King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:22 in the King James Version says “And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the ea...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 40:22 · KJV

Context

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.

23

And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.

24

After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east—The architectural consistency across all gates emphasizes equality of access and uniformity of holiness. Seven steps (שֶׁבַע מַעֲלוֹת, sheva ma'alot) led up to the outer court gates, while eight steps led to the inner court (40:31, 34, 37), symbolizing progressive ascent into God's presence. The number seven represents completeness and covenant perfection.

The timmorot (תִּמֹּרֹת, palm trees) decorated the gate posts as ornamental carvings, recalling Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:29, 32) and symbolizing righteousness and flourishing life (Psalm 92:12). Palms also evoke the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40) and eschatological worship (Revelation 7:9). Every decorative element connects past worship, present vision, and future fulfillment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The eastern orientation held theological significance—God's glory departed eastward when judgment came (Ezekiel 11:23) and will return from the east in restoration (Ezekiel 43:1-5). The seven steps echo the seven-branched lampstand (menorah) and seven days of creation. Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured stepped approaches, but here the steps symbolize graduated holiness and the progressive journey into God's presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of ascending steps toward God's presence challenge you to view spiritual growth as a progressive journey rather than a single decision?
  2. What do the consistent measurements across all gates teach you about God's impartiality and the equal access all believers have to His presence through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְחַלּוֹנָ֤ו1 of 15

“And their windows”

H2474

a window (as perforated)

וְאֵילַמָּ֖ו2 of 15

“and the arches”

H361

a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e., a pale (or portico)

וְתִ֣ימֹרָ֔ו3 of 15

“and their palm trees”

H8561

(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)

כְּמִדַּ֣ת4 of 15

“were after the measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

הַשַּׁ֔עַר5 of 15

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 15
H834

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

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃7 of 15

“that looketh”

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

דֶּ֣רֶךְ8 of 15

“toward”

H1870

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

הַקָּדִ֑ים9 of 15

“the east”

H6921

the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)

וּבְמַעֲל֥וֹת10 of 15

“steps”

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

שֶׁ֙בַע֙11 of 15

“unto it by seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יַֽעֲלוּ12 of 15

“and they went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

ב֔וֹ13 of 15
H0
וְאֵילַמָּ֖ו14 of 15

“and the arches”

H361

a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e., a pale (or portico)

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃15 of 15

“that looketh”

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

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 40:22 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 40:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:37Ezekiel 40:31Ezekiel 40:16Ezekiel 40:6Ezekiel 40:49Ezekiel 40:34

Test Your Knowledge

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

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