palms also evoke the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40) and eschatological worship (Revelation 7:9). Every decorative element connects past worship, present vision, and future fulfillment.