Lexical Summary elam: Elam Original Word: אֵילָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arch Or (shortened);elam {ay-lawm'}; or (feminine) ielammah {ay-lam-maw'}; probably from 'ayil; a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e. A pale (or portico) -- arch. see HEBREW 'ayil NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ayil Definition a porch NASB Translation porch (1), porches (14). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אֵילָם] noun masculine porch (= אוּלָם), q. v.; only Ezekiel, where Co always for אוּלָם, compare ᵐ5 αἰλαμ; BöNÄ 929; makes אילם vestibule, אולם porch) — אֵילָם read for אֵילִים Ezekiel 40:37 (so Sm Co); suffix אילמו Kt Ezekiel 40:22 (twice in verse) + 4 t. (Qr אֵילַמָּיו) + Ezekiel 41:15 Co (for ᵑ0 אֻלַמֵּי); אלמו Kt Ezekiel 40:21 6t. (Qr אֵלַמָּיו). — Co all singular: — plural אֵלַמּוֺת Ezekiel 40:16 (Co singular) Ezekiel 40:30 (strike out Co compare MSS. of HCT, B etc., also Ew Hi Sm). — porch, of Ezekiel's temple Ezekiel 40:16,21 13t. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Ezekiel 40All fifteen attestations of אֵילָם are concentrated in Ezekiel 40:16, 21–26, 29–36, where the prophet is guided through the east, north, and south gateways of the future temple. Repeating the same technical term at each gate underscores a deliberate symmetry: “There were alcoves and beveled windows all around the inside of the gateway, and the portico was on the inside; and on each jamb were palm trees” (Ezekiel 40:16). The usage is entirely architectural, yet it is embedded in a vision that embraces both worship and eschatology. Architectural Function The structure identified by אֵילָם is not part of the courts themselves but stands just inside each outer and inner gate. It serves as a transitional space between sacred zones: • Provides shelter for those pausing before entry. Dimensions differ slightly (Ezekiel 40:30 notes a depth extension), but every instance preserves a three-fold alignment: side rooms, pillars, and the אֵילָם fronting them. The repeated decorative palms evoke the righteous who “flourish like a palm tree” (Psalm 92:12), visually preaching holiness to each entrant. Theological Symbolism Thresholds in Scripture signify decisive movement—Noah’s ark door, the blood-marked lintels in Egypt, even the torn veil of the temple. By multiplying these porticoes on every side, Ezekiel’s vision stresses God’s universal invitation while retaining boundaries of purity. Worshippers are welcomed, yet only through ordered access. The prophet’s exile audience, bereft of a temple, would have heard a promise: re-entry into covenant communion remains possible when God Himself restores the gate. Historical and Prophetic Context Ezekiel received this vision in the twenty-fifth year of exile (Ezekiel 40:1). Solomon’s temple lay in ruins, and the second temple had not yet been rebuilt. The detailed measurements therefore functioned as a blueprint for hope. Many conservative interpreters view chapters 40–48 as describing a literal millennial temple yet to stand, while recognizing present spiritual applications for the church. Either way, the אֵילָם embodies a divinely specified pattern, highlighting that true worship is never left to human invention. Links with Earlier Temple Design Although the same Hebrew consonants appear for the “porch” of Solomon’s temple (for example 1 Kings 6:3), Ezekiel employs a distinct spelling and limits the term to the gates. This shift draws attention to restored access after judgment: where Solomon emphasized royal approach, Ezekiel emphasizes communal entry. The continuity shows Scripture’s harmony; the variation shows progressive revelation. Christological Foreshadowing The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate gate (John 10:9) and the true temple (John 2:19-21). The porticoes of Ezekiel anticipate Him in at least three ways: 1. Placement—situated at the very point of transition from outside to inside, just as Christ mediates between God and humanity. Practical Reflections for Believers • Ordered Worship: God cares about approach as well as destination. Corporate gatherings should reflect reverence and clarity, guiding people from distraction into adoration. Summary אֵילָם in Ezekiel 40 is more than an architectural note; it is a Spirit-breathed testimony that access to God is graciously provided, carefully ordered, and ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah. Each portico stands as a silent herald: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4). Forms and Transliterations וְאֵ֣ילַמָּ֔יו וְאֵֽילַמָּ֖יו וְאֵֽלַמּ֖וֹת וְאֵֽלַמָּ֖יו וְאֵֽלַמָּיו֙ וְאֵלַמָּ֗ו וְאֵלַמָּ֗יו וְאֵֽלַמָּ֔יו וּלְאֵֽילַמָּיו֙ וּלְאֵלַמָּ֖יו ואילמיו ואלמו ואלמות ואלמיו ולאילמיו ולאלמיו לָאֵֽלַמּ֑וֹת לאלמות lā’êlammōwṯ lā·’ê·lam·mō·wṯ laelamMot ū·lə·’ê·lam·māw ūlə’êlammāw uleeilamMav uleelamMav veeilamMav veelamMav veelamMot wə’êlammāw wə’êlammōwṯ wə·’ê·lam·māw wə·’ê·lam·mō·wṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 40:16 HEB: סָבִ֔יב וְכֵ֖ן לָאֵֽלַמּ֑וֹת וְחַלּוֹנ֞וֹת סָבִ֤יב ׀ NAS: and likewise for the porches. And [there were] windows KJV: round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows INT: around and likewise the porches windows all Ezekiel 40:21 Ezekiel 40:22 Ezekiel 40:22 Ezekiel 40:24 Ezekiel 40:25 Ezekiel 40:26 Ezekiel 40:29 Ezekiel 40:29 Ezekiel 40:30 Ezekiel 40:31 Ezekiel 40:33 Ezekiel 40:33 Ezekiel 40:34 Ezekiel 40:36 15 Occurrences |
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