Ezekiel 40:13

KJV

He measured then the gate from the roof of [one] little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth [was] five and twenty cubits, door against door.

KJV (with Strong's)

He measured {H4058} then the gate {H8179} from the roof {H1406} of one little chamber {H8372} to the roof {H1406} of another: the breadth {H7341} was five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}, door {H6607} against door {H6607}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He measured [inside] the gate from the back wall of one guardroom to the back wall of the other a distance of forty-three-and-three-quarters feet, the openings [to the guardrooms] being opposite each other.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he measured the gateway from the roof of one gate chamber to the roof of the opposite one; the distance was twenty-five cubits from doorway to doorway.

American Standard Version

And he measured the gate from the roof of the one lodge to the roof of the other, a breadth of five and twenty cubits; door against door.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:13 details a specific measurement within the prophet's vision of a new temple, describing the breadth of one of its gates as twenty-five cubits, measured from the roof of one guard chamber to the roof of another, with opposing doors. This precise architectural detail is part of a larger divine blueprint, emphasizing God's meticulous design for His future dwelling place and signaling a restoration of order and sacred space for the exiled people of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:13 is embedded within a highly detailed prophetic vision spanning chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. This section marks a significant shift in the book's narrative, moving from prophecies of judgment and destruction (chapters 1-39) to a comprehensive vision of restoration and future glory. The prophet, exiled in Babylon, is transported in a vision to the land of Israel, where he encounters a divine guide with a measuring rod. Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the outer court, inner court, and various chambers and gates of the visionary temple, with chapter 40 specifically focusing on the outer perimeter and gates. Verse 13 contributes to this architectural blueprint, providing a precise dimension for one of the gate structures, highlighting the divine precision of the entire complex.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the new temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and displacement for the Jewish people. Jerusalem and the First Temple (Solomon's Temple) had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, and the people were far from their homeland and their spiritual center. In this context, the detailed vision of a new, magnificent temple served as a powerful message of hope and divine faithfulness. It assured the exiles that God had not abandoned them and that a future restoration, including a renewed presence of God among His people, was guaranteed. The measurements, given in cubits, were standard for ancient Near Eastern architecture, indicating the tangible and real nature of the divine plan, even if its ultimate fulfillment might transcend a literal building. Gates in ancient cities and temple complexes were not merely entry points but significant structures, often housing guard rooms, administrative offices, or places for public assembly and judgment, underscoring their importance in the overall design.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements throughout Ezekiel 40-48, including the specific dimensions in [Ezekiel 40:13](/ezekiel/40-13 "Ezekiel 40:13 - Measurement of the Gate"), contribute to several overarching themes. Firstly, **Divine Precision and Order** are paramount, underscoring that God's plans are not arbitrary but are executed with exactness and purpose. This contrasts sharply with the chaos and destruction experienced by Israel. Secondly, the vision powerfully conveys **Restoration and Future Hope**. For a people in exile, the promise of a new temple and the return of God's glory ([Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple")) provided immense comfort and a tangible future to anticipate. Lastly, the entire temple complex emphasizes **God's Presence** among His people. The temple, whether literal or symbolic, is the designated space for God's dwelling, signifying His enduring covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate communion with humanity, a theme central to the entire book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** (H4058) This primitive root means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In Ezekiel 40:13, it highlights the precise, methodical action of the angelic guide, emphasizing the divine origin and exactitude of the temple's blueprint. The act of measuring signifies divine intentionality and the establishment of order.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** (H8179) Derived from a root meaning "an opening," this term refers to a door or gate, often signifying a significant entrance or portal, especially for a city or temple. In this context, the gate is not just an opening but a substantial architectural complex, implying controlled access, security, and a boundary between the sacred and the profane.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** (H520) This unit of measurement, literally meaning "mother" (perhaps as a foundational unit), refers to the fore-arm (below the elbow), typically around 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Its use here indicates the tangible, earthly scale of the vision's dimensions, grounding the prophetic blueprint in a comprehensible reality for Ezekiel's audience, while simultaneously conveying the immense scale of the structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He measured then the gate from the roof of [one] little chamber to the roof of another:"** This clause identifies the subject ("He," the angelic guide) and the object of measurement (the gate). The specific points of measurement—"from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another"—indicate that the measurement encompasses the full width of the gate complex, including the guard rooms or cells (chambers) that flanked the gate passage. This detail underscores the architectural complexity and the comprehensive nature of the divine blueprint.
* **"the breadth [was] five and twenty cubits,"** This provides the actual dimension: 25 cubits. This translates to approximately 37.5 feet or 11.25 meters, signifying a substantial and impressive width for the gate structure. This precise number reinforces the theme of divine exactitude and the grand scale of the envisioned temple.
* **"door against door."** This phrase further clarifies the architectural layout. It suggests a symmetrical arrangement where the "little chambers" on either side of the gate passage had doors facing each other across the central thoroughfare. This symmetrical design speaks to the order, balance, and intentionality of the temple's construction, ensuring a harmonious and functional sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:13, though seemingly a technical description, employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the meticulous use of specific measurements ("five and twenty cubits") and architectural details ("from the roof...to the roof," "door against door"). This precision serves to lend an air of authenticity and divine authority to the vision, suggesting that this is not a vague dream but a divinely ordained blueprint. Furthermore, the entire temple vision, of which this verse is a part, functions as **Symbolism**. While some interpret it as a literal future temple, it also profoundly symbolizes God's desire for restored relationship, His meticulous plan for His people, and the future dwelling of His glory among them. The **Repetition** of "roof" and "door" within the verse emphasizes the symmetrical and well-ordered nature of the gate structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:13, with its precise architectural detail, contributes to the overarching theological theme of God's meticulous plan for restoration and His desire to dwell among His people. The exact measurements signify divine order and the sacredness of the space where God's glory will reside. This vision, given during a time of desolation, served as a tangible promise of future hope and a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant. It underscores that even in the face of destruction, God is actively working out a perfect design for His people and His presence. The detailed blueprint assures Israel that their future is not chaotic but divinely ordered and purposeful, culminating in a renewed relationship with their Creator.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern of the Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly technical details of Ezekiel 40:13 offer profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The meticulous measurements of the visionary temple remind us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. Nothing in His divine plan is haphazard; everything is designed with purpose and exactness. This should instill in us a deep trust in His sovereign control, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. Just as the temple was being prepared for God's glory, our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are called to reflect His order and holiness. This passage encourages us to live with intentionality, seeking to align our lives with God's perfect will, knowing that He has a grand design for us and for His kingdom. It also serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises, providing hope and assurance even in our own periods of "exile" or despair, knowing that He is always working towards ultimate restoration and the full manifestation of His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's temple vision challenge my understanding of God's involvement in the details of my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to invite God's "measurements" and order, rather than relying on my own chaotic impulses?**
* **How does the promise of God's restored presence in the temple vision offer hope and comfort in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "cubit" measurement in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The cubit (Hebrew: *ʼammâh*, H520) was a standard unit of length in the ancient world, typically representing the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches (or about 45 centimeters). In Ezekiel's vision, the consistent use of cubits for all measurements, as seen in [Ezekiel 40:13](/ezekiel/40-13 "Ezekiel 40:13 - Measurement of the Gate"), grounds the prophetic blueprint in a tangible, comprehensible reality for the exiled Israelites. It emphasizes the practical, architectural nature of the vision, suggesting that this temple was not merely an abstract idea but a divinely ordained structure with precise, real-world dimensions. The consistent and detailed measurements underscore the theme of divine precision and the immense scale of the envisioned sanctuary, reinforcing God's meticulous planning for His future dwelling place.

**Does the "door against door" phrase imply a literal or symbolic meaning?**

Answer: The phrase "door against door" in [Ezekiel 40:13](/ezekiel/40-13 "Ezekiel 40:13 - Measurement of the Gate") primarily describes a literal architectural layout. It indicates a symmetrical design within the gate complex, where the "little chambers" (guard rooms or cells) flanking the gate passage had their doors positioned directly opposite each other across the central thoroughfare. This detail highlights the highly ordered and balanced nature of the temple's design, emphasizing its functionality and structural integrity. While the entire temple vision carries deep symbolic meaning regarding God's presence and restoration, this specific phrase is best understood as a precise architectural description contributing to the overall sense of divine order and meticulous planning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel's temple vision is rich in Old Testament prophecy, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are found in Christ. The meticulous measurements and divine blueprint of the temple, including the gate described in [Ezekiel 40:13](/ezekiel/40-13 "Ezekiel 40:13 - Measurement of the Gate"), point beyond a physical structure to the perfect and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, which is realized in Jesus Christ. He is the true temple, the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All Fullness Dwells in Christ")). Just as the temple gates controlled access to God's presence, Jesus declared, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, a way that is not bound by physical dimensions or earthly structures ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). The precision of Ezekiel's vision foreshadows the perfect and complete work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's plan for dwelling with His people, not in a building made with hands, but in the spiritual reality of the Church, His body ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers are a Holy Temple")), and ultimately in the New Jerusalem, where God Himself will be the temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.