Old Testament
Ezekiel 40:42
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
There were also 4 tables of cut stone for the burnt offerings, each 1 and a half cubits long, 1 and a half cubits wide, and 1 cubit high. On these tables they laid the tools used for slaughtering the burnt offerings and other sacrifices.
Compare translations
And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.
What Ezekiel 40:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we learn about the specific details of the temple's design, particularly the four stone tables used for burnt offerings. Each table was carefully measured, showing the importance of precision in worship. These tables were not just functional; they represented a sacred space for making sacrifices. The tools for slaughtering animals were placed on these tables, emphasizing the seriousness of the offerings. This act of sacrifice was a way for the people to connect with their faith and seek forgiveness. The meticulous nature of the design reflects a deep respect for the rituals involved. It reminds us that our approach to worship should be intentional and thoughtful, recognizing the significance of our actions in our spiritual lives. Overall, this passage highlights the importance of preparation and reverence in our relationship with the divine, encouraging us to create spaces in our lives where we can engage meaningfully with our beliefs and values. It invites us to consider how we honor our commitments and the rituals that shape our lives.
How to apply Ezekiel 40:42 to your life
Consider how you prepare for important moments in your life. Just as the tables were set for sacrifices, think about how you can create intentional spaces for reflection and connection with your beliefs. This could be through prayer, meditation, or simply taking time to be present with your thoughts and feelings. Make your spiritual practices meaningful and deliberate, honoring what matters most to you. Reflect on how you can incorporate this intentionality into your daily
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 40:42
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 40:42
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 40:42 mean?
Ezekiel 40:42 describes the design of the temple, specifically detailing four stone tables used for burnt offerings. This verse emphasizes the importance of precision in worship and the sacredness of the space where sacrifices were made.
What is the significance of the tables in Ezekiel 40:42?
The tables mentioned in Ezekiel 40:42 were used for laying tools for slaughtering burnt offerings, highlighting the seriousness of the sacrificial rituals. They represent a dedicated space for worship and the intentionality required in connecting with faith.
What does 'burnt offerings' refer to in Ezekiel 40:42?
In Ezekiel 40:42, 'burnt offerings' refer to sacrifices made to God, where the entire animal was consumed by fire. This practice was a way for the people to seek forgiveness and express devotion.
How does Ezekiel 40:42 relate to worship practices?
Ezekiel 40:42 highlights the significance of creating intentional spaces for worship, as seen through the detailed design of the tables for sacrifices. It encourages believers to approach their spiritual practices with thoughtfulness and reverence.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.