Courtyard, court

The courtyard was an open area enclosed by structures within a building complex, such as the Temple, a palace, or even a house.

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As in English, so also in the biblical languages the words for “court” indicate both the physical courtyard and also the place of residence or activity of a king.

A number of times in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms, we encounter a phrase like “the courts of the LORD,” “your courts,” or “my courts.” In these places the word “courts” is a metonym for the Tabernacle or the Temple, and where necessary it may be translated as such. For example, in PSA 65:5GNT has “your sanctuary” and CEV says “your temple.” The translator should avoid using a word that indicates a court of law.

In some places the Greek word aulē refers to the courtyard of a private house. It has this meaning in MAT 26:3 and LUK 11:21, so CEV renders it “home” in these passages.

REV 11:2: “The court outside the temple” (RSV) was known as the Court of the Gentiles, for that is where they could assemble. They could not get closer to the inner sanctuary, however. In this passage this court and its people stand for the unbelievers, who will not be spared the disasters to come. Another way of expressing the initial clause in this verse is “But do not measure the open spaces with walls around them outside the Temple.”