Ezekiel 40:34 — Word Study
WLCוְאֵלַמָּ֗יו לֶֽחָצֵר֙ הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה וְתִמֹרִ֥ים אֶל־ אֵלָ֖יו מִפּ֣וֹ וּמִפּ֑וֹ וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מַעֲל֖וֹת מַעֲלָֽיו׃
BSAIts porticoʼêylâm [arches, a covered area] faced the outerchîytsôwn [external, secular] courtchâtsêr and its side pillarsʼêl were decorated with palm treestimmôr on each sidepôh [here and there] Eightshᵉmôneh [a special number] stepsmaʻălâh led up to itmaʻăleh
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאֵלַמָּ֗יו | and porches its | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| לֶֽחָצֵר֙ | [were] to the courtyard | Preposition, noun common both singular absolute |
| הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה | outer | Particle |
| וְתִמֹרִ֥ים | and palm trees | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| אֶל־ | [were] to | Preposition |
| אֵלָ֖יו | pillars its | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| מִפּ֣וֹ | from here | Preposition, adverb |
| וּמִפּ֑וֹ | and from here | Conjunction, preposition, adverb |
| וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה | and [was] eight | Conjunction |
| מַעֲל֖וֹת | steps | Noun common, feminine plural absolute |
| מַעֲלָֽיו׃ | ascents its | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it. |
| KJV | And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps. |
| ASV | And the arches thereof were toward the outer court; and palm-trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps. |
| YLT | and its arches [are] toward the outer court, and palm-trees [are] toward its posts, on this side and on that side, and eight steps [are] its ascent. |
| WEB | Its arches were toward the outer court. Palm trees were on its posts on this side and on that side. The ascent to it had eight steps. |
| BBE | And the covered way was on the side nearest the outer square; there were palm-trees on the uprights, on this side and on that: and there were eight steps going up to it. |
The translations agree on the depiction of the portico and palm trees.
The sentence is structured with a main clause followed by descriptive phrases, emphasizing the features of the portico and its ascent.
3 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Whedon & more — read them ›
clause
subjectתִּמֹרָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Ezekiel 40:34
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Vision of the Temple's Structuregenerated
Ezekiel 40:34 describes the portico that leads to the outer court of the temple, highlighting its architectural details. The vision emphasizes the grandeur and beauty of the temple's design, which includes decorative elements like palm trees and a significant number of steps leading up to it, reflecting the importance of the space in the worship of God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 40:6–22 | Then he came to the gate facing east and climbed its steps. He measured the threshold of the gate to be one rod deep. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 1 reference, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תִּמֹרָה, ve.ti.mo.Rimgenerated
The word תִּמֹרָה (timorah) refers to a palm tree or a decorative element resembling a palm. It is often used in biblical architecture to symbolize victory and peace, especially in sacred spaces. The parsing indicates it is a common noun in the plural form, emphasizing multiple palm trees in this context.
The architectural significance of palm trees in this verse highlights their role in creating a majestic atmosphere around the temple, suggesting both beauty and a connection to nature within sacred spaces.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is centered around the subject וְאֵלַמָּיו (and its portico), which is described by a prepositional phrase indicating its position relative to the outer court. The structure emphasizes the architectural features and their arrangement.
The phrase וְתִמֹרִ֥ים (and palm trees) serves as a noun phrase that adds detail to the subject, while the following clauses describe the steps leading up to the portico, indicating a progression in elevation.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תִּמֹרָה as φοίνικες (phoenix), which specifically refers to palm trees. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning but also reflects a broader cultural understanding of palm trees as symbols of victory and celebration.
The use of αιλαμμω for the portico suggests a focus on the architectural aspect, maintaining the imagery from the Hebrew text while adapting to Greek literary styles.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ezekiel 40:34 describes the portico of the temple facing the outer court, decorated with palm trees on each side and featuring eight steps leading up to it. This vision emphasizes the beauty and significance of the temple's design.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The portico represents a transitional space between the outer court and the sacred areas of the temple, symbolizing the approach to God's presence.
Palm trees symbolize victory and peace, enhancing the aesthetic and spiritual significance of the temple's architecture.
The number eight often symbolizes new beginnings and resurrection in biblical texts, adding a layer of meaning to the ascent to the temple.
This verse contributes to the detailed depiction of the temple's structure, emphasizing its grandeur and the careful planning involved in its design.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What architectural features in my surroundings reflect beauty and purpose, similar to the temple's portico?
- How can I incorporate symbols of peace and victory in my own life, as represented by the palm trees?
- In what ways can I approach spiritual growth, akin to ascending the eight steps to the temple?
- What does the vision of the temple teach me about the importance of sacred spaces in my life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Gregory the Dialogist comments on the temple's vestibule, emphasizing the significance of its design and the palm trees.
"And its vestibule, that is, of the inner court, and palm trees carved on its front on this side and on that, and its ascent was by eight steps." In the first description, therefore,Early Church Fathers on Ezekiel 40 →
Commentators on this verse — 3 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ezekiel 40:34 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the arches thereof were toward the outward court,.... As those of the south gate, Ezekiel 40:31, and the palm trees on the posts, and the steps up to it, the same as there.
Read John Gill on Ezekiel 40 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd 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.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ezekiel 40 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleOF THE INNER COURT WITH ITS GATES, FOR , AND CELLS FOR PRIESTS, Ezekiel 40:28-49.28-37.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Ezekiel 40 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it.
Its arches were toward the outer court. Palm trees were on its posts on this side and on that side. The ascent to it had eight steps.
Its portico faced the outer court, and its side pillars were decorated with palm trees on each side. Eight steps led up to it.
Its porches faced the outer court, it had decorative palm trees on its jambs, and its stairway had eight steps.
Tyndale line
And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: 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, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps.
And the arches thereof were toward the outer court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.
And its arches were towards the outward court; and palm-trees were upon its posts, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps.
And the arches thereof were towarde the vtter court, and palme trees were vpon the postes thereof, on this side and on that side, and the going vp to it had eight steppes.
Strictly literal
And its projections were toward the outer court; and there were palm-trees upon its posts on this side and on that side: and its ascent was [by] eight steps.
and its arches [are] toward the outer court, and palm-trees [are] toward its posts, on this side and on that side, and eight steps [are] its ascent.
and its arches [are] toward the outer court, and palm-trees [are] toward its posts, on this side and on that side, and eight steps [are] its ascent.
And its porches were toward the outward court; and palm-shaped capitals were upon its door-posts, on this side, and on that side: and by eight steps was the ascent to it.
Its portico faced the outer courtyard; it had palm trees on either side of it and eight steps going up it.
From the Latin
And the porch thereof, that is, of the outward court: and the graven palm trees in the front thereof on this side and on that side: and the going up thereof was by eight steps.
Simplified
Its porch faced the outer courtyard, and its posts were decorated with palm tree designs. It had eight steps leading up to it.
And the covered way was on the side nearest the outer square; there were palm-trees on the uprights, on this side and on that: and there were eight steps going up to it.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their descriptions, with ten of the eleven words matching. The Septuagint's word order and articles differ, but the core elements of the verse remain consistent.
וְאֵלַמָּ֗יו לֶֽחָצֵר֙ הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה וְתִמֹרִ֥ים אֶל־ אֵלָ֖יו מִפּ֣וֹ וּמִפּ֑וֹ וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מַעֲל֖וֹת מַעֲלָֽיו׃
10 of the 11 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ezekiel 40:34
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֵילָם (eylam) refers to a structure like a porch or portico, suggesting a space supported by pillars. The term is derived from a root meaning 'pillar-space' and is associated with architectural features. It appears in contexts related to building and design.
[אֵילָם] n.m. porch
base
H361 אֵילָם
361 'eylam ay-lawm'
or (shortened) ;elam {ay-lawm'}; or (feminine) ielammah
{ay-lam-maw'}; probably from 352; a pillar-space (or
colonnade), i.e. a pale (or portico):--arch.
see HEBREW for 0352
אֵילָם (e.lam) — arches.
porch, vestibule, portico
Conj | N-ms | Suff — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncmpc/Sp3ms
חָצֵר (chatser) refers to an enclosure or court, and can also mean a settled abode, settlement, or village, typically appearing in the plural form חֲצֵרִים. The word is derived from a root meaning to enclose, indicating spaces that are surrounded by walls or fences.
חָצֵר 145 n.m. and (oftener) f. enclosure, court
base
[חָצֵר] 46 n.m. settled abode, settlement, village—always pl. abs. חֲצֵרִים
base
H2691a חָצֵר n. m. and (oftener) f. enclosure, court H2691b חָצֵר settled abode, settlement, village—always pl. abs. חֲצֵרִים
2691 chatser khaw-tsare'
(masculine and feminine); from 2690 in its original sense; a
yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly
surrounded with walls):--court, tower, village.
see HEBREW for 02690
חָצֵר (cha.tser) — court.
1) court, enclosure
1a) enclosures
1b) court
חָצֵר (cha.tser) — village.
settled abode, settlement, village, town
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common both singular absoluteHRd/Ncbsa
חִיצוֹן (chiytsown) refers to something that is outer or external, derived from the root word for 'wall side.' It covers meanings related to the exterior or outward aspects, often in a secular context as opposed to sacred. The entries consistently emphasize its use in describing outer or external qualities.
חִיצוֹן adj. outer, external
base
H2435 חִיצוֹן
2435 chiytsown khee-tsone'
from 2434; properly, the (outer) wall side; hence, exterior;
figuratively, secular (as opposed to sacred):--outer, outward,
utter, without.
see HEBREW for 02434
חִיצוֹן (chi.tson) — outer.
outer, external, outward
Art | Adj — ParticleHTd/Aafsa
out'-er: This adjective is used 12 times by Ezekiel of the outside court of the temple. In Matthew we find it 3 times (8:12; 22:13; 25:30) in "outer darkness" (to skotos to exoteron), which typifies the utter darkness of the doom of the lost.
תִּמֹרָה (timmorah) refers to a palm-like pilaster or ornament, specifically a palm tree figure. It is a feminine noun and appears in plural form as תִּמֹּר (timmor). The term is derived from a root related to palm trees, and its usage is primarily architectural.
תִּמֹרָה 19 n.f. palm(-tree) figure, as ornament
base
H8561 תִּמֹרָה, תִּמֹּר, תִּמֹּרָה
8561 timmor tim-more'
(plural o or (feminine) timmorah (singular and plural)
{tim-mo-raw'}; from the same root as 8558; (arch.) a palm-like
pilaster (i.e. umbellate):--palm tree.
see HEBREW for 08558
תִּמֹרָה (tim.rah) — palm.
palm tree figure (as ornament)
Conj | N-fp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Ncmpa
Were frequently used as types of kings, or men of wealth and power, Ps 37:35 Isa 2:13 Da 4:10-26 Zec 11:1,2. The "tree of knowledge of good and evil" bore the forbidden fruit, by eating of which Adam fatally increased his knowledge—of good by its loss, of sin and woe by actual experience, Ge 2:9,17. The "tree of life" may have been both an assurance and a means of imparting life, a seal of eternal holiness and bliss, if man had not sinned. Compare Re 22:2.
The Hebrew word אֶל (el) is primarily a preposition indicating motion towards or direction to a person or place. It can also imply entering a limit, presence at a location, or a hostile direction (against). Additionally, it may express concepts such as concerning, in addition to, or according to. The entries highlight its versatility in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph),
prep. denoting motion to or direction towards (whether physical or mental).of motion to or unto a person or place
Where the limit is actually entered, into
Of direction towards anything
Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
Of rule or standard according to (rare)
Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
base
H413 אֶל (nearly always followed by Makkeph), . of motion to or unto a person or place
. Where the limit is actually entered, into
. Of direction towards anything
. Where the motion or direction implied appears from the context to be of a hostile character, אֶל = against
. Unto sometimes acquires from the context the sense of in addition to
. Metaph. in regard to, concerning, on account of
. Of rule or standard according to (rare)
. Expressing presence at a spot, against, at, by, not merely after verbs implying motion
. Prefixed to other preps. it combines with them the idea of motion or direction to
413 'el ale
(but only used in the shortened constructive form sel {el});
a primitive particle; properly, denoting motion towards, but
occasionally used of a quiescent position, i.e. near, with or
among; often in general, to:--about, according to ,after,
against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and,
by, concerning, for, from, X hath, in(- to), near, (out) of,
over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether,
with(-in).
אֶל (el) — to(wards).
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)
Prep — PrepositionHR
אַ֫יִל (ayil) encompasses several meanings, including 'ram,' 'projecting pillar or pilaster,' 'leader or chief,' and 'terebinth.' It is derived from a root meaning strength, suggesting a connection to might and support. The term appears in various contexts, reflecting its diverse applications in the Old Testament.
אַ֫יִל 156 n.m. ram (as leader of flock)
base
אַ֫יִל n.[m.] projecting pillar or pilaster
base
[אַ֫יִל ?] n.m. leader, chief
base
[אַ֫יִל ?] n.m. terebinth
base
H352a אַ֫יִל ram H352b אַ֫יִל projecting pillar or pilaster H352c אַ֫יִל leader, chief H352d אַ֫יִל terebinth
352 'ayil ah'-yil
from the same as 193; properly, strength; hence, anything
strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from
his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or
other strong tree:--mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram,
tree.
see HEBREW for 0193
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — ram.
1) ram
1a) ram (as food)
1b) ram (as sacrifice)
1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — pillar.
pillar, door post, jambs, pilaster
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — leader.
strong man, leader, chief
אַ֫יִל (a.yil) — terebinth.
mighty tree, terebinth
Aramaic equivalent: i.lan (אִילָן "tree" H0363)
HNcmpc/Sp3ms — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms
פֹּה (poh) means 'here' or 'hither' in Hebrew. It is derived from a primitive particle indicating location. The word is used to denote a specific place, as seen in Job 38:11. Various lexicons confirm its meaning, with no significant disagreement among them.
פֹּה 58, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא, adv.loc. here, hither
base
H6311 פֹּה, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא here, hither
6311 poh po
or po6 (Job 38:11) {po}; or pow {po}; probably from a
primitive inseparable particle "p" (of demonstrative force)
and 1931; this place (French ici), i.e. here or hence:--here,
hither, the one (other, this, that) side.
see HEBREW for 0po6
see HEBREW for 01931
פֹּה (poh) — here.
1) here, from here, hither
1a) here
1b) hither
Prep | Adv — Preposition · adverbHR/D
her, in composition:
פֹּה (poh) means 'here' or 'hither' in Hebrew. It is derived from a primitive particle indicating location. The word is used to denote a specific place, as seen in Job 38:11. Various lexicons confirm its meaning, with no significant disagreement among them.
פֹּה 58, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא, adv.loc. here, hither
base
H6311 פֹּה, and פּוֹ, also פֹּא here, hither
6311 poh po
or po6 (Job 38:11) {po}; or pow {po}; probably from a
primitive inseparable particle "p" (of demonstrative force)
and 1931; this place (French ici), i.e. here or hence:--here,
hither, the one (other, this, that) side.
see HEBREW for 0po6
see HEBREW for 01931
פֹּה (poh) — here.
1) here, from here, hither
1a) here
1b) hither
HC/R/D — Conjunction · preposition · adverbHC/R/D
her, in composition:
שְׁמֹנֶה (shmoneh) means 'eight' and can also denote 'eighth' as an ordinal number. It is derived from the idea of plumpness, suggesting a surplus beyond seven, which is considered a perfect number. The term appears in various contexts, including combinations with other numbers.
שְׁמֹנֶה, (less oft. שְׁמוֹנֶה), שְׁמֹנָה 109 n.m. et f. eight
base
H8083 שְׁמֹנֶה, (less oft. שְׁמוֹנֶה), שְׁמֹנָה eight
8083 shmoneh shem-o-neh'
or shmowneh {shem-o-neh'}; feminine shmonah {shem-o-naw'}; or
shmownah {shem-o-naw'}; apparently from 8082 through the idea
of plumpness; a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above
the "perfect" seven); also (as ordinal)
eighth:--eight((-een, -eenth)), eighth.
see HEBREW for 08082
שְׁמֹנֶה (she.mo.neh) — eight.
1) eight, eighth
1a) eight (as cardinal number)
1b) eighth (as ordinal number)
1c) in combination with other numbers
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Acbsa
מַעֲלָה (ma`alah) refers to a step or stair, as well as the concept of elevation or ascent. It can denote both a physical journey to a higher place and a figurative rise in thought or status. The term is notably used in the context of 'songs of ascent' in certain Psalms, indicating a spiritual or literal elevation.
[מַעֲלָה] n.f. what comes up;—pl. cstr. Ez 11:5
ref
מַעֲלָה 46 n.f. step, stair
step, stair
steps (forming sun-dial)
stories of heaven
ascent
song of ascents
base
H4609a מַעֲלָה what comes up H4609b מַעֲלָה step, stair
4609 ma`alah mah-al-aw'
feminine of 4608; elevation, i.e. the act (literally, a
journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising),
or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step or
grade-mark, figuratively, a superiority of station);
specifically a climactic progression (in certain
Psalms):--things that come up, (high) degree, deal, go up,
stair, step, story.
see HEBREW for 04608
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — thought.
what comes up, thoughts
מַעֲלָה (ma.a.lah) — step.
1) step, stair
1a) step, stair
1b) steps (of sundial)
1c) stories (of heaven)
1d) ascent
1e) song of ascent
1e1) to the three great pilgrim feasts (Psalm titles)
N-fp — Noun common · feminine plural absoluteHNcfpa
מַעֲלֶה (ma`aleh) refers to an ascent or elevation, such as a hill or stairs. It can denote both a physical incline and a figurative rise in status or priority. The term is derived from a root meaning to go up, and is used in contexts like the ascent of a mountain or a passageway.
מַעֲלֶה 19 n.m. ascent
ascent of hill or mt.; מ׳ עַקְרַבִּים = Scorpion-pass, on S. border of Pal.
of stairs; to a wall
base
H4608 מַעֲלֶה ascent
4608 ma`aleh mah-al-eh'
from 5927; an elevation, i.e. (concretely) acclivity or
platform; abstractly (the relation or state) a rise or
(figuratively) priority:--ascent, before, chiefest, cliff,
that goeth up, going up, hill, mounting up, stairs.
see HEBREW for 05927
מַעֲלֶה (ma.a.leh) — ascent.
ascent, incline
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms