Ezekiel Chapter 42 · Verse 7
And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.
Original Language Analysis
וְגָדֵ֤ר
And the wall
H1447
וְגָדֵ֤ר
And the wall
Strong's:
H1447
Word #:
1 of 14
a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לַחוּץ֙
that was without
H2351
לַחוּץ֙
that was without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
לְעֻמַּ֣ת
over against
H5980
לְעֻמַּ֣ת
over against
Strong's:
H5980
Word #:
4 of 14
conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with
הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
of the chambers
H3957
הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
of the chambers
Strong's:
H3957
Word #:
5 of 14
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
toward
H1870
דֶּ֛רֶךְ
toward
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
6 of 14
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
הֶחָצֵ֥ר
court
H2691
הֶחָצֵ֥ר
court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
7 of 14
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הַחִֽצוֹנָ֖ה
the utter
H2435
הַחִֽצוֹנָ֖ה
the utter
Strong's:
H2435
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)
פְּנֵ֣י
on the forepart
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
on the forepart
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
of the chambers
H3957
הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
of the chambers
Strong's:
H3957
Word #:
11 of 14
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
Historical Context
The outer court in Solomon's temple (and later Herod's) accommodated Israelite worshipers, while inner courts and chambers were restricted to priests. The wall described here maintained this separation in Ezekiel's vision. Ancient temples throughout the Near East used walls and gates to create graduated zones of holiness, but Israel's theology uniquely emphasized covenant relationship alongside transcendent holiness. The measurements conveyed that worship requires both intimacy and reverence.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain healthy boundaries (walls) between sacred and common in your daily life?
- What does the balance of accessibility and separation in temple design teach about approaching God?
Analysis & Commentary
And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits. The Hebrew gāder (גָּדֵר, "wall") describes a partition or boundary. This exterior wall, over against the chambers (opposite, parallel to them), faced the ḥāṣēr haḥîṣônâ (חָצֵר הַחִיצוֹנָה, "outer court"). The measurement of fifty cubits (approximately 75 feet) provided specific dimensional proportion.
Walls in temple architecture serve theological purposes beyond structural function. They mark boundaries between sacred and common, controlling access and maintaining holiness. The outer wall reminded worshipers that God's presence, while accessible through proper means, remains holy and separate. This balance—accessible yet holy, near yet transcendent—characterizes biblical revelation. Christ tears down walls separating Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14) while maintaining God's holiness. We approach boldly yet reverently (Hebrews 4:16).