King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:39 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:39 in the King James Version says “And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offeri...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.”

Ezekiel 40:39 · KJV

Context

37

And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

38

And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.

39

And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.

40

And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables. as one: or, at the step

41

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew their sacrifices.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The eight tables (four pairs) for slaying offerings demonstrate systematic provision for multiple sacrifices. Three offering types appear: burnt offering (total consecration), sin offering (atonement for unintentional sin), and trespass offering (restitution for specific wrongs). This triad addresses humanity's comprehensive need: positional sanctification (burnt), cleansing from pollution (sin), and restitution for damages (trespass). The Hebrew verb שָׁחַט (shachat, 'slay') emphasizes violent death—sin's cost is blood. The tables' location 'in the porch of the gate' meant sacrificial death occurred at the threshold between outer court and inner sanctum—graphic reminder that approach to God's presence requires death. Reformed theology emphasizes penal substitution: Christ died the death we deserved (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24). These tables typify Calvary where the Lamb of God was slain for our sins.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical law distinguished between burnt offerings (Leviticus 1), sin offerings (Leviticus 4), and trespass/guilt offerings (Leviticus 5-6). Each addressed different aspects of covenant relationship. Burnt offerings expressed worship and complete devotion. Sin offerings atoned for ritual impurity and unintentional violations. Trespass offerings required restitution plus 20% for offenses against God or neighbor (Leviticus 5:14-6:7). The sacrificial system taught that sin affects multiple dimensions: vertical relationship with God and horizontal relationships with others. The tables' stone construction (verse 42) provided permanent, sturdy surfaces for butchering animals—messy, necessary work. For the exiles, this vision promised not merely symbolic restoration but actual, physical resumption of sacrificial worship foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. Which aspect of Christ's sacrifice speaks most powerfully to your current need—total devotion, cleansing, or restitution?
  2. How do these multiple offering types reveal the comprehensive nature of sin's effects and Christ's complete redemption?
  3. What 'tables' in your life—habits, relationships, priorities—need to become places where sin is 'slain'?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּבְאֻלָ֣ם1 of 13

“And in the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הַשַּׁ֗עַר2 of 13

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וּשְׁנַ֥יִם3 of 13

“were two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת4 of 13

“on this side and two tables”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

מִפּ֔וֹ5 of 13
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

וּשְׁנַ֥יִם6 of 13

“were two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת7 of 13

“on this side and two tables”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

מִפֹּ֑ה8 of 13
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

לִשְׁח֤וֹט9 of 13

“on that side to slay”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעוֹלָ֔ה11 of 13

“thereon the burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

וְהַחַטָּ֖את12 of 13

“and the sin offering”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְהָאָשָֽׁם׃13 of 13

“and the trespass offering”

H817

guilt; by implication, a fault; also a sin-offering

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 40:39 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 40:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 4:2-3Ezekiel 46:2Leviticus 1:3-17Isaiah 53:5Ezekiel 41:22Ezekiel 42:13

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