King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:21 Mean?

Then he brought me forth into the utter court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and, behold, in every corner of the court there was a court. in every: Heb. a court in a corner of a court, and a court in a corner of a court

Context

19

After he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there was a place on the two sides westward.

20

Then said he unto me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear them not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.

21

Then he brought me forth into the utter court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and, behold, in every corner of the court there was a court. in every: Heb. a court in a corner of a court, and a court in a corner of a court

22

In the four corners of the court there were courts joined of forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four corners were of one measure. joined: or, made with chimneys corners were: Heb. cornered, etc

23

And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about.

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The utter court.—**The prophet had just been in those chambers which, although they stood within the area of the outer court, were considered as belonging to the inner. He is now brought into the outer court, properly so called. **In every corner of the court there was a court.**—In each of the angles of the outer court a place was set apart for the boiling of the flesh of the peace offerings. These were of considerable size—40 cubits by 30 (Ezekiel 46:22), and appear to have been enclosed by a wall but not covered above. The word translated *joined* is of very uncertain meaning, but its most probable sense is *enclosed.* These courts are marked E on Plan II.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 46:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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