361. elam
Lexical Summary
elam: Elam

Original Word: אֵילָם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: eylam
Pronunciation: ay-lahm
Phonetic Spelling: (ay-lawm')
KJV: arch
NASB: porches, porch
Word Origin: [probably from H352 (אַיִל - Ram)]

1. a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e. a pale (or portico)

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 Origin
from 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 40

All 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.
• Marks the threshold at which worshippers submit to priestly inspection (cf. Ezekiel 44:9).
• Frames the line-of-sight to the sanctuary, guiding hearts and bodies toward the holy center.

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.
2. Multiplicity—three gates, three porticoes, echoing the gospel call “to every nation” (Matthew 28:19).
3. Ornamentation—palm motifs recall the triumphal entry (John 12:13), proclaiming Him King at the doorway of salvation.

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.
• Purity at the Threshold: Like the palm-etched pillars, believers themselves become living signposts of holiness, inviting yet distinct (1 Peter 2:9).
• Hope of Restoration: Ezekiel’s exiles had only a vision; Christians possess both the risen Christ and the sure promise of His return. The detailed porticoes remind the church that God’s future plans are as concrete as timber and stone.

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·wṯ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman'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
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽלַמָּיו֙ ק) הָיָ֔ה
NAS: and its side pillars and its porches had
KJV: on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure
INT: side mighty arch had measurement

Ezekiel 40:22
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽלַמָּיו֙ ק) [וְתִמֹרֹו
NAS: Its windows and its porches and its palm tree ornaments
KJV: And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees,
INT: window arch palm tree measurements

Ezekiel 40:22
HEB: [וְאֵילַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽילַמָּ֖יו ק) לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃
NAS: steps, and its porch [was] in front
KJV: steps; and the arches thereof [were] before
INT: seven reached arch front

Ezekiel 40:24
HEB: [וְאֵילַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵ֣ילַמָּ֔יו ק) כַּמִּדּ֖וֹת
NAS: its side pillars and its porches according to those
KJV: the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.
INT: measured mighty arch measurements to those

Ezekiel 40:25
HEB: [וּלְאֵילַמֹּו כ] (וּלְאֵֽילַמָּיו֙ ק) סָבִ֣יב ׀
NAS: The gate and its porches had windows
KJV: And [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about,
INT: had windows arch all around

Ezekiel 40:26
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽלַמָּ֖יו ק) לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם
NAS: going up to it, and its porches [were] in front
KJV: to go up to it, and the arches thereof [were] before
INT: seven ascent arch front had palm

Ezekiel 40:29
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽלַמָּיו֙ ק) כַּמִּדּ֣וֹת
NAS: also, its side pillars and its porches [were] according to those
KJV: thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according to these measures:
INT: chamber mighty arch measurements to those

Ezekiel 40:29
HEB: [וּלְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וּלְאֵלַמָּ֖יו ק) סָבִ֣יב ׀
NAS: same measurements. And the gate and its porches had windows
KJV: and [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about:
INT: to those had windows arch all around

Ezekiel 40:30
HEB: וְאֵֽלַמּ֖וֹת סָבִ֣יב ׀ סָבִ֑יב
NAS: [There were] porches all around,
KJV: And the arches round about [were] five
INT: porches all around

Ezekiel 40:31
HEB: וְאֵלַמָּ֗ו אֶל־ חָצֵר֙
NAS: Its porches [were] toward the outer
KJV: And the arches thereof [were] toward the utter
INT: porches toward court

Ezekiel 40:33
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽלַמָּיו֙ ק) כַּמִּדּ֣וֹת
NAS: also, its side pillars and its porches [were] according to those
KJV: thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, [were] according to these measures:
INT: chamber mighty arch measurements to those

Ezekiel 40:33
HEB: [וּלְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וּלְאֵלַמָּ֖יו ק) סָבִ֣יב ׀
NAS: same measurements. And the gate and its porches had windows
KJV: and [there were] windows therein and in the arches thereof round about:
INT: to those had windows arch all around

Ezekiel 40:34
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵלַמָּ֗יו ק) לֶֽחָצֵר֙
NAS: Its porches [were] toward the outer
KJV: And the arches thereof [were] toward the outward
INT: arch court the outer

Ezekiel 40:36
HEB: [וְאֵלַמֹּו כ] (וְאֵֽלַמָּ֔יו ק) וְחַלּוֹנ֥וֹת
NAS: its side pillars and its porches. And the gate had windows
KJV: thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows
INT: chamber mighty arch had windows all

15 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 361
15 Occurrences


lā·’ê·lam·mō·wṯ — 1 Occ.
ū·lə·’ê·lam·māw — 1 Occ.
ū·lə·’ê·lam·māw — 2 Occ.
wə·’ê·lam·māw — 2 Occ.
wə·’ê·lam·māw — 8 Occ.
wə·’ê·lam·mō·wṯ — 1 Occ.

360
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