Ezekiel 41:4
So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֨מָד
So he measured
H4058
וַיָּ֨מָד
So he measured
Strong's:
H4058
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
5 of 16
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)
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
8 of 16
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)
פְּנֵ֣י
before
H6440
פְּנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַֽהֵיכָ֑ל
the temple
H1964
הַֽהֵיכָ֑ל
the temple
Strong's:
H1964
Word #:
11 of 16
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
Cross References
1 Kings 6:20And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.2 Chronicles 3:8And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.
Historical Context
Solomon's temple had identical Most Holy Place dimensions (1 Kings 6:20). This continuity with previous temple emphasizes restoration and fulfillment of covenant promises. God's dwelling place specifications don't change because His character doesn't change.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cubic symmetry of God's dwelling place symbolize His perfect holiness?
- What does it mean that you are a temple where God's Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 6:19)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) measured twenty cubits square—a perfect cube, symbolizing completeness and perfection. This is where God's glory would dwell. The perfect symmetry reveals divine perfection and holiness. New Jerusalem shares this cubic design (Revelation 21:16), showing continuity between temple and eternal state.