Ezekiel 40:16
New International Version
The alcoves and the projecting walls inside the gateway were surmounted by narrow parapet openings all around, as was the portico; the openings all around faced inward. The faces of the projecting walls were decorated with palm trees.

New Living Translation
There were recessed windows that narrowed inward through the walls of the guard alcoves and their dividing walls. There were also windows in the entry room. The surfaces of the dividing walls were decorated with carved palm trees.

English Standard Version
And the gateway had windows all around, narrowing inwards toward the side rooms and toward their jambs, and likewise the vestibule had windows all around inside, and on the jambs were palm trees.

Berean Standard Bible
The gate chambers and their side pillars had beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway. The porticos also had windows all around on the inside. Each side pillar was decorated with palm trees.

King James Bible
And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.

New King James Version
There were beveled window frames in the gate chambers and in their intervening archways on the inside of the gateway all around, and likewise in the vestibules. There were windows all around on the inside. And on each gatepost were palm trees.

New American Standard Bible
And there were shuttered windows looking toward the guardrooms, and toward their side pillars within the gate all around, and likewise for the porches. And there were windows all around inside; and on each side pillar were palm tree decorations.

NASB 1995
There were shuttered windows looking toward the guardrooms, and toward their side pillars within the gate all around, and likewise for the porches. And there were windows all around inside; and on each side pillar were palm tree ornaments.

NASB 1977
And there were shuttered windows looking toward the guardrooms, and toward their side pillars within the gate all around, and likewise for the porches. And there were windows all around inside; and on each side pillar were palm tree ornaments.

Legacy Standard Bible
There were shuttered windows looking toward the guardrooms and toward their side pillars within the gate all around, and likewise for the porches. And there were windows all around inside; and on each side pillar were palm tree ornaments.

Amplified Bible
There were shuttered windows looking toward the guardrooms, and toward their side pillars within the gate all around, and likewise for the porches. And windows were all around inside; and palm tree decorations were on each side pillar.

Christian Standard Bible
The recesses and their jambs had beveled windows all around the inside of the gate. The porticoes also had windows all around on the inside. Each jamb was decorated with palm trees.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The recesses and their pilasters had beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway. The porticoes also had windows all around on the inside. Each pilaster was decorated with palm trees.

American Standard Version
And there were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches; and windows were round about inward; and upon each post were palm-trees.

Contemporary English Version
The three walls in the guardrooms had small windows in them, just like the ones in the entrance room. The walls along the passageway were decorated with carvings of palm trees.

English Revised Version
And there were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The guardrooms and recessed walls inside the gateway had small windows all around. The entrance hall also had windows all around on the inside. Pictures of palm trees were carved on the recessed walls.

Good News Translation
There were small openings in the outside walls of all the rooms and also in the inner walls between the rooms. There were palm trees carved on the inner walls that faced the passageway.

International Standard Version
Latticed windows faced the guardhouses, their side pillars within the gate all around, and also for the porches. Windows were placed all around inside, and the side pillars were engraved with palm trees.

Majority Standard Bible
The gate chambers and their side pillars had beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway. The porticos also had windows all around on the inside. Each side pillar was decorated with palm trees.

NET Bible
There were closed windows toward the alcoves and toward their jambs within the gate all around, and likewise for the porches. There were windows all around the inside, and on each jamb were decorative palm trees.

New Heart English Bible
There were closed windows to the side-rooms, and toward their jambs within the gate all around, and likewise to the porches; and windows were around the inside; and on each jamb were palm trees.

Webster's Bible Translation
And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate around, and likewise to the arches: and windows were around inward: and upon each post were palm-trees.

World English Bible
There were closed windows to the side rooms, and to their posts within the gate all around, and likewise to the arches. Windows were around inward. Palm trees were on each post.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and narrow windows [are] in the little chambers, and in their posts on the inside of the gate all around—and so to the arches—and windows all around on the inside, and palm-trees [are] on the post.

Young's Literal Translation
and narrow windows are unto the little chambers, and unto their posts at the inside of the gate all round about -- and so to the arches -- and windows all round about are at the inside, and at the post are palm-trees.

Smith's Literal Translation
And windows closed to the chambers, and to their posts inside to the gate, round about, round about, and thus to the porches: and to the windows round about, round about inside, and to the post, palm trees.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And slanting windows in the little chambers, and in their fronts, which were within the gate on every side round about: and in like, manner there wore also in the porches windows round about within, and before the fronts the representation of palm trees.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And there were slanting windows in the chambers and at their fronts, which were within the gate on every side all around. And similarly, there were also windows in the vestibules all around the interior, and there were images of palm trees before the fronts.

New American Bible
There were recessed windows in the cells on all sides and in the posts on the inner side of the gate. Posts and windows were all around the inside, with palm trees decorating the posts.

New Revised Standard Version
The recesses and their pilasters had windows, with shutters on the inside of the gateway all around, and the vestibules also had windows on the inside all around; and on the pilasters were palm trees.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And there were windows to the small rooms which were wide from within and narrow from without, and to their posts within the gate, and likewise to the arches; and windows were round about from within.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And windows that are spread out from within, and narrow ones from outside on planks, and upon the door posts of the gate, and windows that were surrounding them from within
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And there were narrow windows to the cells and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches; and windows were round about inward; and upon each post were palm-trees.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And there were secret windows to the chambers, and to the porches within the gate of the court round about, and in the same manner windows to the porches round about within: and on the porch there were palm-trees on this side and on that side.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The East Gate
15And the distance from the entrance of the gateway to the far end of its inner portico was fifty cubits. 16The gate chambers and their side pillars had beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway. The porticos also had windows all around on the inside. Each side pillar was decorated with palm trees.

Cross References
1 Kings 6:4
He also had narrow windows framed high in the temple.

1 Kings 7:4-5
There were three rows of high windows facing one another in three tiers. / All the doorways had rectangular frames, with the openings facing one another in three tiers.

2 Chronicles 4:22
the wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers of pure gold; and the gold doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place as well as the doors of the main hall.

Exodus 25:37
Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.

Exodus 26:36
For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen.

Exodus 27:9
You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side,

Exodus 38:8
Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 8:2
“Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’”

Zechariah 4:2
“What do you see?” he asked. “I see a solid gold lampstand,” I replied, “with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to the lamps.

Revelation 1:12
Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands,

Revelation 1:20
This is the mystery of the seven stars you saw in My right hand and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 4:5
From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven spirits of God.

Revelation 21:12
The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates.

Revelation 21:18
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass.

Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass.


Treasury of Scripture

And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and on each post were palm trees.

narrow [heb] closed

Ezekiel 41:16
The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered;

1 Kings 6:4
And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

the little

Ezekiel 40:7,12
And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within was one reed…

arches.

Ezekiel 40:21,22,25,30
And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits…

Ezekiel 41:15
And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

Ezekiel 42:3
Over against the twenty cubits which were for the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for the utter court, was gallery against gallery in three stories.

inward.

1 Kings 6:29,32,35
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without…

2 Chronicles 3:5
And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

Psalm 92:12
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Jump to Previous
Alcoves Arches Cells Chambers Closed Faced Faces Gate Gateway Guardrooms Inside Inward Inwards Jambs Lodges Narrow Ornaments Palm Palm-Trees Parapet Pillar Pillars Porches Portico Post Posts Projecting Rooms Round Side Sloping Tree Trees Uprights Walls Windows Within
Jump to Next
Alcoves Arches Cells Chambers Closed Faced Faces Gate Gateway Guardrooms Inside Inward Inwards Jambs Lodges Narrow Ornaments Palm Palm-Trees Parapet Pillar Pillars Porches Portico Post Posts Projecting Rooms Round Side Sloping Tree Trees Uprights Walls Windows Within
Ezekiel 40
1. The time, manner, and end of the vision of the city and temple
6. 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














beveled windows
The Hebrew word for "windows" here is "חַלּוֹן" (chalon), which often refers to openings that allow light and air into a structure. The term "beveled" suggests a slanted or angled design, which may have been intended to control the amount of light entering or to provide a specific aesthetic. In ancient architecture, such windows were not only functional but also symbolic of divine illumination and insight, suggesting that the temple was a place where God's light and truth were accessible to His people.

guardrooms
The Hebrew term "תָּא" (ta) refers to small chambers or rooms, often used for security or storage. In the context of the temple, these guardrooms were likely used by temple guards or priests to maintain order and protect the sanctity of the space. This highlights the importance of vigilance and purity in worship, reminding believers of the need to guard their hearts and lives as they approach God.

side pillars
The Hebrew word "אֵיל" (ayil) can mean a post or pillar, often used for structural support. In the temple, these pillars were not only functional but also carried symbolic meaning, representing strength and stability. They remind us of the steadfastness of God's promises and the support He provides to His people.

inside the gateway all around
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the design, with windows and pillars surrounding the gateway. The gateway itself is a significant symbol, representing access to the divine presence. The detailed description underscores the meticulous care in the temple's construction, reflecting the holiness and order of God’s dwelling place.

likewise for the porticos
The Hebrew word "אֻלָם" (ulam) refers to a porch or vestibule, an area of transition between the outside world and the sacred space within. The repetition of design elements in the porticos suggests uniformity and harmony, reinforcing the idea that every part of the temple was designed to reflect God's glory and order.

windows all around inside
This repetition of windows signifies the importance of light within the temple. Light is a recurring biblical metaphor for God's presence, truth, and revelation. The abundance of windows symbolizes the temple as a place where divine light permeates, guiding and enlightening those who enter.

on each side pillar were palm trees
The palm tree, or "תָּמָר" (tamar) in Hebrew, is a symbol of victory, peace, and eternal life. In the temple, the depiction of palm trees on the pillars may represent the flourishing life and peace found in God's presence. This imagery encourages believers to seek the spiritual vitality and peace that come from a relationship with God.

Verse 16. - And there were narrow (Hebrew, closed) windows, probably of lattice-work, so fixed as to prevent either egress or ingress. That these "windows" (חַלּ ונות, so called from being perforated) were intended to impart light to the gateway, either in whole or in part, is apparent, though it is difficult to form a clear idea of how they were situated. They were in the chambers, and in their posts and in the arches, or colonnades (Revised Version margin). In the chambers, or "lodges," they were most likely in the back walls, and in or near the posts, or pillars, belonging to the doors of these chambers, the clause, "and in their posts," being regarded as epexegetic of the preceding, and designed to furnish a more precise explanation of the particular part of the guard-room in which the windows were. Similar windows existed in the Solomonic temple (1 Kings 6:4). The "arches," or "colonnades" (אֵלַ מּיִת), were probably wall-projections on the sides of the chambers, to that light was admitted from three sides. Thus to one standing within, the whole gateway appeared studded round and round with windows. The description of the gate closes with the statement that upon each post were palm trees, which may signify either that the shaft was fashioned like a palm tree, as is sometimes seen in ancient buildings in the East (Dr. Currey, Plumptre) or that it was ornamented with representations of palm branches or palm trees (Keil, Ewald, Kliefoth). Hengstenberg's idea, that "whole palms beside the pillars are meant," is favored by Smend, who cites, in addition to ver. 26, Ezekiel 41:18, etc., and 1 Kings 6:29; 1 Kings 7:36.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The gate chambers
הַתָּאִ֡ים (hat·tā·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8372: A chamber

and their side pillars
אֵלֵיהֵ֨מָה (’ê·lê·hê·māh)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 352: Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree

had
אֶֽל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

beveled
אֲטֻמ֣וֹת (’ă·ṭu·mō·wṯ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural
Strong's 331: To close, to contract

windows
וְחַלֹּנ֣וֹת (wə·ḥal·lō·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural
Strong's 2474: A window

all around
סָבִ֣יב ׀ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

the inside
לִפְנִ֤ימָה (lip̄·nî·māh)
Preposition-l | Adverb
Strong's 6441: Toward the side or inside, within

of the gateway.
לַשַּׁ֙עַר֙ (laš·ša·‘ar)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

The porticos
לָאֵֽלַמּ֑וֹת (lā·’ê·lam·mō·wṯ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 361: A pillar-space, a pale

also had windows
וְחַלּוֹנ֞וֹת (wə·ḥal·lō·w·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural
Strong's 2474: A window

all around
סָבִ֤יב ׀ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

on the inside.
לִפְנִ֔ימָה (lip̄·nî·māh)
Preposition-l | Adverb
Strong's 6441: Toward the side or inside, within

Each side pillar
אַ֖יִל (’a·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 352: Strength, strong, a chief, a ram, a pilaster, an oak, strong tree

was decorated with palm trees.
תִּמֹרִֽים׃ (ti·mō·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8561: A palm-like pilaster


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 40:15
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