Ezekiel 41:13

KJV

So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

KJV (with Strong's)

So he measured {H4058} the house {H1004}, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} long {H753}; and the separate place {H1508}, and the building {H1140}, with the walls {H7023} thereof, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} long {H753};

Complete Jewish Bible

He measured the length of the house at 175 feet; then a distance that included [the width of] the separated yard, [the interior width of] the building and [the thickness of] its [front and back exterior] walls, at 175 feet.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he measured the temple to be a hundred cubits long, and the temple courtyard and the building with its walls were also a hundred cubits long.

American Standard Version

So he measured the house, a hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, a hundred cubits long;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:13 meticulously details the precise measurements of the visionary temple complex, specifying that both the main sanctuary ("the house") and an adjacent "separate place" or outer building are one hundred cubits long. This verse, embedded within Ezekiel's extensive architectural blueprint (chapters 40-48), profoundly underscores the divine precision, grand scale, and meticulous order inherent in God's future dwelling place, offering a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the certainty of His plans for His people and their worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:13 is situated within the highly detailed temple vision that spans Ezekiel chapters 40-48. Following the initial description of the outer court, inner court, and various chambers in chapter 40, chapter 41 focuses intently on the dimensions and features of the temple building itself, including the sanctuary, the holy place, and surrounding structures. The angelic guide meticulously measures each component, providing an exhaustive architectural blueprint. This precise accounting of dimensions, including the "hundred cubits long" in this verse, underscores the divine origin and perfect design of the temple, leading up to the climactic return of God's glory in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of God Returns"). The vision serves as a detailed prophetic promise of restoration for a people in exile, assuring them of God's future presence among them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel received this profound vision during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of immense despair and disorientation for the Israelites. Their beloved temple in Jerusalem had been utterly destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, and they were far removed from their homeland and the central place of worship. In this context of profound loss, a vision of a new, perfectly measured temple offered immense, tangible hope. The "cubit" was a standard ancient unit of measurement, typically about 18-21 inches (derived from the length of the forearm), making "an hundred cubits" a significant and impressive length, signifying a grand and awe-inspiring structure. The meticulous detail would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern architectural practices, where precision in sacred buildings was paramount, but here, it is divinely ordained, contrasting sharply with human imperfection and the destruction of the former temple.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, with its emphasis on precise measurements, contributes significantly to several foundational themes within the book of Ezekiel. First, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in His plans, whether for a physical structure or the spiritual restoration of His people. The repeated "hundred cubits long" emphasizes this exactness, pointing to a divine blueprint that leaves nothing to chance. Second, the mention of the "separate place" underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, indicating distinct areas within the temple complex that are set apart for sacred purposes. This is a recurring motif throughout Scripture concerning God's dwelling and the purity required for His presence, as seen in the call to holiness in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Finally, the entire temple vision, including these detailed measurements, serves as a powerful message of **Future Hope and Restoration** for the exiled Israelites, promising a renewed dwelling for God's glory and a future of worship and fellowship, echoing the promise of a new covenant in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** From H4058, a primitive root meaning "to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended." This word emphasizes the precise, deliberate act of determining dimensions, suggesting divine exactness and careful planning rather than approximation. It conveys the idea of a thorough, unhurried assessment, ensuring every detail aligns with the divine standard.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, meaning "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)." In this specific context, it refers to the main temple building or sanctuary, the central dwelling place for God's presence. Its designation as "house" highlights its significance not merely as a structure, but as a sacred edifice intended for divine habitation and intimate fellowship.
* **separate place (Hebrew, _gizrâh'_):** From H1508, feminine of _gezer_, meaning "the figure or person (as if cut out); also an inclosure (as separated); polishing, separate place." This term denotes a distinct, cut-off, or set-apart area, emphasizing its unique function and sacred demarcation within the larger temple complex. It reinforces the themes of holiness, divine order, and the necessity of distinguishing between the sacred and the common.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long;":** This initial clause introduces the divine guide's action of precisely measuring the primary temple building. The "house" refers to the main sanctuary, the central edifice of the visionary temple. Its specified length of "an hundred cubits" (approximately 150-175 feet) signifies its impressive scale and the meticulous nature of the divine blueprint. This measurement establishes the foundational dimension of the central structure, emphasizing its grandeur and the exactitude of God's design.
* **"and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;":** This second clause describes another significant section of the temple complex—the "separate place" (likely an outer court or a distinct, set-apart area for specific holy functions) and "the building, with the walls thereof." The repetition of "an hundred cubits long" for this distinct area, including its enclosing walls, reinforces the consistent and grand scale of the entire complex. This parallelism underscores the divine order, uniformity, and comprehensive design applied across different components of the sacred structure, ensuring every part adheres to the same divine standard.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 41:13 is **Repetition**, specifically the precise phrase "an hundred cubits long." This repeated measurement for both "the house" and "the separate place" serves to profoundly emphasize the precision, order, and grand scale of the visionary temple. It underscores the meticulousness of the divine architect and the absolute certainty of God's plans. This repetition also contributes significantly to the overall **Symbolism** of the temple vision itself. The entire architectural blueprint, with its exact dimensions and intricate details, is not merely a literal building plan but a profound symbol of God's renewed, perfect presence among His people, His unwavering commitment to restoration, and the impeccable order of His coming kingdom. The exact dimensions symbolize divine perfection, the unwavering nature of God's covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:13, with its emphasis on divine measurement and precise design, speaks profoundly to God's character as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous planning. The visionary temple, far from being a mere architectural curiosity, serves as a powerful theological statement about God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people and to restore them to a state of holiness and worship. The exact dimensions symbolize the perfection of God's intentions and the certainty of His future kingdom, where everything will be aligned with His divine will. This vision assures us that God's plans for redemption and restoration are not haphazard but are executed with ultimate precision and unfailing faithfulness, culminating in a renewed relationship between God and humanity, marked by His glorious presence.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 41:13, with its detailed measurements of a visionary temple, serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and brokenness, this verse offers profound assurance that God's plans are meticulously crafted and perfectly executed. It invites us to trust in His sovereign design, not only for grand prophetic fulfillments but also for the intricate details of our individual lives. Just as every cubit of the temple was divinely appointed, so too are the circumstances and pathways of our spiritual journeys guided by His perfect wisdom. This passage encourages us to seek alignment with God's order, to appreciate the beauty of His divine architecture in creation and redemption, and to find peace in the knowledge that His purposes, though sometimes mysterious, are always precise and ultimately for our good and His glory. It challenges us to consider how we might reflect His order and intentionality in our own lives, bringing structure and purpose to our spiritual disciplines and daily walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on precise measurements in God's plans (like the temple) impact your trust in His overall design for your life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to surrender control and trust in God's meticulous order, rather than relying on your own imperfect plans?**
* **How does the concept of a "separate place" within the temple vision encourage you to consider areas of your life that need to be set apart for God's holiness?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "hundred cubits long" measurement?**

Answer: The repeated measurement of "an hundred cubits long" (approximately 150-175 feet) for both the main temple building and the separate place is highly significant. It emphasizes the immense scale and grandeur of the visionary temple, signifying a substantial and magnificent structure. More importantly, it highlights the divine precision and meticulous order inherent in God's plans. This exactness underscores that God's future dwelling place and His restoration plans are not arbitrary or haphazard but are perfectly designed and will be perfectly executed, reflecting His unchanging and trustworthy character. It serves as a powerful symbol of divine perfection and the certainty of His promises to His exiled people, assuring them of a future marked by divine presence and perfect order.

**What is the "separate place" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "separate place" (Hebrew: _gizrâh_) refers to a distinct, set-apart area within the larger temple complex. While its exact function is debated among scholars, it generally signifies an enclosure or a cut-off portion, emphasizing its unique and sacred nature. It could refer to an outer court, a specific building, or an area designated for particular holy purposes, distinct from the main sanctuary. Its inclusion and precise measurement reinforce the theme of holiness and the necessity of demarcation within God's dwelling, ensuring that sacred spaces are clearly distinguished from the common, a principle found throughout biblical law concerning God's presence, as seen in [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Between Holy and Common"). This separation underscores the reverence and purity required in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's temple vision, with its meticulous measurements and profound emphasis on God's dwelling, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a reconstructed physical building, but in Jesus Christ Himself and His New Covenant work. While the Old Testament temple symbolized God's presence among His people, Christ is the very embodiment of God's presence, the true tabernacle and temple where God dwells fully among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The precise dimensions of Ezekiel's temple foreshadow the perfect, divinely ordained nature of Christ's redemptive work and the New Jerusalem, which is also described with perfect, heavenly measurements ([Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")). Moreover, through Christ, believers are transformed into living stones, becoming a spiritual temple, the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones"), [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - A Holy Temple in the Lord")). Thus, the vision of a perfectly measured temple ultimately points to the perfect, complete, and eternally effective sacrifice of Christ, which establishes a new and living way for God to dwell with His people, not in a building made with hands, but in the hearts of those redeemed by His blood, bringing about a profound and intimate fellowship ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of Good Things to Come")).

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 40:47

So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar [that was] before the house.