Ezekiel 40:3

KJV

And he brought me thither, and, behold, [there was] a man, whose appearance [was] like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H935} me thither, and, behold, there was a man {H376}, whose appearance {H4758} was like the appearance {H4758} of brass {H5178}, with a line {H6616} of flax {H6593} in his hand {H3027}, and a measuring {H4060} reed {H7070}; and he stood {H5975} in the gate {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That is where he took me, and there in front of me was a man whose appearance was like bronze. He had a flax cord and a measuring rod in his hand, and he stood in the gateway.

Berean Standard Bible

So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand.

American Standard Version

And he brought me thither; and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:3 inaugurates a profound and meticulously detailed vision of a new temple, marking a pivotal transition in the book of Ezekiel from prophecies of judgment and restoration to an elaborate blueprint of God's future dwelling among His people. In this foundational verse, the prophet Ezekiel is divinely transported to a very high mountain in Israel, where he encounters a striking, divinely appointed figure whose appearance resembles shining brass. This celestial guide holds the precise tools of a surveyor—a line of flax and a measuring reed—and stands strategically at the gate of the envisioned temple complex, poised to reveal God's intricate plan for a renewed sanctuary and the re-establishment of pure worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:3 opens the climactic and longest section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), entirely devoted to the visionary new temple and the reordering of the land of Israel. This section dramatically shifts the narrative focus from the preceding prophecies of Judah's judgment and the condemnation of surrounding nations (Ezekiel 25-32) and the powerful promises of Israel's spiritual restoration (Ezekiel 33-39). The architectural and liturgical instructions that follow are presented with astonishing precision, offering a tangible, though visionary, manifestation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This detailed vision stands as a stark contrast to the earlier prophecies of desolation, providing profound hope for a renewed relationship with God, centered on His manifest presence. The immediate preceding chapter, [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Victory Over Gog"), concludes with God's triumphant victory over Gog and Magog and His promise to pour out His Spirit upon Israel, thereby setting the theological stage for the return of His glory, which is vividly depicted in the temple vision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision recounted in Ezekiel 40 unfolds in the "twenty-fifth year of our exile," specifically fourteen years after the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the first temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Destruction of the Temple"). Ezekiel, himself a priest, was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon, enduring the profound trauma of national defeat and the perceived abandonment by God due to the obliteration of His sacred dwelling place. For a people whose identity, worship, and national consciousness were inextricably linked to the Temple in Jerusalem, its ruin was an unparalleled catastrophe. This vision, therefore, serves as an immense source of hope, reassurance, and divine reorientation, promising a future where God's presence would once again dwell among them, albeit in a form that transcends their previous, flawed experience. The tools mentioned—a line of flax and a measuring reed—were common ancient surveying and building instruments, grounding the visionary experience in practical, tangible terms that would have been immediately understood by Ezekiel's audience, thereby emphasizing the divine precision and reality of God's redemptive plan.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several overarching themes that permeate the entire temple vision. The primary theme is **Divine Presence and Holiness**, as the meticulous measurements and subsequent instructions underscore the absolute sacredness, order, and purity required for God to dwell among His people. The appearance of the man, described as having the "appearance of brass," immediately signals a **Divine or Angelic Messenger**, highlighting the supernatural origin, authority, and awe-inspiring nature of the revelation. This figure's precise role as a guide and measurer emphasizes **Divine Precision and Order** in God's plans for restoration and worship, providing a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction previously experienced by Israel. The very act of measuring itself speaks to **Divine Ownership and Re-establishment**, marking out a sacred space that God Himself ordains and controls. Furthermore, the vision as a whole, initiated by this encounter, offers profound **Hope and Restoration** to a dispossessed and despairing people, pointing to a glorious future where God's glory returns to His sanctuary, as powerfully prophesied in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Return of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** H376, referring to an individual or male person. In this context, it denotes a specific, distinct being, often used as an adjunct to a more definite term. Here, it signifies the singular, authoritative nature of the divine messenger, distinguishing him as a personage of profound significance who will guide Ezekiel through the vision, rather than an abstract force. His individual presence underscores the directness and personal nature of God's revelation to the prophet.
* **Appearance (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** H4758, meaning a view, the act of seeing, or the thing seen; an appearance, shape, or vision. The repetition "appearance like the appearance of brass" intensely emphasizes the visual impact and striking nature of this figure. It highlights that Ezekiel is perceiving a specific, tangible form, even if it is a visionary one, and that this form powerfully conveys meaning about the messenger's nature—his divine, awe-inspiring, and formidable quality.
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** H5975, a primitive root meaning to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative). This word conveys stability, readiness, and a fixed, authoritative position. The messenger "stood in the gate," indicating his preparedness to commence the detailed survey of the temple complex. His standing posture suggests inherent authority, a deliberate presence, and a foundational role in initiating the monumental revelation that follows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought me thither":** This clause signifies Ezekiel's supernatural transportation by the divine hand (implied from [Ezekiel 8:3](/ezekiel/8-3 "Ezekiel 8:3 - The Spirit Lifts Ezekiel")) to the precise location of the vision, a "very high mountain" in the land of Israel (Ezekiel 40:2). It emphatically underscores that this profound experience is divinely initiated and controlled, thereby validating the authenticity and supreme authority of the revelation that is about to unfold.
* **"and, behold, [there was] a man, whose appearance [was] like the appearance of brass":** Ezekiel's exclamation "behold" serves to draw immediate and urgent attention to the striking and unexpected figure he encounters. The description of the man's appearance as "like brass" (or bronze) is deeply symbolic. In biblical imagery, brass/bronze frequently represents strength, durability, purity, and often signifies judgment or divine glory. This imagery powerfully suggests a being of immense power, unyielding authority, and perhaps a fiery, unapproachable holiness, similar to descriptions of divine beings in [Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel 10:6 - Daniel's Vision of a Man in Linen") and the glorified Christ in [Revelation 1:15](/revelation/1-15 "Revelation 1:15 - Christ's Feet Like Fine Brass").
* **"with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed":** These are the quintessential tools of a surveyor or architect, indicating a task of precise measurement and construction. The "line of flax" (a cord or measuring tape) would be used for longer, perhaps less precise initial measurements, while the "measuring reed" (a rod, typically about six cubits long, or roughly 10-12 feet) would be for exact, shorter measurements. Their presence highlights the meticulous, exact, and deliberate nature of the temple vision. It signifies that God's plans are not vague or abstract but are precise, ordered, and tangible, emphasizing the divine blueprint for the future sanctuary.
* **"and he stood in the gate":** The messenger's strategic position "in the gate" is highly significant. Gates in ancient cities and temple complexes were not merely points of access but also places of transition, judgment, and often authority. Standing at the gate indicates readiness to commence the detailed tour and measurement of the entire temple complex. It marks the threshold of the sacred space, from which the subsequent revelation of the temple's intricate design and its profound spiritual implications will systematically unfold.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Imagery** is exceptionally prominent, particularly in the striking description of the divine messenger's "appearance like the appearance of brass," which powerfully evokes a sense of immense strength, divine purity, and overwhelming awe. The concrete visual details of the "line of flax" and "measuring reed" provide tangible **Symbolism**, representing divine precision, meticulous order, and the exact, unchangeable nature of God's architectural blueprint for the temple. The messenger's deliberate posture, "he stood in the gate," further uses **Symbolism** to convey readiness, unwavering authority, and the initiation point of the detailed, unfolding revelation. Finally, the use of "behold" is an emphatic **Interjection** that serves to immediately draw the reader's attention to the sudden, unexpected, and profoundly significant appearance of the divine figure, emphasizing the extraordinary and supernatural nature of Ezekiel's visionary experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:3 serves as the divinely appointed gateway to one of the most detailed and extensive prophetic visions in the Old Testament, powerfully underscoring God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people and re-establish true, holy worship, even in the midst of their deepest despair and national desolation. The meticulous nature of the vision, introduced by the measuring man, profoundly reflects God's perfect order, His sovereign control over history, and the precise unfolding of His redemptive purposes. It speaks to a future where divine presence is not merely spiritual but also manifested in a structured, holy environment, emphasizing the enduring importance of sacred space, proper worship, and the sanctity required for communion with God. This vision provides a profound theological statement about God's absolute faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that despite human failure, sin, and the destruction of the first temple, His ultimate plan for intimate communion with humanity remains intact and will be fulfilled with divine precision and glory.
* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern")
* [Revelation 21:15](/revelation/21-15 "Revelation 21:15 - Angel Measuring the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 40:3, with its vivid imagery of a divine messenger initiating a precise measurement of a future temple, offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in periods of desolation, profound loss, or spiritual barrenness, God is not absent or inactive; rather, He is actively at work, meticulously unfolding His redemptive plans with divine precision. Just as God had a detailed blueprint for a physical temple, He possesses an intricate and perfect design for His spiritual kingdom and for the individual lives of His followers. This truth calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereign design, even when circumstances seem chaotic, uncertain, or utterly hopeless. The emphasis on precision and order in God's plan encourages us to live lives that reflect His holiness and divine order, diligently aligning our actions, priorities, and worship with His perfect will. Moreover, this vision inspires profound hope, knowing that God's ultimate intention is to dwell intimately among His people, bringing about complete restoration, true communion, and eternal glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision and detail of God's plan for the temple, as introduced in this verse, encourage your trust in His plans for your own life, especially during times of uncertainty or perceived chaos?**
* **What does the "appearance of brass" of the divine messenger convey about the nature of God's holiness, authority, and unapproachable glory, and how might this understanding deepen your reverence and approach to worship?**
* **Considering that God is a God of meticulous order and intentionality, in what specific areas of your life might you need to invite His "measuring reed" to bring greater alignment, intentionality, and conformity to His divine will?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass"?**

Answer: The "man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass" is universally understood to be a divine or angelic messenger, possibly even a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ. In biblical symbolism, brass (or bronze) frequently signifies strength, durability, purity, and often carries connotations of judgment or divine glory. This imagery powerfully suggests a being of immense power, unyielding authority, and a fiery, awe-inspiring, and perhaps unapproachable presence. Similar descriptions are found elsewhere in scripture for divine or heavenly beings, such as the figure seen by Daniel in his vision ([Daniel 10:6](/daniel/10-6 "Daniel's Vision of a Man in Linen")) and the glorified Christ in John's apocalyptic vision ([Revelation 1:15](/revelation/1-15 "Revelation 1:15 - Christ's Feet Like Fine Brass")). His striking appearance underscores the supernatural origin and the profound, weighty importance of the revelation he is about to impart to Ezekiel, signifying that this is a message directly from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:3, while describing a literal and highly detailed vision of a future temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a reconstructed physical building, but profoundly in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the spiritual reality of His church. The "man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass," a divine measurer of God's dwelling, powerfully foreshadows Christ Himself, who is the ultimate architect, builder, and cornerstone of God's spiritual house ([Hebrews 3:3-6](/hebrews/3-3-6 "Hebrews 3:3-6 - Christ Greater Than Moses")). Jesus definitively declared Himself to be the true temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to His own body. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ established a new and living way for God's holy presence to dwell among humanity, not in a building made with human hands, but intimately in the hearts of believers, who collectively form the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The meticulous measurements of the temple in Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing divine order and absolute holiness, point to the perfect and complete work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the law, establishes a new covenant, and through whom God's people are precisely ordered, sanctified, and built together to be His dwelling place ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")). Ultimately, the entire trajectory of God's dwelling culminates in the New Jerusalem, where there is no longer a need for a physical temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")), signifying the direct, unmediated, and eternal presence of God with His people, a glorious reality made possible only through the finished work of Christ.

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

Revelation 11:1

¶ And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

Ezekiel 47:3

And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the ankles.

Daniel 10:5

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz:

Daniel 10:6

His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Ezekiel 1:7

And their feet [were] straight feet; and the sole of their feet [was] like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.

Revelation 21:15

And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

Revelation 1:15

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.