Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version By the outside wall of the portico of the gateway, near the steps at the entrance of the north gateway were two tables, and on the other side of the steps were two tables. New Living Translation Outside the entry room, on each side of the stairs going up to the north entrance, were two more tables. English Standard Version And off to the side, on the outside as one goes up to the entrance of the north gate, were two tables; and off to the other side of the vestibule of the gate were two tables. Berean Standard Bible Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico. King James Bible And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables. New King James Version At the outer side of the vestibule, as one goes up to the entrance of the northern gateway, were two tables; and on the other side of the vestibule of the gateway were two tables. New American Standard Bible On the outer side, as one went up to the gateway toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. NASB 1995 On the outer side, as one went up to the gateway toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. NASB 1977 And on the outer side, as one went up to the gateway toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. Legacy Standard Bible On the outer side, as one went up to the entrance of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. Amplified Bible On the outer side, as one went up to the gateway toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. Christian Standard Bible Outside, as one approaches the entrance of the north gate, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico. Holman Christian Standard Bible Outside, as one approaches the entrance of the north gate, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico. American Standard Version And on the one side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables. Contemporary English Version Four more tables were in the outer courtyard, two on each side of the steps leading into the entrance room. English Revised Version And on the one side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables. GOD'S WORD® Translation On each side of the entrance to the north gateway there were two tables, and on the other side of the entrance hall of the gateway there were two tables. Good News Translation Outside the room there were four similar tables, two on either side of the entrance of the north gate. International Standard Version and on the outer side, approaching the northern gateway, there were two tables, as well as two tables on the opposite side of the porch in front of the gate. NET Bible On the outside of the porch as one goes up at the entrance of the north gate were two tables, and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. New Heart English Bible On the one side outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. Webster's Bible Translation And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOutside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico. World English Bible On the one side outside, as one goes up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand at the side without, at the going up to the opening of the north gate, [are] two tables; and at the other side that [is] at the porch of the gate, [are] two tables; Young's Literal Translation and at the side without, at the going up to the opening of the north gate, are two tables; and at the other side that is at the porch of the gate, are two tables; Smith's Literal Translation And upon the Shoulder from without to the going up to the entrance of the gate of the north, two tables; and upon the other shoulder which was at the porch of the gate, two tables. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd on the outward side, which goeth up to the entry of the gate that looketh toward the north, were two tables. and at the other side before the porch of the gate were two tables. Catholic Public Domain Version And at the outer side, which ascends to the door of the gate that goes toward the north, there were two tables. And at the other side, before the vestibule of the gate, there were two tables. New American Bible Two more tables stood along the wall of the vestibule by the entrance of the north gate, and two tables on the other side of the vestibule of the gate. New Revised Standard Version On the outside of the vestibule at the entrance of the north gate were two tables; and on the other side of the vestibule of the gate were two tables. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd at the side of the north gate, which is outside the place of the burnt offerings, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the portico of the gate, were two tables. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And in the side of the north gate, outside of the burning peace offerings, were two tables, and in the other side of the porches, two tables OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And on the one side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side of the porch of the gate were two tables. Brenton Septuagint Translation And behind the drain for the whole-burnt-offerings at the north gate, two tables eastward behind the second gate; and behind the porch of the gate two tables eastward. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Eight Tables for Sacrifices…39Inside the portico of the gateway were two tables on each side, on which the burnt offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings were to be slaughtered. 40Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico. 41So there were four tables inside the gateway and four outside—eight tables in all—on which the sacrifices were to be slaughtered.… Cross References Exodus 27:1-8 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. / Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. / Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. ... 1 Kings 7:27-39 In addition, he made ten movable stands of bronze, each four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high. / This was the design of the stands: They had side panels attached to uprights, / and on the panels between the uprights were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the uprights was a pedestal above, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths of beveled work. ... 2 Chronicles 4:6 He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them, but the priests used the Sea for washing. Leviticus 1:5-9 And he shall slaughter the young bull before the LORD, and Aaron’s sons the priests are to present the blood and splatter it on all sides of the altar at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / Next, he is to skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. / The sons of Aaron the priest shall put a fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. ... Leviticus 4:7 The priest must then put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense that is before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting. And he is to pour out the rest of the bull’s blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Leviticus 6:9-13 “Command Aaron and his sons that this is the law of the burnt offering: The burnt offering is to remain on the hearth of the altar all night, until morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar. / And the priest shall put on his linen robe and linen undergarments, and he shall remove from the altar the ashes of the burnt offering that the fire has consumed and place them beside it. / Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place. ... Leviticus 17:5-6 For this reason the Israelites will bring to the LORD the sacrifices they have been offering in the open fields. They are to bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and offer them as sacrifices of peace offerings to the LORD. / The priest will then splatter the blood on the altar of the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and burn the fat as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Numbers 18:17 But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to splatter their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 2 Chronicles 29:21-24 They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD. / So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and splattered it on the altar. They slaughtered the rams and splattered the blood on the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs and splattered the blood on the altar. / Then they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, who laid their hands on them. ... Isaiah 56:7 I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” Jeremiah 33:18 nor will the priests who are Levites ever fail to have a man before Me to offer burnt offerings, to burn grain offerings, and to present sacrifices.” Hebrews 9:9-10 It is an illustration for the present time, because the gifts and sacrifices being offered were unable to cleanse the conscience of the worshiper. / They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. Hebrews 10:11-14 Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. / But when this Priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God. / Since that time, He waits for His enemies to be made a footstool for His feet, ... Revelation 6:9 And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. Revelation 8:3-5 Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. / Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. Treasury of Scripture And at the side without, as one goes up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables. as one goeth up. Ezekiel 40:35 And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these measures; Jump to Previous Ascent Belonged Doorway Entrance Entry Gate Gateway Goes North Opening Outer Outside Porch Portico Side Tables Vestibule WallJump to Next Ascent Belonged Doorway Entrance Entry Gate Gateway Goes North Opening Outer Outside Porch Portico Side Tables Vestibule WallEzekiel 40 1. The time, manner, and end of the vision of the city and temple6. The description of the east gate of the outer court 20. of the north gate 24. of the south gate 27. of the south gate of the inner court 32. of the east gate 35. and of the north gate 39. Eight tables 44. The chambers 48. The porch of the house Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway This phrase sets the scene in the vision of the new temple described by Ezekiel. The north gateway is significant as it was one of the main entrances to the temple complex. In ancient Israel, the north side was often associated with judgment and sacrifice, as seen in Leviticus 1:11, where the north side of the altar is specified for the slaughter of offerings. The temple's orientation and gateways reflect the order and holiness required in approaching God. there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of a new temple in chapters 40-48. 2. The North Gate Part of the visionary temple complex described by Ezekiel, symbolizing access and approach to God’s presence. 3. Tables for Offerings These tables were designated for the preparation of various offerings, highlighting the importance of sacrificial rituals in maintaining a relationship with God. 4. Burnt Offerings, Sin Offerings, and Guilt Offerings Different types of sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses, each with specific purposes related to atonement and worship. 5. Visionary Temple The temple described in Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing God's future restoration and presence among His people. Teaching Points The Importance of SacrificeThe tables for offerings remind us of the centrality of sacrifice in the Old Testament, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Reflect on how Christ’s sacrifice fulfills and surpasses these ancient rituals. Approaching God with Reverence The north gate and the preparation tables signify the need for reverence and preparation when approaching God. Consider how we prepare our hearts for worship today. Symbolism of Restoration Ezekiel’s vision of the temple symbolizes hope and restoration. In times of personal or communal exile, trust in God’s promise to restore and renew. The Role of Rituals in Faith While the specific rituals have changed, the principle of dedicating time and resources to God remains. Evaluate how modern practices can reflect dedication and worship. God’s Presence Among His People The visionary temple emphasizes God’s desire to dwell among His people. Contemplate how we experience and acknowledge God’s presence in our daily lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 40:40?2. How does Ezekiel 40:40 illustrate God's attention to detail in worship practices? 3. What significance do the tables in Ezekiel 40:40 hold for sacrificial offerings? 4. How can we apply the orderliness of Ezekiel 40:40 to our worship today? 5. What connections exist between Ezekiel 40:40 and the sacrificial system in Leviticus? 6. How does Ezekiel 40:40 encourage reverence and preparation in approaching God's presence? 7. What is the significance of the tables mentioned in Ezekiel 40:40 for temple rituals? 8. How does Ezekiel 40:40 reflect the importance of sacrifice in ancient Israelite worship? 9. What does Ezekiel 40:40 reveal about the structure and design of the temple? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 40? 11. How should one reconcile the detailed architectural descriptions in Ezekiel 40 with the absence of any clear historical record of its fulfillment? 12. Ezekiel 4:6: How do the 40 days for Judah align with or contradict other biblical timelines found in Kings and Chronicles? 13. How do the measurements in Ezekiel 40:5-16 align with archaeological evidence of any actual Temple structure? 14. Why does Ezekiel 40 describe a Temple layout that differs so widely from known historical designs? What Does Ezekiel 40:40 Mean OutsideThe scene begins just beyond the inner court, reminding us that worship touches everyday life before it ever reaches the altar. • Ezekiel’s vision places these tables in a transitional space, echoing Exodus 29:42, “a continual burnt offering at the entrance.” • The location underscores access: God invites His people while still keeping clear distinctions between common and holy (Leviticus 1:3). • Hebrews 13:11 points out that “the bodies of the animals… are burned outside the camp,” highlighting how sacrifice bridges the gap between the ordinary and the sacred. As one goes up to the entrance Movement matters. Ascending toward God pictures intentional approach. • Psalm 24:3 asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?” The answer is a heart made ready. • Isaiah 2:3 encourages, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,” emphasizing willingness. • Every step in Ezekiel’s tour pushes us nearer to the presence of God, foreshadowing the “living way” opened through Christ (Hebrews 10:20). Of the north gateway The north side carried sacrificial associations long before Ezekiel’s vision. • Leviticus 1:11 specifies the animal is to be killed “on the north side of the altar.” • Ezekiel 40:39 adds that other tables in this same gateway were “for the burnt offering, sin offering, and guilt offering,” confirming purpose. • Choosing the north reminds us that God’s instructions are precise; He is not vague about worship (compare Numbers 2:3–25 where tribes encamp on set sides). Two tables on one side Details reflect both functionality and symbolism. • Ezekiel 40:42 notes, “There were four tables for the burnt offerings,” so these two belong to that set. • Practical use: slaughter, flaying, and dividing the sacrifice before it ever reached the altar. • Spiritual echo: God provides everything needed for reconciliation—tables included. Like Exodus 25:30, “set the Bread of the Presence on the table,” every furnishing has purpose. Two more tables on the other side Balanced provision mirrors God’s order. • Symmetry in temple design shouts intentionality; the Lord is a God “of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33) and order (1 Corinthians 14:40, “everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner”). • Doubling the number of tables pictures sufficiency. No worshiper lacks room to present an offering (John 6:37, “whoever comes to Me I will never drive away”). Of the gate’s portico The portico is the porch—neither outside nor fully inside. • 1 Kings 6:3 shows Solomon giving the temple a portico, marking transition into deeper holiness. • Ezekiel 44:3 later identifies this same area as a place reserved for the prince, reflecting privilege and nearness. • In New Testament light, Jesus announces, “I am the gate” (John 10:9). Standing in the portico today means standing at Christ’s threshold, welcomed yet called deeper. summary Ezekiel 40:40 paints a literal, measured snapshot of the future temple’s north gate. Every phrase—outside location, upward approach, north orientation, paired tables, and portico setting—blends practical worship logistics with rich theological imagery. God prepares space, supplies needed tools, and orders the pathway so His people can draw near in purity and reverence. The verse reassures us that when God designs worship, He leaves nothing to chance; He provides both the access and the means for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the true Gate who invites us all to come in. (40) At the side without.--If there could be any doubt that this means in the outer court, it would be removed by the explanation "as one goeth up," lit., at this ascent. These tables were of stone (Ezekiel 40:42), and they stood, two on each side, just in advance of the steps, for the purpose (Ezekiel 40:42) of slaying the sacrifices upon them.Hebrew Outside,מִח֗וּצָה (mi·ḥū·ṣāh) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors as one goes up לָעוֹלֶה֙ (lā·‘ō·w·leh) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively to the entrance לְפֶ֙תַח֙ (lə·p̄e·ṯaḥ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way of the north הַצָּפ֔וֹנָה (haṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 6828: Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter gate, הַשַּׁ֣עַר (haš·ša·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate there were two שְׁנַ֖יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) tables שֻׁלְחָנ֑וֹת (šul·ḥā·nō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7979: A table, a meal on וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to one side הַכָּתֵ֣ף (hak·kā·ṯêp̄) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3802: The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anything and two שְׁנַ֖יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) more tables שֻׁלְחָנֽוֹת׃ (šul·ḥā·nō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 7979: A table, a meal on וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the other הָאַחֶ֗רֶת (hā·’a·ḥe·reṯ) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 312: Hinder, next, other side הַכָּתֵ֣ף (hak·kā·ṯêp̄) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3802: The shoulder, side-piece, lateral projection of anything of the gate’s הַשַּׁ֔עַר (haš·ša·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate portico. לְאֻלָ֣ם (lə·’u·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 197: A vestibule Links Ezekiel 40:40 NIVEzekiel 40:40 NLT Ezekiel 40:40 ESV Ezekiel 40:40 NASB Ezekiel 40:40 KJV Ezekiel 40:40 BibleApps.com Ezekiel 40:40 Biblia Paralela Ezekiel 40:40 Chinese Bible Ezekiel 40:40 French Bible Ezekiel 40:40 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Ezekiel 40:40 On the one side outside as one (Ezek. Eze Ezk) |