Patio surrounded by columns that were in temples and ancient buildings. In Solomon's temple there were two courts called courts:
(a) the interior, where there was a large pool called the "sea of bronze", which was used for ritual purifications (1 Kings 6:36),
(b) and the great one, that is, the one in which the Tabernacle and the house of Solomon were located (1 Kings 7:12).
The Temple known in the time of Jesus, that is, the Herodian, built by Herod the Great, preserved the Solomonic structure, but had a greater height and considerable additions.
The esplanade that surrounded it was expanded twice, so that it had three new atriums. The one on the outside was accessible to everyone, which is why it was called the "court of the Gentiles", and was built of stone, and had inscriptions in Greek and Latin, threatening capital punishment to anyone who crossed the limits reserved for pagans.
Two of these inscriptions have been recovered. Its eastern and southern sides were covered by sumptuous porticos, which were called "Solomon's Porch" and "Royal Porch" (John 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12).
The inner court, surrounded by strong walls, was reserved for the Jews. It was divided into "court of women" and "court of the Israelites." Beyond was “the court of the priests” and in it the altar of burnt offerings.
Meaning of COURT
(a) the interior, where there was a large pool called the "sea of bronze", which was used for ritual purifications (1 Kings 6:36)
