Ezekiel 46:22
In the four corners of the court there were courts joined of forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four corners were of one measure.
Original Language Analysis
חֲצֵר֣וֹת
of the court
H2691
חֲצֵר֣וֹת
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 13
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
חֲצֵר֣וֹת
of the court
H2691
חֲצֵר֣וֹת
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
4 of 13
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
מִדָּ֣ה
measure
H4060
מִדָּ֣ה
measure
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
Historical Context
Ancient architecture often featured asymmetry based on hierarchy—important spaces larger. Ezekiel's vision prescribes identical corner courts, emphasizing equality before God. This principle appears throughout Scripture: tabernacle's identical boards (Exodus 26:15-25), twelve tribes' equal treatment (Numbers 1-2), apostles' equal authority (Matthew 19:28). Uniformity in sacred space demonstrates that all worshipers approach God on equal terms—through grace, not human merit.
Questions for Reflection
- What does uniform measurements for all corner courts teach about equality before God?
- How does architectural equality reflect spiritual impartiality?
- Where else in Scripture do we see uniformity demonstrating equal standing before God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In the four corners of the court there were courts joined of forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four corners were of one measure—The corner courts measured אַרְבָּעִים אֹרֶךְ (arbaʿîm ʾōrekh, '40 [cubits] length') and שְׁלֹשִׁים רֹחַב (shĕlōshîm rōḥab, '30 [cubits] width')—approximately 60 x 45 feet. קְטֻרוֹת (qĕṭurôt, 'joined/enclosed').
אַרְבַּעְתָּם מִדָּה אֶחָת (arbaʿtām middāh ʾeḥāt, 'the four of them, one measurement')—uniformity. Identical dimensions demonstrate consistency, equality, and order. No corner court was privileged; all equal. This reflects God's impartiality (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11) and orderly character. Uniform measurements ensure fair distribution of worship facilities, preventing favoritism. New Testament parallel: spiritual gifts differ (1 Corinthians 12:4-6), but all are equally valuable and necessary in Christ's body.