Ezekiel 40:23
And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.
Original Language Analysis
לֶחָצֵ֣ר
court
H2691
לֶחָצֵ֣ר
court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
2 of 13
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
נֶ֣גֶד
H5048
נֶ֣גֶד
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
4 of 13
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
לַצָּפ֖וֹן
toward the north
H6828
לַצָּפ֖וֹן
toward the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
וְלַקָּדִ֑ים
and toward the east
H6921
וְלַקָּדִ֑ים
and toward the east
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
7 of 13
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
וַיָּ֧מָד
and he measured
H4058
וַיָּ֧מָד
and he measured
Strong's:
H4058
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
Historical Context
Ancient temples typically featured outer and inner courts with progressively restricted access—laypeople in outer courts, priests in inner courts. Ezekiel's temple elaborates this pattern with unprecedented detail. The hundred-cubit measurement appears repeatedly (40:19, 23, 27, 47), creating a modular, mathematically harmonious design reflecting the order of creation itself (Genesis 1).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the generous space God provides in His temple vision challenge cramped, restrictive views of grace or worship?
- What does the perfect alignment of inner and outer gates teach you about integrity—the alignment between external religious practice and internal heart devotion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east—The Hebrew neged (נֶגֶד, "over against") indicates direct alignment: outer gates faced corresponding inner gates across the outer court. He measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits (approximately 175 feet)—this distance created spacious courts for worshipers, unlike the cramped conditions of Solomon's temple courts expanded haphazardly over time.
The precision of this layout reflects divine order contrasted with human chaos. The exiles in Babylon knew only devastation and disorder; this vision promised restoration with perfect symmetry and generous space. The hundred cubits may symbolize fullness or completion (10 x 10). The alignment of gates also facilitated processions and created clear sight lines toward the sanctuary, keeping worshipers focused on God's presence at the center.