Ezekiel 40:48

KJV

And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured [each] post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate [was] three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H935} me to the porch {H197} of the house {H1004}, and measured {H4058} each post {H352} of the porch {H197}, five {H2568} cubits {H520} on this side, and five {H2568} cubits {H520} on that side: and the breadth {H7341} of the gate {H8179} was three {H7969} cubits {H520} on this side, and three {H7969} cubits {H520} on that side.

Complete Jewish Bible

He brought me to the vestibule of the house and measured at eight-and-three-quarters feet the thickness of the walls on either side of its entrance. On each side, these walls extended five-and-a-quarter feet from the side-walls of the vestibule.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he brought me to the portico of the temple and measured the side pillars of the portico to be five cubits on each side. The width of the gateway was fourteen cubits and its sidewalls were three cubits on either side.

American Standard Version

Then he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:48 provides a highly detailed measurement of the porch and gate leading into the visionary temple, emphasizing the divine precision and meticulous order inherent in God's future plans for His dwelling place among His people. This verse, part of a larger architectural blueprint, underscores the sacredness and intentionality of access to God's presence, serving as a foundational element within Ezekiel's prophetic vision of restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:48 is embedded within a profound and extensive vision of a new temple, which begins in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Vision of the New Temple"). Following the devastating destruction of the first Temple in Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Israelites to Babylon, God grants Ezekiel a detailed prophetic glimpse of a future, glorious sanctuary. Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the temple's outer court, inner court, various chambers, and the main building itself, with the angelic guide leading Ezekiel through each section and providing precise measurements. This particular verse focuses on the vestibule or entrance hall (the "porch") of the main temple building, detailing its structural posts and the breadth of its gate, thereby setting the stage for the holy inner sanctum. The overwhelming architectural detail throughout these chapters serves to impress upon the reader the divine origin and perfect order of this envisioned structure, contrasting sharply with the defiled and destroyed temple of Ezekiel's contemporary reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national despair and spiritual disorientation for the Jewish people. The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, as recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"), represented the loss of their land, their sovereignty, and seemingly, God's presence among them. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their destruction often signified the defeat of the god. Ezekiel's vision, therefore, served as a powerful counter-narrative, offering a message of hope, restoration, and the certainty of God's future dwelling among His people. The use of cubits as a standard unit of measurement was common in ancient architecture, and the meticulousness of these measurements would have conveyed authenticity and divine authority to the original audience, assuring them that this was not a mere dream but a divinely ordained blueprint for restoration.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements and architectural descriptions in Ezekiel 40, including verse 48, contribute to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. First, **Divine Precision and Order** is paramount; the overwhelming detail signifies God's meticulousness and the certainty of His perfectly designed plans, reflecting His inherent holiness and sovereignty. Second, the vision points to **The Future Temple and God's Dwelling**, serving as a powerful symbol of God's commitment to restore His presence among His people after its departure in [Ezekiel 10:18](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18 - God's Glory Departs the Temple"). The porch, as an entrance, symbolizes the renewed access to God's presence. Third, the vision embodies **Hope and Restoration** for a people in exile, promising a future where God's glory will return to His dwelling place, as vividly depicted in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Return of God's Glory"). This future reality, whether literal or symbolic, underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Porch (Hebrew, _ʼûwlâm'_):** From H197, this term specifically denotes a vestibule or portico, often serving as an impressive entrance hall to a significant building like a temple or palace. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, the "porch of the house" is not merely an architectural feature but a transitional space, signaling the approach to the sacred inner sanctuary. Its precise measurement underscores its importance as the initial point of access to God's dwelling.
* **Measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** From H4058, this primitive root means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure." The act of measuring throughout Ezekiel's temple vision is central, signifying divine authority, precision, and the exactitude of God's design. It implies a fixed, unchangeable plan, not subject to human whim or error, reinforcing the certainty of the vision's fulfillment.
* **Post (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** From H352, this word refers to a strong support, a pilaster, or a doorpost. In this verse, it specifically denotes the structural supports of the porch. The mention of these posts, along with their symmetrical measurements, emphasizes the stability, strength, and foundational integrity of the envisioned temple. They are not merely decorative but essential load-bearing elements, reinforcing the permanence of God's future dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought me to the porch of the house,"**: This clause establishes the setting for the subsequent measurements. The "he" refers to the angelic guide who has been leading Ezekiel through the visionary temple complex since [Ezekiel 40:3](/ezekiel/40-3 "Ezekiel 40:3 - The Man with a Measuring Rod"). The "porch of the house" is the vestibule or entrance hall of the main temple building, signifying the threshold to the most sacred part of the structure.
* **"and measured [each] post of the porch,"**: The guide's action of measuring highlights the meticulous detail and precision of the divine blueprint. The "posts" are the structural supports of the porch, indicating that every foundational element of this new temple is divinely ordained and perfectly proportioned.
* **"five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side:"**: These specific measurements for the posts (or the space around them) emphasize symmetry and exactitude. A cubit was an ancient unit of length, roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches). The repetition of "five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side" reinforces the balanced and perfect design, leaving no room for ambiguity or human imperfection.
* **"and the breadth of the gate [was] three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side."**: This clause provides the dimensions for the gate itself, which leads through the porch into the temple. The "breadth" refers to its width. Again, the symmetrical "three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side" underscores the divine order and the precise dimensions of entry into God's holy dwelling, indicating a controlled and intentional access.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:48, like the surrounding chapters, is characterized by **Detailed Description** and **Architectural Precision**. The prophet meticulously records every measurement, post, and gate, creating a vivid, almost technical blueprint rather than a flowing narrative. This exhaustive detail serves to underscore the divine origin and absolute certainty of the vision. The **Repetition** of phrases like "on this side, and on that side" (used twice in this verse) emphasizes the perfect symmetry and balance of the temple's design, reinforcing the idea of divine order. Furthermore, the temple itself, including its **Symbolism** of the porch and gate, represents God's renewed presence among His people and the structured, holy access to Him. The very act of measuring can be seen as a **Metaphor** for God's sovereign control and His precise fulfillment of promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:48, with its emphasis on precise measurements and the structure of the temple's entrance, profoundly speaks to God's nature as a God of order, holiness, and intentionality. The meticulous detail of the vision underscores that God's plans are not haphazard but perfectly designed, reflecting His inherent character. This future temple, whether understood literally or symbolically, represents the restoration of God's presence among His people, a presence that is holy and accessible only on His terms. The "porch" and "gate" serve as a threshold, signifying the importance of proper approach and reverence when entering God's dwelling. This vision, given during a time of exile and despair, offered a powerful message of hope, assuring Israel that God would indeed dwell with them again, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate plan for redemption.

* [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."
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order"): "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity"): "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 40:48, with its precise and seemingly mundane measurements, holds profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and perfect order. His plans, both for cosmic history and for our individual lives, are not random but intricately designed and purposeful. This should instill in us a deep trust in His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic. The emphasis on the "porch" and "gate" as points of entry into God's dwelling also speaks to the importance of intentionality and reverence in our approach to God. Just as the physical temple had specific pathways and dimensions for access, so too does our spiritual approach to God require humility, purity, and adherence to His revealed will. Furthermore, this vision, given in a time of despair, serves as a powerful beacon of hope. It assures us that God's promises of dwelling with His people are certain, culminating in the ultimate reality of His presence with us, both now through the Holy Spirit and eternally in the New Heavens and New Earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plans in Ezekiel's vision impact your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a "porch" or "gate" to God's presence inform your personal approach to worship and prayer?**
* **How can the hope embedded in this ancient vision of restoration strengthen your faith in God's promises for your own life and for the future of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "porch" in this vision?**

Answer: The "porch" (Hebrew, _ʼûwlâm'_) in Ezekiel 40:48 refers to the vestibule or entrance hall of the visionary temple. Its significance is multifaceted. Architecturally, it serves as an impressive and transitional space, leading from the outer courts into the main sanctuary building. Theologically, it symbolizes the threshold or point of access to God's holy presence. The precise measurements given for it underscore that access to God is not arbitrary but divinely ordained, structured, and requires a reverent approach. It is the initial, grand entry point, setting the tone for the sacredness of what lies beyond, much like the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

**Why are the measurements so precise throughout Ezekiel's temple vision?**

Answer: The overwhelming precision of the measurements in Ezekiel's temple vision, exemplified in Ezekiel 40:48, serves several crucial purposes. First, it highlights God's **divine order and meticulousness**. God is not a God of chaos but of perfect design and intention, as seen in creation itself ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")). Second, it lends **authenticity and authority** to the vision, assuring Ezekiel and his audience that this is a genuine, divinely revealed blueprint, not a mere dream or human construct. Third, it emphasizes the **certainty of God's promises**. The exactitude implies that God's future plans for restoration and His dwelling among His people are fixed and will be fulfilled precisely as revealed. Finally, it underscores the **holiness and sacredness** of God's dwelling, where every detail is important and contributes to its perfect function and beauty.

**Is Ezekiel's temple a literal temple to be built, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including Ezekiel 40:48, is a subject of ongoing theological debate. Some scholars interpret it as a **literal temple** that will be built in Jerusalem during a future period, often associated with the Millennial Kingdom, where Christ reigns on Earth. They point to the extreme detail and specific measurements as evidence for a literal structure. Others view it as primarily **symbolic**, representing God's perfect dwelling among His people in a spiritual sense, fulfilled in the Church (as seen in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling")) or ultimately in the New Jerusalem (described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem")), where God Himself is the temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). A third view suggests it is a **hybrid**, with literal elements pointing to spiritual realities, emphasizing God's desire for perfect fellowship and the restoration of His glory. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the vision powerfully conveys God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people in holiness and order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:48, describing the precise dimensions of the temple's porch and gate, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple provided a physical space for God's presence and a structured means of access, Jesus declares Himself to be the true and ultimate 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")). He was speaking of the temple of His body, through which God's presence fully dwelt among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, Jesus is the "door" or "gate" through whom all who believe must enter to find salvation and abundant life, as He proclaims in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door"). The meticulously measured porch and gate in Ezekiel's vision foreshadow the perfect and singular way of access to God, which is now exclusively through Christ. His sacrifice on the cross tore the temple veil from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way into God's most holy presence is no longer restricted by physical barriers or ritualistic measurements, but is opened wide through the new and living way provided by His blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ")). Thus, the precise architectural details of Ezekiel's vision ultimately point to the perfect, divinely ordained access to God made possible only through the person and work of Jesus 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

1 Kings 6:3

And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; [and] ten cubits [was] the breadth thereof before the house.

2 Chronicles 3:4

And the porch that [was] in the front [of the house], the length [of it was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height [was] an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.