King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:22 in the King James Version says “In the four corners of the court there were courts joined of forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four corners were...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 46:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

Then said he unto me, These are the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.

Read Ezekiel 46 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—The corner courts measured אַרְבָּעִים אֹרֶךְ (arbaʿîm ʾōrekh, '40 [cubits] length') and שְׁלֹשִׁים רֹחַב (shĕlōshîm rōḥab, '30 [cubits] width')—approximately 60 x 45 feet. קְטֻרוֹת (qĕṭurôt, 'joined/enclosed').

אַרְבַּעְתָּם מִדָּה אֶחָת (arbaʿtām middāh ʾeḥāt, 'the four of them, one measurement')—uniformity. Identical dimensions demonstrate consistency, equality, and order. No corner court was privileged; all equal. This reflects God's impartiality (Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11) and orderly character. Uniform measurements ensure fair distribution of worship facilities, preventing favoritism. New Testament parallel: spiritual gifts differ (1 Corinthians 12:4-6), but all are equally valuable and necessary in Christ's body.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient architecture often featured asymmetry based on hierarchy—important spaces larger. Ezekiel's vision prescribes identical corner courts, emphasizing equality before God. This principle appears throughout Scripture: tabernacle's identical boards (Exodus 26:15-25), twelve tribes' equal treatment (Numbers 1-2), apostles' equal authority (Matthew 19:28). Uniformity in sacred space demonstrates that all worshipers approach God on equal terms—through grace, not human merit.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does uniform measurements for all corner courts teach about equality before God?
  2. How does architectural equality reflect spiritual impartiality?
  3. Where else in Scripture do we see uniformity demonstrating equal standing before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֖ם1 of 13

“In the four”

H702

four

מִקְצֹע֤וֹת2 of 13

“corners”

H4740

an angle or recess

חֲצֵר֣וֹת3 of 13

“of the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

חֲצֵר֣וֹת4 of 13

“of the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

קְטֻר֔וֹת5 of 13

“joined”

H7000

to inclose

אַרְבָּעִ֣ים6 of 13

“of forty”

H705

forty

אֹ֔רֶךְ7 of 13

“cubits long”

H753

length

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים8 of 13

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

רֹ֑חַב9 of 13

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

מִדָּ֣ה10 of 13

“measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

אַחַ֔ת11 of 13

“were of one”

H259

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

לְאַרְבַּעְתָּ֖ם12 of 13

“In the four”

H702

four

מְׄהֻׄקְׄצָׄעֽׄוֹׄתׄ׃13 of 13

“corners”

H7106

to strip off, i.e., (partially) scrape; by implication, to segregate (as an angle)

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 46:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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