King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:42 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:42 in the King James Version says “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 broa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 40:42 · KJV

Context

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

44

And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south: one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. These four tables differed from the previous eight—made of gazit (גָּזִית, "hewn stone"), they were permanent fixtures, not wooden furniture. The precise measurements (approximately 2.5 feet square by 1.5 feet high) show God's exacting standards. Stone tables would be durable, easily cleaned of blood, and ceremonially stable.

The phrase "instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering" refers to knives and other implements used in sacrifice. The Hebrew olah (עֹלָה, "burnt offering") means "that which ascends"—the entire animal consumed by fire, ascending as smoke to God. This was the most complete offering, symbolizing total consecration. That separate tables held the very instruments of death underscores the gravity of sin's penalty. Every knife, every stone surface stained with blood, proclaimed the truth that would find perfect expression in Christ: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hewn stone had significance in Israel's worship—altars were to be made of unhewn stones (Exodus 20:25), but temple furnishings could use dressed stone where appropriate. The distinction between the eight wooden tables (v. 41) and these four stone tables suggests different functions: the eight for general slaughter, the four stone ones for burnt offerings specifically. Archaeological discoveries at ancient Israelite high places have uncovered similar stone installations used for sacrificial preparation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the permanence of hewn stone tables contrast with the temporary nature of old covenant sacrifices themselves?
  2. What do the specific measurements and materials teach about God's character and His standards for worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְאַרְבָּעָה֩1 of 26

“And the four”

H702

four

שֻׁלְחָנ֨וֹת2 of 26

“tables”

H7979

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

הָעוֹלָ֛ה3 of 26

“for the burnt offering”

H5930

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

אַבְנֵ֣י4 of 26

“stone”

H68

a stone

גָזִ֗ית5 of 26

“were of hewn”

H1496

something cut, i.e., dressed stone

אֹרֶךְ֩6 of 26

“long”

H753

length

אַמָּ֣ה7 of 26

“and a cubit”

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)

אֶחָ֑ת8 of 26

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וָחֵ֔צִי9 of 26

“and an half”

H2677

the half or middle

וְרֹ֨חַב10 of 26

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

אַמָּ֣ה11 of 26

“and a cubit”

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)

אֶחָ֑ת12 of 26

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וָחֵ֔צִי13 of 26

“and an half”

H2677

the half or middle

וְגֹ֖בַהּ14 of 26

“high”

H1363

elation, grandeur, arrogance

אַמָּ֣ה15 of 26

“and a cubit”

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)

אֶחָ֑ת16 of 26

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם17 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְיַנִּ֤יחוּ18 of 26

“whereupon also they laid”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

אֶת19 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכֵּלִים֙20 of 26

“the instruments”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר21 of 26
H834

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

יִשְׁחֲט֧וּ22 of 26

“wherewith they slew”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

אֶת23 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָעוֹלָ֛ה24 of 26

“for the burnt offering”

H5930

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

בָּ֖ם25 of 26
H0
וְהַזָּֽבַח׃26 of 26

“and the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

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 40:42 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 40:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:39Exodus 20:25

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