Ezekiel 40:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And the arches {H361} round about {H5439} were five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} long {H753}, and five {H2568} cubits {H520} broad {H7341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a vestibule around it forty-three-and-three-quarters feet long and eight-and-three-quarters feet wide;

Berean Standard Bible

(The porticoes around the inner court were twenty-five cubits long and five cubits deep.)

American Standard Version

And there were arches round about, five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:30 provides precise architectural measurements for a specific feature within the visionary temple complex revealed to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse details the dimensions of the "arches" or porticoes surrounding the temple, stating they were twenty-five cubits long and five cubits broad. It is part of a larger section (Ezekiel 40-48) that meticulously describes the layout, dimensions, and functions of a future temple, emphasizing divine precision and the meticulous nature of God's design for His sacred dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:30 is situated within the extensive and highly detailed temple vision that spans [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"). This vision commences in [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple") with Ezekiel being transported by God to a very high mountain, where he encounters a divine being with a measuring rod. The subsequent chapters provide an exhaustive tour and measurement of the temple complex, its gates, courts, chambers, and various structures. Verse 30 specifically describes a feature associated with the outer court or one of the gates, contributing to the overall blueprint of this divinely revealed sanctuary. The meticulous nature of these descriptions underscores the significance and divine origin of the entire vision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound despair for the Israelites following the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple in 586 BC, as recounted in [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Destruction of the Temple"). In this context of national catastrophe and spiritual desolation, the vision of a new, magnificent temple served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the enduring presence of God among His people. The detailed architectural specifications, including the use of cubits as a standard unit of measurement (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm), would have been familiar to Ezekiel's audience, grounding the visionary hope in tangible, albeit future, reality. The emphasis on precise dimensions was also common in ancient Near Eastern temple construction, signifying divine order and sanctity.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision") and subsequent chapters contribute to several overarching themes. Firstly, they highlight **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous nature and His capacity to bring perfect order out of chaos. Every detail, from the length of the "arches" to the dimensions of the altars, is divinely ordained. Secondly, these specifications underscore the **Holiness and Sanctity** of God's dwelling place. The precise separation of spaces and the exactitude of measurements emphasize the sacredness required for God's presence, preparing the way for the glory of the Lord to fill the temple, as described later in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple"). Finally, the entire vision, including these architectural details, serves as a profound message of **Future Hope and Restoration** for the exiled Israelites, promising a renewed covenant relationship and the re-establishment of God's presence among them, even after their national humiliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **arches (Hebrew, _ʼêylâm'_):** This term (H361) can refer to a pillar-space, colonnade, pale, or portico. In the context of temple architecture, it often denotes a porch, vestibule, or a distinct chamber, particularly those associated with the gates or courts. The KJV translation "arches" captures the sense of an architectural feature, possibly a recessed area or a covered walkway, rather than a freestanding arch. The dimensions provided (25x5 cubits) suggest a significant, enclosed space or a deep recess, rather than merely an open archway.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This word (H520) refers to an ancient unit of linear measure, derived from the length of the forearm (from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger). While its exact length varied regionally and historically, it typically ranged from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). The repeated use of "cubits" throughout Ezekiel's temple vision underscores the tangible, measurable nature of the divine blueprint, emphasizing its reality and precision.
* **long (Hebrew, _ʼôrek'_):** This term (H753) simply means "length." In conjunction with "broad" (H7341, _rôchab'_), it defines the two primary dimensions of the architectural feature, indicating a rectangular shape. The specific measurements of twenty-five cubits long and five cubits broad provide a clear, unambiguous picture of the size of these "arches," contributing to the overall sense of divine order and meticulous planning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the arches round about":** This phrase introduces the architectural feature being described and specifies its location. The "arches" (or porticoes/chambers) are not isolated but are situated "round about," implying they are part of a larger, encompassing structure, likely within the temple's outer court or associated with its gates, forming a perimeter or series of connected spaces.
* **"[were] five and twenty cubits long,**: This clause provides the first dimension of these architectural features, specifying their length. Twenty-five cubits (approximately 37.5 to 43.75 feet or 11.4 to 13.3 meters) indicates a substantial length, suggesting these were significant structural elements, possibly deep chambers or long, narrow porticoes.
* **"and five cubits broad.":** This final clause provides the second dimension, the width, of the "arches." Five cubits (approximately 7.5 to 8.75 feet or 2.3 to 2.7 meters) indicates a relatively narrow breadth compared to their length, reinforcing the idea of a passage, chamber, or recessed area rather than a wide hall. The precision of both measurements highlights the divine blueprint's exactitude.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:30, like much of [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision"), primarily employs **Architectural Description** and **Numerical Precision**. The verse is a straightforward, factual statement of measurement, devoid of overt metaphorical language. However, the sheer volume of such precise details throughout the vision functions as a form of **Symbolism**. The meticulous measurements symbolize God's perfect order, His absolute control, and the divine intention behind every aspect of His sacred space. This precision also serves as a **Literary Foreshadowing** of the completeness and perfection of God's future restoration, contrasting sharply with the desolation experienced by the exiles. The repetition of measurement units and numerical values throughout the chapter creates a sense of **Rhythm and Emphasis**, reinforcing the divine authority and exactitude of the vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:30, with its precise architectural detail, contributes to the broader theological understanding of God's nature as a God of order, design, and meticulous planning. The specificity of the measurements underscores the divine origin and sanctity of the temple, which serves as the focal point for God's presence among His people. This vision offered a profound message of hope and restoration to a people in exile, assuring them that God's covenant promises, though seemingly broken, would be perfectly fulfilled in a new and glorious manifestation of His dwelling. The emphasis on structure and exactitude speaks to the divine standard of holiness and the need for all things pertaining to God's worship and presence to reflect His perfect character.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 6:2](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Measurements of New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the precise measurements in Ezekiel 40:30, might initially seem overwhelming or irrelevant to modern believers. However, they serve as a powerful reminder of God's character. Our God is a God of order, precision, and intentional design. Just as He meticulously planned every cubit of this visionary temple, He orchestrates the grand narrative of salvation history and attends to the intricate details of our individual lives. This should inspire confidence in His sovereign plan, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. Furthermore, the emphasis on a perfectly ordered sacred space challenges us to consider the order and intentionality of our own spiritual lives and corporate worship. Are we living in a way that reflects the meticulous design of our Creator, seeking to align our lives with His perfect will? The vision encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing that His plans are always precise and ultimately lead to the restoration of His presence among His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's temple vision challenge or comfort you in your understanding of God's involvement in your life?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, reflect God's character of order and intentionality in our personal lives and communal worship?**
* **How does the promise of a perfectly designed future temple encourage you amidst present difficulties or perceived chaos?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of such detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision, including those in Ezekiel 40:30, carry profound significance. They underscore God's meticulous nature, His perfect order, and the divine origin of the temple blueprint. For the exiled Israelites, these precise details offered tangible hope and assurance that God's promise of restoration was not vague but concrete and divinely orchestrated. They also symbolized the holiness and sanctity of God's presence, emphasizing that His dwelling place would be perfectly set apart and designed according to His divine standards, far surpassing the glory of the destroyed [Solomon's Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). This precision also serves to authenticate the vision as coming directly from God, leaving no room for human improvisation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 40:30 details the measurements of a physical structure, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are found in Christ. The meticulously designed temple, with its precise dimensions, foreshadows the perfect and complete work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. Just as the temple was a place of God's presence, Jesus 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, the Temple")). The precision of the temple's design speaks to the divine perfection of God's redemptive plan, perfectly executed in Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a new, spiritual temple, becoming "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")). The exactitude of Ezekiel's vision thus points to the flawless and comprehensive nature of the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrifice, where God's presence is not confined to a building of specific dimensions but indwells His people, making them living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The promise of God's renewed presence, symbolized by the temple, finds its ultimate and eternal reality in Christ, who perfectly embodies God's glory and establishes a new, perfect relationship between God and humanity.

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 40:21

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.

Ezekiel 40:33

And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, [were] according to these measures: and [there were] windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: [it was] fifty cubits long, and five and twenty 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 40:29

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 40:25

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.