Ezekiel 40:35

KJV

And he brought me to the north gate, and measured [it] according to these measures;

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H935} me to the north {H6828} gate {H8179}, and measured {H4058} it according to these measures {H4060};

Complete Jewish Bible

He brought me over to the north gate and measured it as being the same size;

Berean Standard Bible

Then he brought me to the north gate and measured it. It had the same measurements as the others,

American Standard Version

And he brought me to the north gate: and he measureditaccording to these measures;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:35 details the angelic guide leading the prophet to the north gate of the visionary temple and meticulously measuring it, emphasizing the divine precision and order inherent in God's blueprint for future restoration. This specific measurement, consistent with those of other gates, underscores the sanctity and regulated access to God's dwelling, providing a foundational element in the broader vision of Israel's spiritual and physical renewal after exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:35 is situated within the expansive and highly detailed Temple Vision, spanning chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. This vision immediately follows prophecies of Israel's restoration and the return of God's Spirit (e.g., [the vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones")). Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the dimensions and features of the new temple complex, including its outer court, inner court, and various chambers, with the gates serving as critical points of entry and control. The description of the north gate in verse 35 parallels earlier detailed accounts of the [east gate](/ezekiel/40-6 "Ezekiel 40:6 - Measurements of the East Gate") and south gate, reinforcing the symmetrical and divinely ordained design of the entire structure. The repetitive nature of the measurements throughout these chapters emphasizes the precision and intentionality of God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel received this vision while in Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and disorientation for the Jewish people. The destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC had left the Israelites without their central place of worship and a tangible symbol of God's presence among them. In this context, a detailed vision of a new, perfectly ordered temple offered immense hope for a future restoration, a return to the land, and the re-establishment of proper worship. Gates in ancient cities and temples were not merely entry points but significant architectural features symbolizing security, authority, and regulated access. Their meticulous measurement would have conveyed a sense of permanence, sanctity, and divine control, contrasting sharply with the chaos and destruction the exiles had experienced.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the surrounding chapters, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in His plans, which stands in stark contrast to human fallibility and the disorder of the exile. Secondly, it powerfully conveys **Future Restoration and Hope**, offering a tangible promise of God's renewed presence among His people and the re-establishment of their national and spiritual identity, a theme echoed in [Ezekiel's prophecies of a new covenant](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit"). Thirdly, the temple itself serves as a profound **Symbol of God's Dwelling and Holiness**, with the gates symbolizing both access to and protection of this sacred space. Finally, the phrase "he brought me" underscores **Divine Guidance and Revelation**, emphasizing that this intricate knowledge is not humanly conceived but divinely imparted, reinforcing the supernatural origin and authority of the prophetic message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brought (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_):** This primitive root signifies "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications, including to bring, enter, or cause to come. In Ezekiel 40:35, it emphasizes the active, guiding role of the angelic figure (referred to as "he") in leading Ezekiel through the visionary temple. It highlights that Ezekiel's access to and understanding of these divine blueprints are entirely by divine initiation and guidance, not by his own effort or discovery.
* **north (Hebrew, _tsâphôwn_):** Derived from a root meaning "hidden" or "dark," this term specifically refers to the north as a cardinal direction, often associated with gloom or the unknown in ancient thought. In the context of the temple vision, it simply denotes a specific geographical orientation for this particular gate, indicating that all sides of the sacred complex, including those traditionally associated with less auspicious qualities, are subject to God's perfect design and measurement.
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad_):** This primitive root means "to stretch," and by implication, "to measure" (as if by stretching a line). It denotes a precise, deliberate act of determining dimensions. The repetition of this action throughout Ezekiel 40-42 underscores the exactness and intentionality of God's architectural plan, signifying that every aspect of the future temple is divinely ordained and perfectly proportioned, leaving no room for human error or improvisation.
* **measures (Hebrew, _middâh_):** This feminine noun, related to _mâdad_, refers to "extension," "height," "breadth," or a "measure" itself, including its standard. In this verse, its use reinforces the idea of a fixed, established standard or blueprint to which the measurements conform. It signifies that the dimensions of the north gate are not arbitrary but are consistent with a pre-existing, divine standard, emphasizing the uniformity and perfection of the entire temple complex.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought me to the north gate":** This clause establishes the continued divine guidance of the angelic figure, who leads Ezekiel to a specific, previously unexamined part of the visionary temple. The "north gate" is identified as the next point of focus in the systematic survey of the temple's architecture, indicating a comprehensive and orderly revelation of God's design.
* **"and measured [it] according to these measures;":** This second clause describes the action taken by the guide and the standard by which it is performed. The act of "measuring" signifies precision and divine intentionality. The phrase "according to these measures" refers back to the standard units and dimensions already established and used for other parts of the temple (e.g., the [east gate in Ezekiel 40:6](/ezekiel/40-6 "Ezekiel 40:6 - Measurements of the East Gate")), reinforcing the consistency, uniformity, and perfection of the entire divine blueprint.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:35, within the broader temple vision, employs several significant literary devices. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, as the entire section is characterized by meticulous numerical specifications and architectural descriptions. This emphasis on exact measurements, repeated for each gate and section, serves to underscore the divine perfection and intentionality behind the vision, contrasting with the chaos of exile. The **Symbolism** of the temple itself is profound, representing God's renewed presence, holiness, and the ideal state of worship and community life. The gates, in particular, function as symbols of access, protection, and the regulated entry into God's holy space. The **Repetition** of the measuring act and the consistent application of "these measures" across different gates creates a sense of order, reliability, and the unchanging nature of God's divine plan. This systematic revelation also functions as a **Prophetic Vision**, offering hope and a blueprint for a future reality that transcends the immediate suffering of the exiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:35, with its focus on the precise measurement of the north gate, deeply embeds itself in the biblical theology of God's meticulous design and sovereign control. It underscores that God's plans are not haphazard but are executed with perfect order and intentionality, even amidst human chaos and failure. For the exiled Israelites, this vision of a perfectly measured temple was a powerful assurance of future restoration, symbolizing God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people in holiness and peace. It speaks to the divine desire for a structured, pure environment for worship and fellowship, reflecting the very character of God as orderly and holy. This divine blueprint for a physical structure foreshadows the spiritual order God desires for His people, a call to live lives that reflect His holiness and precision.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle") - "According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly") - "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
* [Revelation 21:15-17](/revelation/21-15 "Revelation 21:15-17 - Measuring the New Jerusalem") - "And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof... The city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous measurements of the north gate in Ezekiel’s vision serve as a profound reminder of God’s character: He is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and human imperfection, this verse invites us to find comfort and confidence in the divine blueprint for all things. Just as God had a perfect design for His dwelling place, He also has a sovereign and detailed plan for our lives and for the unfolding of history. This should inspire us to seek His will with diligence, trusting that His ways lead to true flourishing and holiness. Furthermore, the vision of restoration, given to a people in despair, encourages us to hold onto hope in God's promises, even when our present circumstances seem bleak. It reminds us that God is always working towards renewal, both individually and corporately, and that His ultimate purpose is to dwell among His people in perfect order and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on divine precision in this verse challenge or comfort your understanding of God's involvement in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's perfect "measurements" or plan?**
* **How can the promise of future restoration, symbolized by the temple vision, strengthen your hope amidst current difficulties or spiritual desolation?**

### FAQ
**Was Ezekiel's Temple Vision meant to be a literal temple, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's Temple Vision, including the detailed measurements of the north gate in [Ezekiel 40:35](/ezekiel/40-35 "Ezekiel 40:35 - Measurement of the North Gate"), is a subject of ongoing debate among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple that will be built during the millennial reign of Christ. They point to the extreme specificity of the measurements and descriptions as evidence for a literal understanding. Others view the vision as primarily symbolic, representing an ideal, perfected community of worship under God's rule, or perhaps the Church, or even the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). This symbolic view emphasizes the theological themes of divine order, restoration, and the holiness of God's presence, rather than a physical structure. A third perspective suggests it could be both: a literal temple that also carries profound spiritual symbolism. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the vision's core message of God's meticulous design, His commitment to dwell among His people, and the promise of ultimate restoration remains central.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's Temple Vision, with its meticulously measured north gate, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple served as a physical dwelling place for God's presence and a means of access to Him, it was always a shadow of a greater reality. Christ himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Jesus is the perfect, living Temple, the ultimate place where God dwells among humanity, embodying the holiness and precision foreshadowed in Ezekiel's vision. Through His atoning sacrifice, He tore the veil, providing direct and unhindered access to God, fulfilling the symbolic function of the temple gates. Furthermore, believers, through Christ, are incorporated into this spiritual temple, becoming "[lively stones... built up a spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")," a holy priesthood. The divine order and meticulous design seen in Ezekiel's temple vision are perfectly realized in the new covenant community, the Church, with Christ as its cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as Cornerstone of the Church")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where there is no temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")), signifies the final, perfect fulfillment where God's presence is fully and eternally with His redeemed people through 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

Ezekiel 47:2

Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

Ezekiel 44:4

¶ Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.

Ezekiel 40:32

And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.

Ezekiel 40:27

¶ And [there was] a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.