King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:27 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:27 in the King James Version says “And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.”

Ezekiel 40:27 · KJV

Context

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.

26

And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.

27

And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.

28

And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

29

And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits. This verse marks the transition from the outer court to the inner court (chatser penimah, חָצֵר פְּנִימָה), representing a deeper level of access to God's presence. The hundred cubits (approximately 150 feet) between the outer south gate and the inner south gate creates spatial separation that reinforces the concept of progressive holiness. Distance in temple architecture symbolizes the magnitude of the gulf between sinful humanity and holy God—a gulf bridged only by God's gracious provision.

The Hebrew verb madad (מָדַד, "he measured") appears repeatedly throughout Ezekiel 40-48, emphasizing divine precision and order. God's heavenly messenger meticulously measures every dimension, demonstrating that nothing about approaching God is arbitrary or casual. These measurements aren't merely architectural specifications but theological statements: God determines how He will be approached, establishing boundaries that protect His holiness while graciously providing access through prescribed means.

The hundred-cubit distance also served practical functions in temple ritual. This space accommodated the congregation of worshipers who brought sacrifices, allowing them to witness offerings without entering the inner court reserved for priests. Theologically, this separation prefigures the New Testament truth that Christ has torn the veil, granting believers direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). What required physical distance and mediated access in the old covenant becomes immediate and personal through Christ's priesthood.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of concentric courts with increasing holiness characterized ancient Israelite worship from the tabernacle through both temples. The wilderness tabernacle had an outer court for the altar and laver, with the tent itself divided into Holy Place and Most Holy Place. Solomon's temple expanded this pattern with inner and outer courts, a feature Ezekiel's vision maintains and elaborates.

Archaeological discoveries at other Near Eastern temples reveal similar multi-court layouts. However, Israel's design uniquely emphasized ethical holiness rather than ritual purity alone. The progression from outer to inner courts symbolized the moral transformation required to approach Yahweh—not merely ceremonial cleansing but heart purification. The hundred cubits served as both invitation (access is provided) and warning (approach must follow God's prescribed pattern).

For the exiles, this architectural detail addressed a crucial question: would post-exilic worship match the glory of Solomon's temple? Ezekiel's vision transcends mere restoration to show an eschatological temple surpassing previous structures. The measured precision promised that God had not lowered His standards or simplified access. The path to His presence remains carefully defined, requiring progressive sanctification and priestly mediation—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our great High Priest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the hundred-cubit distance between outer and inner courts illustrate the magnitude of sin's separation from God?
  2. What does God's meticulous measurement of every dimension teach about His character and His standards for worship?
  3. In what ways has Christ eliminated the spatial distance between you and God while maintaining the holiness that distance represented?
  4. How should the progression from outer to inner courts shape your understanding of progressive sanctification?
  5. What boundaries has God established in your spiritual life to protect both His holiness and your safe approach to Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
הַשַּׁ֛עַר1 of 13

“And there was a gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לֶחָצֵ֥ר2 of 13

“court”

H2691

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

הַפְּנִימִ֖י3 of 13

“in the inner”

H6442

interior

דֶּ֥רֶךְ4 of 13

“toward”

H1870

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

הַדָּר֖וֹם5 of 13

“the south”

H1864

the south; poet. the south wind

וַיָּ֨מָד6 of 13

“and he measured”

H4058

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

הַשַּׁ֛עַר7 of 13

“And there was a gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַשַּׁ֛עַר9 of 13

“And there was a gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

דֶּ֥רֶךְ10 of 13

“toward”

H1870

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

הַדָּר֖וֹם11 of 13

“the south”

H1864

the south; poet. the south wind

מֵאָ֥ה12 of 13

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אַמּֽוֹת׃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 40:27 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 40:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:23Ezekiel 40:32Ezekiel 40:19Ezekiel 40:47

Test Your Knowledge

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

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