King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:2 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:2 in the King James Version says “In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the f...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south. by which: or, upon which”

Ezekiel 40:2 · KJV

Context

1

In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.

2

In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south. by which: or, upon which

3

And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

4

And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ezekiel's temple vision begins: 'In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.' The phrase 'visions of God' (mare'ot Elohim, מַרְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים) emphasizes divine origin—this is God's revelation, not human imagination. The 'very high mountain' recalls Moses on Sinai receiving tabernacle plans (Exodus 24-31) and echoes Revelation's high mountain perspective on the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10). Mountains in Scripture represent places of divine revelation and encounter. The 'frame of a city' introduces the vision of idealized temple and city where God dwells. This vision (chapters 40-48) describes either the millennial temple, the idealized second temple, or symbolic depiction of God's ultimate dwelling with humanity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The vision occurred in the 25th year of exile (573 BC), 14 years after Jerusalem's destruction (40:1). The exiles needed hope beyond judgment—this elaborate vision provided it. The detailed architectural specifications (chapters 40-42) parallel Moses' tabernacle instructions and Solomon's temple construction accounts. Whether intended as literal blueprint for a future physical temple or symbolic depiction of spiritual realities, the vision assures that God will dwell with His people. Jewish interpretation anticipated a third temple in the messianic age. Christian interpretation sees fulfillment in Christ (John 2:19-21), the church (1 Corinthians 3:16), and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22) where God dwells directly with humanity without need for physical temple.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the detailed vision of God's dwelling place demonstrate His commitment to being present with His people?
  2. Whether literal or symbolic, what does this elaborate temple vision teach about worship and God's holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
בְּמַרְא֣וֹת1 of 15

“In the visions”

H4759

(causatively) a mirror

אֱלֹהִ֔ים2 of 15

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הֱבִיאַ֖נִי3 of 15

“brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל4 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶ֣רֶץ5 of 15

“he me into the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל6 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַיְנִיחֵ֗נִי7 of 15

“and set”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

אֶל8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֤ר9 of 15

“mountain”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

גָּבֹ֙הַּ֙10 of 15

“high”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

מְאֹ֔ד11 of 15

“me upon a very”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְעָלָ֥יו12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כְּמִבְנֵה13 of 15

“by which was as the frame”

H4011

a building

עִ֖יר14 of 15

“of a city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִנֶּֽגֶב׃15 of 15

“on the south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 40:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 40:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 7:7Daniel 7:1Ezekiel 1:1Isaiah 2:2-3Ezekiel 17:22-231 Chronicles 28:19

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 40 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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