Ezekiel 40:31
Ezekiel 40:31 in Multiple Translations
Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees. Eight steps led up to it.
And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps.
And the arches thereof were toward the outer court; and palm-trees were upon the posts thereof: and the ascent to it had eight steps.
The covered way was on the side nearest the outer square; and there were palm-trees on the uprights: and there were eight steps going up to it.
Its porch faced the outer courtyard, and its pillars were decorated with palm tree designs. It had eight steps leading up to it.
And the arches thereof were towarde the vtter court, and palme trees were vpon the postes thereof, and the going vp to it had eight steppes.
and its arches [are] unto the outer court, and palm-trees [are] unto its posts, and eight steps [are] its ascent.
Its arches were toward the outer court. Palm trees were on its posts. The ascent to it had eight steps.
And its arches were towards the outer court; and palm-trees were upon its posts: and the ascent to it had eight steps.
And the porch thereof to the outward court, and the palm trees thereof in the front: and there were eight steps to go up to It.
The entry room faced the outer courtyard. There were carvings of palm trees that decorated the columns, and there were eight steps up to the entryway.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 40:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 40:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵלַמָּ֗/ו
אֶל
חָצֵר֙
הַ/חִ֣צוֹנָ֔ה
וְ/תִמֹרִ֖ים
אֶל
איל/ו
אֵילָ֑י/ו
וּ/מַעֲל֥וֹת
שְׁמוֹנֶ֖ה
מעל/ו
מַעֲלָֽי/ו
וְ/אֵלַמָּ֗/ו
ʼêylâm
H361
arches
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
חָצֵר֙
châtsêr
H2691
court
N-cs
הַ/חִ֣צוֹנָ֔ה
chîytsôwn
H2435
outer
Art | Adj
וְ/תִמֹרִ֖ים
timmôr
H8561
palm
Conj | N-fp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
איל/ו
ʼayil
H352
ram
N-ms | Suff
אֵילָ֑י/ו
ʼayil
H352
ram
N-mp | Suff
וּ/מַעֲל֥וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
thought
Conj | N-fp
שְׁמוֹנֶ֖ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Adj
מעל/ו
maʻăleh
H4608
ascent
N-ms | Suff
מַעֲלָֽי/ו
maʻăleh
H4608
ascent
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 40:31
וְ/אֵלַמָּ֗/ו
ʼêylâm
H361
"arches"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a porch, vestibule, or portico, a covered area supported by pillars or columns. In the Bible, it's used to describe architectural features of buildings, such as temples or palaces, like the portico of Solomon's temple.
Definition: porch, vestibule, portico
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: arch. See also: Ezekiel 40:16; Ezekiel 40:29; Ezekiel 40:36.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חָצֵר֙
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
N-cs
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
הַ/חִ֣צוֹנָ֔ה
chîytsôwn
H2435
"outer"
Art | Adj
This word means outer or external, describing something outside or secular. It is used in Ezekiel 40:5 to describe the outer wall of a building.
Definition: outer, external, outward
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: outer, outward, utter, without. See also: 1 Kings 6:29; Ezekiel 40:37; Ezekiel 46:21.
וְ/תִמֹרִ֖ים
timmôr
H8561
"palm"
Conj | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a palm tree or a decorative column shaped like a palm, often used in architecture. It symbolizes peace and victory, as seen in the tabernacle's design. Exodus describes palm trees in the wilderness.
Definition: palm tree figure (as ornament)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: palm tree. See also: 1 Kings 6:29; Ezekiel 40:31; Ezekiel 41:26.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
איל/ו
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
N-ms | Suff
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
אֵילָ֑י/ו
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
N-mp | Suff
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
וּ/מַעֲל֥וֹת
maʻălâh
H4609
"thought"
Conj | N-fp
Represents a step or journey upward, like the steps of a stair or a song of ascent, as in Psalm 120-134, which are songs the Israelites sang while traveling to Jerusalem for festivals. It symbolizes spiritual ascent.
Definition: what comes up, thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up, stair, step, story. See also: Exodus 20:26; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 120:1.
שְׁמוֹנֶ֖ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
מעל/ו
maʻăleh
H4608
"ascent"
N-ms | Suff
Means an upward movement, like climbing a hill or stairs, as in Exodus 20:26, where the Israelites are instructed not to climb the altar by steps. It can also represent spiritual growth.
Definition: ascent, incline
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ascent, before, chiefest, cliff, that goeth up, going up, hill, mounting up, stairs. See also: Joshua 15:7; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Isaiah 15:5.
מַעֲלָֽי/ו
maʻăleh
H4608
"ascent"
N-mp | Suff
Means an upward movement, like climbing a hill or stairs, as in Exodus 20:26, where the Israelites are instructed not to climb the altar by steps. It can also represent spiritual growth.
Definition: ascent, incline
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ascent, before, chiefest, cliff, that goeth up, going up, hill, mounting up, stairs. See also: Joshua 15:7; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Isaiah 15:5.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 40:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 40:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 40:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:31
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 40:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
Context — The Gates of the Inner Court
29Its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico had the same measurements as the others. Both the gateway and its portico had windows all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.
30(The porticoes around the inner court were twenty-five cubits long and five cubits deep. )
31Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees. Eight steps led up to it.
32And he brought me to the inner court on the east side, and he measured the gateway; it had the same measurements as the others. 33Its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico had the same measurements as the others. Both the gateway and its portico had windows all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 40:26 | Seven steps led up to it, and its portico was opposite them; it had palm trees on its side pillars, one on each side. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 40:34 | Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 40:22 | Its windows, portico, and palm trees had the same measurements as those of the gate facing east. Seven steps led up to it, with its portico opposite them. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 40:37 | Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it. |
Ezekiel 40:31 Summary
[Ezekiel 40:31 describes a beautiful gateway with a portico that faces the outer court, and its side pillars are decorated with palm trees, symbolizing peace and prosperity, much like the palm trees in Revelation 7:9. The eight steps leading up to it represent a journey towards spiritual growth and maturity, as seen in 2 Peter 3:18. This verse reminds us that our walk with God is a progressive journey, and we must be intentional about seeking a deeper relationship with Him, as encouraged in Matthew 7:14. As we reflect on this verse, we are encouraged to create our own 'portico' of transition, where we can seek God's presence and guidance, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the symbols of His blessing in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the portico in Ezekiel 40:31?
The portico in Ezekiel 40:31 symbolizes a transitional space between the outer and inner courts, much like the porch of the tabernacle in Exodus 40:6, and serves as a reminder of the importance of gradual progression in our spiritual journeys, as seen in 1 John 1:7.
Why are palm trees used as decorations in this context?
Palm trees, as mentioned in Ezekiel 40:31, are often associated with peace, prosperity, and spiritual victory, as seen in Revelation 7:9, and their use here may indicate the divine blessing and protection over God's people.
What is the purpose of the eight steps leading up to the gateway?
The eight steps in Ezekiel 40:31 may represent a symbolic ascent towards spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of God's will, much like the steps leading up to the temple in 2 Chronicles 3:17, and serve as a reminder of our need to continually seek spiritual growth, as encouraged in 2 Peter 3:18.
How does this verse relate to our modern-day walk with God?
Ezekiel 40:31 reminds us that our spiritual journeys involve progression and growth, and that we must be intentional about seeking a deeper relationship with God, as seen in Matthew 7:14, and be mindful of the symbols and reminders of His presence in our lives, such as the palm trees and the portico.
Reflection Questions
- As I reflect on my own spiritual journey, what are some 'steps' I need to take to draw closer to God?
- How can I create a 'portico' of transition in my life, where I can intentionally seek God's presence and guidance?
- What are some 'palm trees' in my life that symbolize God's blessing and protection, and how can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for them?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of gradual progression in my spiritual growth, as seen in this verse, to my daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:31
And the arches thereof were toward the outward court,.... And so not within the gate of the inward court, but on the outside of it, towards the outward court, at the front of the gate as you went in:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 40:31
And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures; And he measured the south gate according to these measures - namely, the measures of the outer gate.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
In this verse two things are mentioned wherein this gate differed from the other; first, in the arches or porch, which stood not inward, but outward towards the outer court, the reason whereof will appear in what follows. The next difference lieth in this, that the ascent was by eight steps (more than the other, say some, and so make them fifteen). Now, if the porch to this gate built outward stood upon such ascent, it would be necessary the pillars should be such as expresseth them, five cubits in the breadth of the basis, and twenty-five cubits high.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
Ezekiel 40:31 And the arches thereof [were] toward the utter court; and palm trees [were] upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it [had] eight steps.Ver. 31. And palm trees.] See on Ezekiel 40:16. Eight steps.] See on Ezekiel 40:22.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
(31) Utter = Outer, and so in Ezekiel 40:37; Ezekiel 42:1; Ezekiel 42:3; Ezekiel 42:7; Ezekiel 42:14; Ezekiel 44:19; Ezekiel 46:20-21. In old English utter and outer appear to have been often interchanged. Eight steps.—All the gates of the inner court (see Ezekiel 40:34; Ezekiel 40:37) had one more step than those of the outer, the inner court being raised so much more above the outer than the outer was above the precincts. The two sets together made up fifteen steps, the same number as led up in the later Temple from the court of the women to the court of Israel, and on which, according to Jewish tradition, the Levites stood to chant the fifteen Psalms (Psalms 120-134) called “Songs of Degrees.” Ezekiel 40:32-34 describe the east gate, and Ezekiel 40:35-37 the north gate, both exactly like the one already described.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 40:31
31. Render: and the porch thereof was toward the outer court, cf. Ezekiel 40:34; Ezekiel 40:37. palm trees … posts] Cf. Ezekiel 40:16; Ezekiel 40:26.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 40:31
Utter court - Translate outward court Ezekiel 40:37; Ezekiel 42:1, Ezekiel 42:7, Ezekiel 42:14; Ezekiel 44:19; Ezekiel 46:20-21. Arches toward the outward court - See Ezekiel 40:14 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:31
OF THE INNER COURT WITH ITS GATES, FOR , AND CELLS FOR PRIESTS, Ezekiel 40:28-49.28-37.