King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:41 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:41 in the King James Version says “Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 40:41 · KJV

Context

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.

42

And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

43

And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering. hooks: or, and irons, or, the two hearthstones

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The total count of eight tables underscores the comprehensive provision for sacrifice in the restored temple. The verb shachat (שָׁחַט, "slew" or "slaughter") refers to the ritual killing of animals for offerings. The deliberate enumeration—"four tables...four tables...eight tables"—emphasizes completeness (eight being the number of new beginnings in biblical numerology).

The phrase "whereupon they slew their sacrifices" reminds us that worship under the old covenant required blood. Sin's penalty is death, and every sacrifice pointed forward to the ultimate Lamb of God. These eight tables testify to the severity of sin and the costliness of atonement. For Christians, this foreshadows Calvary, where Christ became both priest and sacrifice. The temple vision's inclusion of sacrificial provisions demonstrates that even millennial worship acknowledges the foundational truth: "without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Solomon's temple, sacrifices were offered daily, with increased volume during festivals (2 Chronicles 7:5 records 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep at the dedication). The eight tables would have enabled multiple priests to work simultaneously, handling the logistics of slaughter, skinning, and preparation. For the exiles, who could offer no sacrifices in Babylon, this vision rekindled hope that the entire sacrificial system—central to covenant relationship with God—would resume.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do these sacrificial tables point you to the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?
  2. What does the abundance of provision for sacrifice teach about God's willingness to provide the means for approaching Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאַרְבָּעָ֧ה1 of 12

“Four”

H702

four

שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת2 of 12

“tables”

H7979

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

מִפֹּ֗ה3 of 12
H6311

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

וְאַרְבָּעָ֧ה4 of 12

“Four”

H702

four

שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת5 of 12

“tables”

H7979

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

מִפֹּ֖ה6 of 12
H6311

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

לְכֶ֣תֶף7 of 12

“on that side by the side”

H3802

the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi

הַשָּׁ֑עַר8 of 12

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שְׁמוֹנָ֥ה9 of 12

“eight”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

שֻׁלְחָנ֖וֹת10 of 12

“tables”

H7979

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

אֲלֵיהֶ֥ם11 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִשְׁחָֽטוּ׃12 of 12

“whereupon they slew”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

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 40:41 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 40:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:39-40

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