Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 40:8
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
A portico is a covered area at the entrance of a building, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a vestibule or porch where people gather before entering the main building.
Definition: A hall or porch of the temple
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: porch. See also: 1 Kings 6:3; Ezekiel 40:7; Joel 2:17.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
This word describes a branch or reed, and is used to represent measurement, strength, or support. In the Bible, it is used to describe objects like the rod of a steelyard or the branches of a lampstand.
Definition: : branch 1) reed, stalk, bone, balances 1a) stalk 1b) water-plant, reed 1c) calamus (aromatic reed) 1d) derived meanings 1d1) measuring-rod 1d2) reed (as unit of measure-6 cubits) 1d3) beam (of scales-for scales themselves) 1d4) shaft (of lampstand) 1d5) branches (of lampstand) 1d6) shoulder-joint
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, [idiom] spearman, stalk. See also: Genesis 41:5; Isaiah 19:6; Psalms 68:31.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Ezekiel 40:8 Summary
[Ezekiel 40:8 describes the portico of the gateway, which is the entrance to the temple. This verse shows us that God is interested in the details of our lives and our worship. Just like the temple had specific measurements and features, our lives should reflect God's precision and attention to detail, as seen in Exodus 25:9 and Matthew 5:18. As we read this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply the principles of transition, purification, and obedience to our own spiritual journeys.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the portico of the gateway in Ezekiel 40:8?
The portico of the gateway is an important architectural feature that serves as an entrance to the temple, symbolizing the transition from the outer court to the inner sanctuary, as seen in Ezekiel 40:9 and 1 Kings 6:3.
Why does the measurement of the portico matter in this verse?
The measurement of the portico is crucial because it provides a detailed description of the temple's architecture, emphasizing God's attention to detail and the importance of precise obedience, as seen in Exodus 25:9 and Hebrews 8:5.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Ezekiel 40?
This verse is part of a larger description of the temple's architecture, highlighting God's plan for the restoration of Israel and the rebuilding of the temple, as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:26-28 and fulfilled in Ezra 6:13-15.
What can we learn from the measurements and descriptions in Ezekiel 40:8?
The measurements and descriptions in this verse teach us about the importance of precision, attention to detail, and obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 12:32 and Matthew 5:18.
Reflection Questions
- What does the portico of the gateway represent in my own spiritual journey, and how can I apply the principles of transition and purification to my life?
- How can I, like the prophet Ezekiel, pay attention to the details of God's plan and instructions for my life, and what are the consequences of disobedience or neglect?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, serve as a gateway or entrance for others to experience God's presence and love, and what are the responsibilities that come with this role?
- How does the description of the temple's architecture in Ezekiel 40:8 relate to the spiritual temple of the Church, and what are the implications for our corporate worship and service?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:8
He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed. This was either the measure of the breadth of the porch between the opposite chambers on both sides; or rather of the length of that space,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 40:8
He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:8
The porch; the posts, which were joined together at the top by an arch, and so made the portico, say some. The open space under the arch between the posts, or the ally which leads from the gate into the more inward parts of the house, or to the inmost. So the French version, puis apres il mesura d’ une eanne l’ alle qui menait a la porte la plus en dedans.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:8
Ezekiel 40:8 He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.Ver. 8. He measured, also the porch.] This porch, which had neither doors nor roof that we read of, was symbolum coeli: coelum enim undique conspicuum lateque patens significabat, saith Josephus. It represented heaven. De Bell. Jud., lib. vi. cap. 6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:8
Ezekiel 40:6-16 contain a description of the eastern gate, or rather, gate-building of the Temple, by which one entered from the precincts into the outer court. The other gates were like it, but this is described first, because it had the pre-eminence. It looked straight to the door of the Temple itself; it was by this that the glory of the Lord was afterwards seen to enter His house (Ezekiel 43:1); and in consequence this gate was to be kept shut, except for the prince (Ezekiel 44:2-3). The accompanying plan may be a help in understanding the description. Notwithstanding the minuteness of detail in the text, a few points remain undetermined; but the plan represents the main features correctly, and gives the most probable view of the parts that are not entirely settled.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:8
Ch. Ezekiel 40:1-27. The outer gateway and court In the 25th year of Jehoiachin’s captivity, which was the 14th year after the fall of the city (b.c. 572), the prophet fell into a prophetic trance (Ezekiel 40:1); he seemed transported to the land of Israel and set down upon a high mountain, on which was a great building (Ezekiel 40:2). At the gate of the building there stood a man with a line of flax in his hand and a measuring reed (Ezekiel 40:3). The prophet is commanded closely to observe all that is shewn him, and to declare it to the house of Israel.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:8
6-8. Coming now to the main gateway of the temple, which faced the rising sun, and ascending its seven steps (Ezekiel 40:22; Ezekiel 40:26) the threshold is seen to measure seven cubits, as also each