King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:23 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:23 in the King James Version says “And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from ga...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 40:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east—The Hebrew neged (נֶגֶד, "over against") indicates direct alignment: outer gates faced corresponding inner gates across the outer court. He measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits (approximately 175 feet)—this distance created spacious courts for worshipers, unlike the cramped conditions of Solomon's temple courts expanded haphazardly over time.

The precision of this layout reflects divine order contrasted with human chaos. The exiles in Babylon knew only devastation and disorder; this vision promised restoration with perfect symmetry and generous space. The hundred cubits may symbolize fullness or completion (10 x 10). The alignment of gates also facilitated processions and created clear sight lines toward the sanctuary, keeping worshipers focused on God's presence at the center.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient temples typically featured outer and inner courts with progressively restricted access—laypeople in outer courts, priests in inner courts. Ezekiel's temple elaborates this pattern with unprecedented detail. The hundred-cubit measurement appears repeatedly (40:19, 23, 27, 47), creating a modular, mathematically harmonious design reflecting the order of creation itself (Genesis 1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the generous space God provides in His temple vision challenge cramped, restrictive views of grace or worship?
  2. What does the perfect alignment of inner and outer gates teach you about integrity—the alignment between external religious practice and internal heart devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שַׁ֖עַר1 of 13

“And the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לֶחָצֵ֣ר2 of 13

“court”

H2691

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

הַפְּנִימִ֔י3 of 13

“of the inner”

H6442

interior

נֶ֣גֶד4 of 13
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

שַׁ֖עַר5 of 13

“And the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לַצָּפ֖וֹן6 of 13

“toward the north”

H6828

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

וְלַקָּדִ֑ים7 of 13

“and toward the east”

H6921

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

וַיָּ֧מָד8 of 13

“and he measured”

H4058

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

שַׁ֖עַר9 of 13

“And the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֶל10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שַׁ֖עַר11 of 13

“And the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מֵאָ֥ה12 of 13

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אַמָּֽה׃13 of 13

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

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 40:23 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 40:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:19Ezekiel 40:27-28Ezekiel 40:44Exodus 38:9-12Exodus 27:9-18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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