Old Testament
Ezekiel 40:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, Ezekiel describes a vision of the outer court of a temple.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Then he brought me into the outer court. There I saw rooms and a stone pavement running along the court all around. 30 rooms lined the pavement.
Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers were upon the pavement.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Ezekiel describes a vision of the outer court of a temple. He sees a spacious area with a stone pavement that surrounds the court. This pavement is lined with thirty rooms, which likely served various purposes. The outer court is a significant space, symbolizing a place of gathering and preparation. It reflects order and structure, emphasizing the importance of community and worship. The rooms may represent different aspects of life, where people could come together for various activities. This vision invites us to consider how we create spaces in our lives for connection and purpose. It encourages us to think about the environments we build and how they can foster relationships and spiritual growth. Overall, this imagery serves as a reminder of the importance of having dedicated spaces for reflection and community engagement in our lives, just as the outer court was designed for worship and gathering in ancient times. It highlights the value of intentionality in our surroundings.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 40:17 to your life
Consider how you can create spaces in your life that foster connection and purpose. Whether it's a physical space or a time set aside for gathering, think about how these environments can enhance your relationships. Intentionality in your surroundings can lead to deeper connections and spiritual growth. Make room for community in your life!
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 40:17 mean?
Ezekiel 40:17 describes a vision of the outer court of a temple, highlighting its structure with a stone pavement and thirty rooms. This imagery emphasizes the importance of community and worship, suggesting that such spaces are vital for gathering and spiritual preparation.
What is the significance of the thirty rooms in Ezekiel 40:17?
The thirty rooms mentioned in Ezekiel 40:17 likely served various purposes, reflecting the need for spaces dedicated to community activities and worship. They symbolize order and the importance of having designated areas for connection and spiritual engagement.
How does Ezekiel 40:17 relate to community?
Ezekiel 40:17 relates to community by depicting a structured space designed for gathering and interaction. The presence of rooms suggests that such environments are essential for fostering relationships and spiritual growth among people.
What themes are present in Ezekiel 40:17?
Ezekiel 40:17 presents themes of community, worship, structure, purpose, and connection. It highlights the significance of creating intentional spaces that encourage gathering and spiritual reflection.

The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
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