Ezekiel 41:9
The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within.
Original Language Analysis
אֲֽשֶׁר
H834
אֲֽשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
צְלָע֖וֹת
of the side chambers
H6763
צְלָע֖וֹת
of the side chambers
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
4 of 14
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
הַח֖וּץ
without
H2351
הַח֖וּץ
without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
אַמּ֑וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֑וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
8 of 14
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)
וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
וַאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מֻנָּ֔ח
and that which was left
H3240
מֻנָּ֔ח
and that which was left
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
10 of 14
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
לַבָּֽיִת׃
that were within
H1004
לַבָּֽיִת׃
that were within
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
צְלָע֖וֹת
of the side chambers
H6763
צְלָע֖וֹת
of the side chambers
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
12 of 14
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
Historical Context
Ezekiel prophesied this temple vision around 573 BC during Babylonian exile, fourteen years after Jerusalem's destruction. The detailed architectural specifications served to sustain exilic hope for restoration while describing a temple surpassing Solomon's in glory and permanence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the substantial thickness of God's temple walls reflect His commitment to protecting His dwelling place among His people?
- What does the orderly provision of side chambers teach about God's care for the practical needs of those who serve Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits—the Hebrew qir (קִיר, wall) emphasizes structural solidity and separation. The five-cubit thickness (approximately 7.5 feet) denotes substantial strength, suggesting permanence and divine protection surrounding God's dwelling place.
That which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within—these tsela'ot (צְלָעוֹת, side chambers/ribs) provided storage for temple vessels and priests' needs. The architectural precision mirrors Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:5-6) but with eschatological perfection, pointing to the church as God's carefully structured dwelling (Ephesians 2:19-22).