2978. yeithon
Lexical Summary
yeithon: "Gift" or "Bestowal"

Original Word: יְאִתוֹן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: y'ithown
Pronunciation: yay-thone
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-ee-thone')
KJV: entrance
Word Origin: [from H857 (אָתָה אָתָא - come)]

1. an entry

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
entrance

From 'athah; an entry -- entrance.

see HEBREW 'athah

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
see ithon.

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אִיתוֺן Ezekiel 40:15 Qr see אתיון below אתה.

אִיתוֺן Qr, יאתון Kt, noun masculine entrance, הָ֯יאִתוֺן Ezekiel 40:15; Co reads אתיון; compare Sm Ol§ 215 d.

אִתַּי, אִתַי, אִיתִיאֵל see below II. אֵת.

Topical Lexicon
Scriptural Placement

The noun יְאִתוֹן appears only once, in Ezekiel 40:15, within the prophet’s detailed vision of a restored temple: “And the distance from the entrance of the gate to the far end of its portico was fifty cubits.” (Berean Standard Bible). The word designates the projecting “portico” or “porch‐way” that juts inward from the gateway into the inner court.

Architectural Background

Ezekiel’s temple gates exhibit a three-part progression: (1) the threshold, (2) guardrooms or alcoves, and (3) the inner portico. יְאִתוֹן names this third element—the covered projection that links the outer opening with the inner courtyard. Comparable porticoes formed part of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:3) and later Herodian renovations (John 10:23), underscoring continuity in Israel’s sacred architecture. Measurements (fifty cubits length) are precise, reinforcing that worship space is not haphazard but divinely proportioned.

Historical Setting

Ezekiel received the vision in exile (Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 40:1). Judah’s first temple lay in ruins, yet God revealed a future sanctuary whose every gate, hallway, and portico testified to His intention to restore true worship. The single occurrence of יְאִתוֹן thus belongs to a prophetic blueprint meant to cultivate hope among displaced Israelites and to call them to covenant faithfulness while they waited.

Symbolic Significance

1. Separation and Approach. The portico stands between the outside world and the inner court, teaching that access to God requires transition from common to holy ground (Psalm 24:3–4).
2. Invitation within Boundaries. Unlike walls that forbid entry, a portico draws worshipers forward while still marking limits. It pictures grace balanced by holiness (Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 12:28).
3. Order and Majesty. The measured projection mirrors God’s orderly character (1 Corinthians 14:40) and His intentional design for congregational life.

Ministry Applications

• Church architecture and liturgy should visibly communicate the gospel—welcoming yet reverent.
• Leadership must build “porticoes” of discipleship that guide new believers from initial faith toward deeper fellowship.
• Measuring ministry practices against Scripture guards congregations from both casual irreverence and legalistic exclusion.

Christological and Eschatological Outlook

Ezekiel’s temple anticipates the messianic era when “the Lord is there” (Ezekiel 48:35). Jesus identifies Himself as “the gate” (John 10:9) and the abiding presence in the greater temple (John 2:21). Accordingly, יְאִתוֹן foreshadows the secure yet open access believers enjoy in Christ (Ephesians 2:18), culminating in the New Jerusalem where measured walls surround open gates (Revelation 21:12–13, 25).

Related Themes and Passages

• Divine measurements: Exodus 25–27; Revelation 11:1.
• Holiness of entry points: Psalm 100:4; Isaiah 26:2.
• Restoration promises: Ezekiel 36:24–28; Amos 9:11.

Summary

Though occurring only once, יְאִתוֹן encapsulates an essential truth: God designs thresholds that both guard His holiness and welcome His people. The solitary portico in Ezekiel’s vision calls the contemporary church to shape worship, community, and mission in ways that reflect the measured grace of the coming King.

Forms and Transliterations
הָֽאִיתֹ֔ון האיתון hā’îṯōwn hā·’î·ṯō·wn haiTon
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Ezekiel 40:15
HEB: [הַיֹּאתֹון כ] (הָֽאִיתֹ֔ון ק) עַל־
KJV: of the gate of the entrance unto the face
INT: the front gate entrance unto the front

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 2978
1 Occurrence


hā·’î·ṯō·wn — 1 Occ.

2977
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