Ezekiel 40:21

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.

And the little chambers {H8372} thereof were three {H7969} on this side and three {H7969} on that side; and the posts {H352} thereof and the arches {H361} thereof were after the measure {H4060} of the first {H7223} gate {H8179}: the length {H753} thereof was fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}.

It had three guardrooms on each side, and its supports and vestibule were the same size as those at the first gate; its length was eighty-seven-and-a-half feet and its width forty-three-and-three-quarters feet.

Its three gate chambers on each side, its side pillars, and its portico all had the same measurements as the first gate: fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

And the lodges 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.

Commentary

Ezekiel 40:21 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This specific verse describes the precise dimensions and features of one of the temple gates, likely the north gate of the outer court, noting its guard chambers, posts, arches, length, and breadth.

Context

Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel present a comprehensive vision of a new, meticulously measured temple, given to Ezekiel in the 25th year of his captivity (Ezekiel 40:1). This vision served as a powerful message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, assuring them of God's future plans for His people and His dwelling place among them. The detailed architectural descriptions, like those in verse 21, emphasize the divine origin and perfect order of this future structure. The phrase "after the measure of the first gate" implies a consistent design throughout the temple complex, referencing the east gate previously described (Ezekiel 40:6-16).

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exhaustive measurements and consistent design ("after the measure of the first gate") highlight God's meticulousness and the perfect order of His divine plans. Every detail matters in God's blueprint.
  • Future Restoration and Hope: This visionary temple, described with such specificity, served as a profound symbol of God's faithfulness and a promise of spiritual and physical restoration for Israel after their exile. It pointed to a future time when God's glory would return to dwell among His people (Ezekiel 43:4).
  • God's Sacred Dwelling Place: The intricate details underscore the sanctity and importance of the place where God's presence would reside, a place set apart for worship and communion.

Linguistic Insights

The primary unit of measurement mentioned is the "cubit." In Ezekiel's vision, this is specifically referred to as a "long cubit," which was a cubit and a handbreadth (approximately 20.6 inches or 52.3 cm), distinguishing it from the common cubit (Ezekiel 40:5). This larger cubit suggests the grand scale and divine significance of the visionary temple. The "little chambers" were likely guardrooms or side rooms within the gate complex.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, including these precise architectural details, reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. Even in times of chaos or desolation, He has a meticulous plan for restoration and blessing. For believers today, this can signify that God's plans for our lives and His church are also precise and intentional, even if we do not fully grasp every detail. It encourages us to trust in His perfect design and to seek to live in accordance with the divine order He establishes. The ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling among His people is found in Christ and the church, where believers are called to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 40:29

    And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according to these measures: and [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about: [it was] fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

  • Ezekiel 40:30

    And the arches round about [were] five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.

  • Ezekiel 40:36

    The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

  • Ezekiel 40:37

    And the posts thereof [were] toward the utter court; and palm trees [were] upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it [had] eight steps.

  • Ezekiel 40:25

    And [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

  • Ezekiel 40:26

    And [there were] seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof [were] before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.

  • Ezekiel 40:7

    And [every] little chamber [was] one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers [were] five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within [was] one reed.
← Back