Ezekiel 40:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:21 meticulously details the dimensions and features of one of the gates within the visionary temple complex shown to the prophet Ezekiel. Specifically, it describes the "little chambers," posts, and arches of the gate, noting their arrangement and confirming their measurements—fifty cubits in length and twenty-five cubits in breadth—were consistent with the design of the "first gate" previously described. This precise architectural description underscores the divine origin, perfect order, and grand scale of the future temple, serving as a profound symbol of God's faithfulness and His meticulous plan for the restoration of His people and His dwelling place among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40 marks a pivotal shift in the book, introducing a lengthy and detailed vision of a new temple (chapters 40-48). This vision begins in [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - The Beginning of the Temple Vision") with Ezekiel being transported by God to a very high mountain in Israel, where he encounters a man with a measuring rod. The following chapters provide an exhaustive architectural tour, moving from the outer court gates to the inner court, the temple building itself, and finally the surrounding precincts. Verse 21 specifically describes one of the outer gates, likely the north gate, by comparing its features and dimensions to the "first gate," which was the east gate, detailed in [Ezekiel 40:6-16](/ezekiel/40-6 "Ezekiel 40:6-16 - Description of the East Gate"). This repetition of measurements and features emphasizes a consistent, divinely ordained design throughout the entire complex.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the new temple was given to Ezekiel in the 25th year of his Babylonian captivity, approximately 573 BC, a time of profound despair and displacement for the exiled Israelites. Jerusalem and its original temple had been destroyed, and the people felt abandoned by God. In this context, the detailed, glorious vision of a future temple served as an extraordinary message of hope, assurance, and divine faithfulness. It promised a future restoration not merely to the land, but to a renewed relationship with God, centered around His holy dwelling. The meticulous architectural details would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern cultures, where temple construction was often seen as a cosmic act, reflecting divine order and presence. The emphasis on precise measurements also highlights the divine authority and supernatural origin of this blueprint, as opposed to a human design.

* **Key Themes:** The detailed description in Ezekiel 40:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulousness in His plans and His commitment to perfect order, even amidst human chaos. Every dimension and feature is divinely ordained, signifying a perfect blueprint. Secondly, the vision underscores **Future Restoration and Hope**, offering a tangible promise of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even after judgment. This temple was a symbol of a future time when God's glory would return to dwell among His people, as explicitly stated later in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple"). Lastly, the intricate details emphasize the **Sanctity of God's Dwelling Place**, reinforcing the idea that the place where God's presence resides is holy and set apart, requiring specific and divinely prescribed arrangements for worship and communion. This vision prepares the way for the ultimate understanding of God's presence among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chambers (Hebrew, _tâʼ'_):** From the base of a verb meaning "to circumscribe," this noun refers to a "room" or "chamber" (H8372). In the context of the temple gates, these were likely guardrooms or side rooms built into the gate complex itself, providing space for priestly functions, storage, or security personnel. The mention of "three on this side and three on that side" indicates a symmetrical arrangement of six such chambers within the gate structure.
* **posts (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** Derived from a root meaning "strength," this word (H352) refers to anything strong, specifically a "pilaster" or strong support. In architectural terms, these are the doorposts or jambs, robust vertical elements that frame the entrance and support the gate structure. Their strength is crucial for the integrity of the massive gates.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This term (H520) denotes a unit of measure, specifically the "fore-arm" or "cubit." In Ezekiel's vision, as noted in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measurement of Ezekiel's Cubit"), the cubit used was a "long cubit," which was a common cubit plus a handbreadth (approximately 20.6 inches or 52.3 cm). The repeated mention of "cubits" throughout the architectural descriptions emphasizes the precise, quantifiable nature of the divine blueprint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side":** This clause describes the symmetrical arrangement of six small rooms or guard chambers within the gate structure. These chambers, three on each side of the gate passage, would have served various practical purposes related to the temple's operation and security, highlighting the functional design integrated into the sacred space.
* **"and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate":** This phrase emphasizes the consistency of design and measurement. The "posts" (doorjambs) and "arches" (porticoes or pillar-spaces) of this gate—likely the north gate—were identical in dimension and form to those of the "first gate," which was the east gate described earlier in the chapter. This repetition underscores the uniformity and divine origin of the entire temple blueprint.
* **"the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits":** This final clause provides the overall dimensions of the gate complex itself. A length of fifty cubits (approximately 86 feet or 26.15 meters) and a breadth of twenty-five cubits (approximately 43 feet or 13.07 meters) indicate a substantial and imposing structure, reflecting the grandeur and significance of the visionary temple.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 40:21, and indeed throughout chapters 40-48, is **Hyper-realism** or **Detailed Description**. The prophet provides an almost overwhelming amount of specific measurements and architectural features, creating a vivid, almost tangible mental image of the temple. This meticulous detail serves to underscore the **Divine Precision** of God's plans, suggesting that every aspect of His future dwelling place is perfectly ordered and divinely ordained. The **Repetition** of phrases like "after the measure of the first gate" reinforces the consistency and uniformity of the divine blueprint. Furthermore, the entire vision functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical temple represents God's renewed presence, holiness, and the restoration of His relationship with Israel. The gate itself, with its chambers and imposing dimensions, symbolizes access to and protection of the sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:21, with its emphasis on precise measurements and consistent design, powerfully communicates God's character as a God of order, intention, and meticulous planning. This divine precision in the blueprint of a future temple speaks to His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration, even when circumstances seem chaotic and hopeless. The detailed nature of the vision assures the exiles that God's future plans are not vague aspirations but concrete realities, rooted in His unchanging nature. The physical temple, though never fully realized in the exact form described, serves as a profound type and shadow, pointing to a greater spiritual reality of God's dwelling among His people. It foreshadows the ultimate spiritual temple, built not of stone, but of living stones, where God's presence truly resides.

* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")
* [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Believers as a Holy Temple")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The overwhelming detail of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the precise dimensions of its gates, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and intentionality. Even in seasons of personal or communal desolation, when life feels chaotic and plans seem shattered, God is at work with a meticulous blueprint for restoration and blessing. This passage encourages us to trust in God's sovereign design, knowing that His plans are perfect and purposeful, even if we cannot fully grasp every detail. Just as the temple was designed for God's glory and presence, our lives and the church are called to reflect His order and holiness. We are invited to align ourselves with His divine architecture, seeking to build our lives and communities according to His standards, knowing that true flourishing comes from living in accordance with His perfect will. The call to precision in the ancient temple foreshadows the call to intentionality and holiness in the lives of God's people today, who are themselves the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's temple vision encourage your trust in God's plans for your own life, especially during times of uncertainty?**
* **In what ways can the church today embody the "divine order" and "sanctity" suggested by the detailed temple blueprint?**
* **What "chambers" or "posts" in your spiritual life might need to be re-measured and aligned with God's perfect standard?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The cubit was a standard unit of measurement in the ancient world, typically based on the length of a forearm. However, [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measurement of Ezekiel's Cubit") specifies that the cubit used in this vision was a "long cubit," which was a cubit and a handbreadth (approximately 20.6 inches or 52.3 cm), distinguishing it from the common cubit. This larger cubit, consistently applied throughout the vision, underscores the grand scale and divine significance of the visionary temple. It suggests that this temple is not merely a human construction but a divinely revealed blueprint, exceeding typical human standards and emphasizing its sacred, supernatural origin.

**Why does Ezekiel's vision contain such exhaustive architectural details? Is it meant to be built literally?**

Answer: The exhaustive architectural details serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they validate the divine origin of the vision, demonstrating God's meticulousness and perfect order. Such precision would have assured the exiled Israelites that God's promises of restoration were concrete and certain, not vague hopes. Secondly, the details emphasize the sanctity and holiness of God's dwelling place, setting it apart from all other structures. While some scholars believe the vision is a literal blueprint for a future temple, many interpret it as a highly symbolic representation of God's renewed presence among His people, the restoration of true worship, and the ultimate spiritual reality of the New Covenant. The sheer impossibility of constructing such a temple exactly as described, combined with its ideal nature, suggests a symbolic rather than strictly literal fulfillment, pointing to the spiritual temple found in Christ and His Church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of Ezekiel 40:21, describing the precise dimensions and features of the temple gates, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the visionary temple represented God's desire to dwell among His people, it was a shadow of the greater reality to come. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). Christ is the ultimate dwelling place of God, the one in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The precise measurements of Ezekiel's gates, designed for access and protection, foreshadow Christ as the "gate" or "door" through whom humanity gains access to God ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate")). He is the one who perfectly embodies the divine order and holiness that the visionary temple represented. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual temple, becoming "living stones" built into a "spiritual house" for God's dwelling by the Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")). Thus, the detailed blueprint of Ezekiel's temple ultimately points to the perfect, divinely ordained reality of God's presence in Christ and His church, where the glory of the Lord truly dwells.

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.

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.