Ezekiel 40:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The little chambers {H8372} thereof, the posts {H352} thereof, and the arches {H361} thereof, and the windows {H2474} to it round about {H5439}: the length {H753} was fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

it had guardrooms, supports and a vestibule with windows all around; the length was eighty-seven-and-a-half feet and the width forty-three-and-three-quarters feet.

Berean Standard Bible

as did its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico. It also had windows all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

American Standard Version

the lodges thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof: and there were windows therein round about; the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:36 provides a meticulous architectural description of specific components within the visionary temple complex, detailing the "little chambers," "posts," "arches," and "windows" of a gate structure, along with its precise dimensions of fifty cubits in length and twenty-five cubits in breadth. This verse is part of a larger divine blueprint, emphasizing God's perfect order, His commitment to future restoration for Israel, and the sacred nature of His dwelling place, all communicated through an extraordinary level of detail.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:36 is situated within the expansive temple vision that dominates [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). Following an initial encounter with the divine glory and a command to declare all he sees to the house of Israel ([Ezekiel 40:4](/ezekiel/40-4 "Ezekiel 40:4 - The Man with the Measuring Rod")), Ezekiel is led by a celestial guide through the intricate layout of a new temple complex. Chapter 40 specifically focuses on the outer court and its gates. Verses 1-16 describe the eastern gate, its guardrooms, and dimensions, setting the precedent for the meticulous detail found throughout the chapter. Verse 36, along with its surrounding verses, continues this precise architectural description, likely detailing one of the other gate structures (north or south) or a specific set of chambers within the complex, underscoring the divine precision of the entire vision. The consistent use of measurements throughout these chapters highlights the physical reality and divine origin of the blueprint.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the new temple was given to the prophet Ezekiel around 573 BC, approximately fourteen years after the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and while Ezekiel himself was in exile in Babylon ([Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Vision")). For the exiled Jewish people, who had lost their land, their king, and the physical manifestation of God's presence in the temple, this vision served as an unparalleled source of hope and reassurance. It promised a future restoration, a return to the land, and, most significantly, the return of God's glory to a new, perfect dwelling place. The emphasis on precise measurements and architectural details would have resonated deeply with a culture that understood the temple as the central axis of their religious, social, and national identity, where every detail was believed to reflect divine order and holiness. The "cubit" as a unit of measure was common in ancient Near Eastern architecture, but Ezekiel's vision specifies a "long cubit" ([Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Longer Cubit")), emphasizing the grand scale and unique nature of this divine blueprint.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous descriptions in Ezekiel 40, including verse 36, powerfully convey several major theological themes central to the book of Ezekiel. First, they underscore **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous planning for His people and His dwelling place. Every measurement and architectural feature, no matter how minute, reflects a divine blueprint, not a human one. Second, the vision offers profound **Future Hope and Restoration** for a disheartened people. The detailed portrayal of a glorious, perfectly ordered temple symbolized God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His intention to restore Israel to a place of blessed communion and worship, where His presence would once again dwell among them ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Return of God's Glory")). Third, the intricate design and the strict adherence to measurements highlight the concept of **Holiness and Sacred Space**. The various courts, chambers, and precise dimensions served to define and protect the sanctity of God's presence, emphasizing the separation required for the worship of a holy God and the necessity of purity for those who would draw near to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chambers (Hebrew, _tâʼ'_):** Refers to a room or cell, specifically a circumscribed space. In the context of the temple vision, these "little chambers" (or guardrooms/side rooms) were integral parts of the gate complex, likely serving various functions such as storage, lodging for priests, or spaces for offerings. Their inclusion emphasizes the functional and organized nature of the visionary temple.
* **posts (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From a root meaning "strength," this word denotes a strong support, specifically a pilaster or doorpost. These were robust architectural elements providing structural integrity to the gates and chambers. Their mention highlights the solidity and enduring nature of the divine structure.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This is the standard unit of measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the fingertips. In Ezekiel's vision, a specific "long cubit" (a cubit and a handbreadth) is used, indicating a larger scale than the common cubit. The precise enumeration of "fifty cubits" for length and "five and twenty cubits" for breadth underscores the exactness and divine origin of the temple's blueprint, leaving no room for human approximation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about:"** This clause meticulously lists the architectural features of a specific section of the temple complex, likely referring to one of the gate structures. The "little chambers" (or guardrooms) were integral parts of these gates, possibly for guards or storage. The "posts" were the strong, vertical supports, and the "arches" (or porticoes/colonnades) provided covered walkways or entrances. The presence of "windows to it round about" indicates light and ventilation, suggesting these were not merely solid blocks but functional, well-designed spaces. The repetitive "thereof" links these elements directly to the larger gate or structure being described.
* **"the length [was] fifty cubits,"** This specifies the primary dimension of the described structure. Fifty cubits, using the longer Ezekielian cubit (approx. 20.6 inches), translates to roughly 85.8 feet (26.15 meters), indicating a substantial length for this section of the temple.
* **"and the breadth five and twenty cubits."** This provides the secondary dimension, indicating the width of the structure. Twenty-five cubits, or half the length, translates to approximately 42.9 feet (13.07 meters). The exactness of these measurements, down to specific cubits, underscores the divine precision and the non-negotiable nature of God's architectural plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:36, like much of Ezekiel's temple vision, is dominated by **Architectural Imagery** and **Detailed Enumeration**. The prophet meticulously lists specific structural components—chambers, posts, arches, windows—and provides their precise dimensions. This extreme **Precision** is itself a literary device, conveying a sense of divine authority and the absolute reality of the vision. It is not a vague dream but a concrete blueprint. The **Repetition** of "thereof" (e.g., "chambers thereof, the posts thereof") serves to link each element directly to the larger structure being described, emphasizing their integrated and functional relationship within the grand design. Furthermore, the entire passage is an example of **Visionary Literature**, where a divine encounter is translated into highly specific, tangible details, making the abstract concept of God's future dwelling place concrete and comprehensible for the exiles. This detailed description also functions as **Symbolism**, where the perfect order and precise measurements of the temple represent God's perfect order, His sovereignty, and the future restoration of a holy, ordered community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:36, with its painstaking detail, serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God and His relationship with His people. The divine architect's meticulous planning of every chamber, post, and window underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His profound attention to detail, not only in the physical structure of a temple but also in His overarching redemptive plan. For the exiles, this vision was a tangible promise of future hope, signaling that God had not abandoned them but was preparing a new, glorious dwelling place where His presence would return in fullness. The precision speaks to the holiness required for God's presence and the order He desires for His people's worship and lives. It also foreshadows the ultimate spiritual reality where God dwells among His people, not in a building made with hands, but in a living, spiritual temple.

* [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple") - The vision culminates with the glory of the Lord returning to fill the temple, emphasizing the ultimate purpose of the detailed blueprint: God's manifest presence.
* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple") - The New Testament reinterprets the temple, identifying believers as the dwelling place of God's Spirit, shifting the emphasis from a physical structure to a spiritual community.
* [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem") - In the ultimate fulfillment, the New Jerusalem has no temple because God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, signifying direct, unmediated communion with God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 40:36 invites us to marvel at God's incredible precision and His deep care for order, even in the minute details of a visionary building. For the exiled Israelites, this detailed blueprint was a profound assurance that God had not forgotten them, that His promises were sure, and that a future of restoration and renewed communion awaited them. For us today, this passage reminds us that God is a God of intentionality and purpose; nothing about His plans is haphazard or accidental. This should inspire confidence in His divine providence, knowing that He meticulously orchestrates even the smallest details of our lives and the grand narrative of redemption. It challenges us to consider the "architecture" of our own lives—are we built with the same intentionality and order that God desires? Do we recognize our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, called to holiness and precise obedience? The vision of a perfectly ordered sacred space also calls us to consider the order and holiness of our corporate worship and community life, striving to reflect God's character in every aspect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the temple vision speak to His character and His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the church, embody the "divine precision and order" seen in Ezekiel's temple vision?**
* **What elements of your spiritual "architecture" might need divine re-measurement or re-alignment to better reflect God's holy design?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the precise measurements in Ezekiel's temple vision?**

Answer: The precise measurements, like those found in Ezekiel 40:36, are highly significant for several reasons. First, they underscore the **divine origin** of the vision, indicating that this was not a human construct but a direct revelation from God. The exactness removes any ambiguity and highlights God's perfect design. Second, for the exiled Israelites, it offered **concrete hope and assurance** of a future restoration; the temple was not a vague dream but a detailed blueprint, implying its eventual reality. Third, the precision emphasizes **God's order and holiness**. Every dimension and feature contributed to creating a sacred space set apart for a holy God, demonstrating that God is a God of order who demands reverence and purity from those who approach Him. Finally, it serves as a literary device, lending **credibility and weight** to the prophetic message, making the visionary temple feel tangible and real.

**Was Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be built literally?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the detailed descriptions in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"), is one of the most debated topics in biblical scholarship. Some interpretations suggest it describes a literal temple to be built in the future (often called the Millennial Temple), given the extreme detail and the specific measurements. Others view it as a symbolic representation of the ideal spiritual community (the Church) or a heavenly reality, emphasizing its theological rather than its literal architectural significance. Still others see it as a blueprint for a restored Israel that was never fully realized due to the people's disobedience, or a blend of literal and symbolic elements. Regardless of the literal interpretation, its immediate impact on the exiles was to provide hope and a vision of God's future dwelling among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel's temple vision provides a detailed blueprint for a physical structure, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous design and precise measurements of the temple in Ezekiel 40:36, emphasizing God's desire for a perfect dwelling place among His people, find their ultimate reality in Christ. 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 Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God, the full embodiment of divine presence and glory, surpassing any physical structure. Furthermore, Christ's sacrifice on the cross opened the way for believers to become a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")), forming the new temple where God's Spirit dwells ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")). The detailed order of Ezekiel's temple foreshadows the perfect order and holiness established by Christ, who serves as our Great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, offering a superior sacrifice that truly cleanses and grants access to God's presence ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, the precise dimensions of the visionary temple point to the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ and the new covenant community established through Him, where God's presence is not confined to chambers or posts, but indwells His redeemed people.

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 40:21

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 40:7

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.

Ezekiel 40:16

And [there were] narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows [were] round about inward: and upon [each] post [were] palm trees.