Ezekiel 41:17
To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מֵעַ֣ל
H5921
מֵעַ֣ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַפֶּ֡תַח
To that above the door
H6607
הַפֶּ֡תַח
To that above the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
3 of 15
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
4 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַבַּיִת֩
house
H1004
הַבַּיִת֩
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְלַח֜וּץ
and without
H2351
וְלַח֜וּץ
and without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
סָבִ֛יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֛יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
11 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
סָבִ֛יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֛יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
12 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Historical Context
The meticulous measurements recall the Mosaic tabernacle's precise specifications (Exodus 25-27). Such detail reveals God's character: He is not capricious or disorganized but ordered and purposeful in all things.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your private spiritual life measure against God's standards, not merely your public religious performance?
- What does God's attention to comprehensive detail teach about His concern for every aspect of your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure—the phrase bemiddot (בְּמִדּוֹת, by measure) appears repeatedly in Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing that every element of God's dwelling follows divine specification. Nothing is random or arbitrary; all serves God's holy purpose.
This comprehensive measurement 'within and without' demonstrates that God's standards govern both visible external appearance and hidden internal reality—a principle echoed in Jesus's condemnation of Pharisaic externalism (Matthew 23:25-28). True holiness must permeate every dimension of God's people, not merely their public presentation.