King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:20 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:20 in the King James Version says “And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof....” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof. that looked: Heb. whose face was”

Ezekiel 40:20 · KJV

Context

18

And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement.

19

Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward. without: or, from without

20

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof. that looked: Heb. whose face was

21

And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits. arches: or, galleries, or, porches

22

And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The systematic measuring continues—'the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof'—documenting the northern gate. The comprehensive measurements (all four directional gates) demonstrate completeness—nothing omitted, access provided from all directions. The Hebrew צָפוֹן (tsaphon, 'north') carries theological significance (God's throne direction, Psalm 48:2) while also representing literal geography. The equal measuring of all gates teaches impartiality—God provides access equally regardless of approach direction. Reformed theology sees this as picturing gospel universality: salvation available to 'all nations' (Matthew 28:19), 'whosoever' (John 3:16), 'without respect of persons' (Acts 10:34).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Multiple gates facilitated crowd management during feasts when thousands converged on Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). The north gate's measurement matching the east gate demonstrates architectural symmetry and equal access. Ancient Near Eastern temples typically had single entrances emphasizing exclusivity; Israel's multiple gates paradoxically combined restriction (only proper entrances allowed) with generosity (multiple access points provided). Nehemiah's rebuilt walls had numerous gates named for functions: Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Valley Gate, Dung Gate (Nehemiah 3). Each gate served specific purposes while maintaining defensive integrity. The measuring of all gates comprehensively documents God's complete provision—nothing partial or incomplete in His house.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you recognize that God provides multiple 'gates' (opportunities, methods) for approaching Him while maintaining standards?
  2. How does comprehensive gate measurement challenge exclusivist assumptions that limit God's grace to narrow parameters?
  3. What does equal gate dimensioning teach about divine impartiality versus human favoritism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְהַשַּׁ֗עַר1 of 10

“And the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֲשֶׁ֤ר2 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּנָיו֙3 of 10

“that looked”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

דֶּ֣רֶךְ4 of 10

“toward”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַצָּפ֔וֹן5 of 10

“the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

לֶחָצֵ֖ר6 of 10

“court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַחִֽיצוֹנָ֑ה7 of 10

“of the outward”

H2435

properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior; figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred)

מָדַ֥ד8 of 10

“he measured”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אָרְכּ֖וֹ9 of 10

“the length”

H753

length

וְרָחְבּֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“thereof and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

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 40:20 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 40:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:6

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