King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:22 in the King James Version says “The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length ther... — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

Ezekiel 41:22 · KJV


Context

20

From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.

21

The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other. posts: Heb. post

22

The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

23

And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.

24

And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wooden altar before the LORD was 'the table that is before the LORD.' This combines altar (sacrifice) and table (fellowship meal) imagery. It represents both atonement and communion with God—access through sacrifice, relationship through fellowship. Christ fulfills both: He is our sacrifice and our fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Revelation 19:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The altar of incense in previous temples stood before the veil to the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:1-10). The table of showbread represented God's provision and covenant fellowship (Exodus 25:23-30). This vision combines both concepts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do sacrifice and fellowship relate in your relationship with God through Christ?
  2. What does it mean that Christ is both your atonement and your communion with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הַמִּזְבֵּ֡חַ1 of 20

The altar

H4196

an altar

עֵ֑ץ2 of 20

of wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

שָׁלוֹשׁ֩3 of 20

was three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

אַמּ֗וֹת4 of 20

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)

גָּבֹ֜הַּ5 of 20

high

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

וְאָרְכּ֥וֹ6 of 20

and the length

H753

length

שְׁתַּֽיִם7 of 20

thereof two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אַמּ֗וֹת8 of 20

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)

וּמִקְצֹֽעוֹתָיו֙9 of 20

and the corners

H4740

an angle or recess

ל֔וֹ10 of 20
H0
וְאָרְכּ֥וֹ11 of 20

and the length

H753

length

וְקִֽירֹתָ֖יו12 of 20

thereof and the walls

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

עֵ֑ץ13 of 20

of wood

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר14 of 20

and he said

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלַ֔י15 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

זֶ֚ה16 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן17 of 20

unto me This is the table

H7979

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

אֲשֶׁ֖ר18 of 20
H834

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

לִפְנֵ֥י19 of 20

that is before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 41:22 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 41:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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