Ezekiel Chapter 40 · Verse 21
And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
Original Language Analysis
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
on this side and three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
on this side and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
2 of 18
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
on this side and three
H7969
וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה
on this side and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
4 of 18
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וְאֵילָ֤ו
on that side and the posts
H352
וְאֵילָ֤ו
on that side and the posts
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
וְאֵֽלַמָּו֙
thereof and the arches
H361
וְאֵֽלַמָּו֙
thereof and the arches
Strong's:
H361
Word #:
7 of 18
a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e., a pale (or portico)
הָיָ֔ה
H1961
הָיָ֔ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּמִדַּ֖ת
thereof were after the measure
H4060
כְּמִדַּ֖ת
thereof were after the measure
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן
of the first
H7223
הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן
of the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
11 of 18
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
בָּאַמָּֽה׃
cubits
H520
בָּאַמָּֽה׃
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
Historical Context
Ezekiel received this vision in 573 BC, the 25th year of his exile and 14 years after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiles wondered if God would ever restore Israel's worship. This temple vision (chapters 40-48) answered with overwhelming detail—yes, but transformed and perfected. While some see this as a literal millennial temple blueprint, others interpret it as symbolic of the church or new creation. Either way, it reveals God's commitment to dwell with His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the precision and symmetry of God's temple vision challenge modern casual attitudes toward worship and holiness?
- What does the meticulous detail God provides for His dwelling place teach you about His character and His desire for relationship with His people?
Analysis & Commentary
The little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side (תָּאָיו שְׁלֹשָׁה מִפֹּה וּשְׁלֹשָׁה מִפֹּה, ta'av sheloshah mippoh usheloshah mippoh)—The ta'im (guard chambers) flanked the gateway, creating a symmetrical defensive structure. The number three may symbolize completeness or divine perfection (echoing the Trinity, though not explicitly revealed until the NT). After the measure of the first gate indicates precise standardization: 50 cubits long, 25 cubits wide (approximately 87.5 x 43.75 feet).
This is the north gate of the outer court, matching the east gate's dimensions (40:6-16). The meticulous measurements communicate God's order and precision—nothing in His house is haphazard or arbitrary. The symmetry reflects divine justice and consistency. Unlike Solomon's temple (destroyed by Babylon), this visionary temple cannot be corrupted because it represents God's ideal dwelling with His people in the eschatological age.