Ezekiel 41:14

KJV

Also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also the breadth {H7341} of the face {H6440} of the house {H1004}, and of the separate place {H1508} toward the east {H6921}, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The distance along the facade of the house on the east through the separated yard[s to the north and south] was 175 feet.

Berean Standard Bible

The width of the temple courtyard on the east, including the front of the temple, was a hundred cubits.

American Standard Version

also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, a hundred cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:14 provides a precise architectural measurement within the prophet's grand vision of the future temple. It details the combined breadth of the temple's eastern face and an adjacent "separate place" as one hundred cubits, emphasizing the meticulous divine design and the vast scale of this eschatological sanctuary, which serves as a powerful symbol of God's future dwelling among His restored people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:14 is situated within the highly detailed temple vision spanning [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"), which forms the climactic section of the book of Ezekiel. Following the descriptions of the outer and inner courts in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Outer and Inner Courts"), chapter 41 meticulously outlines the dimensions and features of the temple building itself, including its chambers, walls, and surrounding areas. This specific verse contributes to the overall architectural blueprint, providing a critical measurement for the eastern façade, an orientation of profound theological significance as the direction from which the [glory of the Lord would return](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - The Glory of the Lord Returns"). The sheer volume of precise measurements underscores the divine origin and perfect order of this visionary structure, moving from the general layout to intricate specifics.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 597-538 BC), a period of immense despair and spiritual crisis for the Jewish people. The destruction of Solomon's Temple in 586 BC was a catastrophic event, symbolizing God's judgment and the apparent abandonment of His people. In this context, Ezekiel's temple vision served as a profound source of hope, a divine blueprint for future restoration, and a promise of God's renewed presence among His people. The meticulous measurements, given in "cubits" (a common ancient unit of measure, approximately 18-21 inches), would have conveyed a sense of tangible reality and divine authority to the exiles, assuring them that God's plans were concrete and precise. The concept of a "separate place" (Hebrew: *gizrâh*) also resonates with ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, where sacred spaces were often delineated and set apart to emphasize holiness and restrict access.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the entire temple vision, powerfully communicates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, showcasing God's meticulous attention to detail and the perfect, unchangeable nature of His plans. The exhaustive measurements, including the "hundred cubits" here, speak to a God who designs with absolute accuracy, reinforcing His sovereignty over all things, even in the midst of national desolation. Secondly, the mention of a "separate place" underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. This area, distinct from the main "house," emphasizes the sacredness of the temple complex and the necessity of distinguishing between the holy and the common, reflecting God's own unapproachable holiness. Finally, the entire vision, including this specific measurement, serves as a powerful message of **Future Hope and Restoration**. For the exiled Israelites, this detailed prophecy pointed towards a future where God would dwell among His people once more in a perfected sanctuary, symbolizing a time of complete spiritual and physical renewal, a promise echoed in passages like [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **breadth (Hebrew, _rôchab'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be wide," this term signifies the horizontal extent or width of an object. In the context of architectural measurements, it denotes the dimension across a structure, emphasizing the expansive scale of the visionary temple. Its use here highlights the grand scope of God's design.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun, used singularly, literally refers to "the face" but is used in a vast array of applications, including "front," "presence," or "surface." In architectural terms, "the face of the house" refers to its façade or front elevation, the primary side facing the observer, indicating the eastern orientation of the temple's main entrance.
* **separate place (Hebrew, _gizrâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to cut off" or "to separate," denotes a distinct, enclosed, or designated area. Its inclusion here emphasizes the sacred and set-apart nature of this specific section adjacent to the temple, reinforcing the theme of holiness and the demarcation of sacred space within the larger complex.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This term refers to a standard unit of ancient measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (approx. 45-53 cm). The use of "cubits" provides a concrete, precise measurement, underscoring the literal and tangible nature of the architectural details being revealed, even if the ultimate fulfillment is symbolic.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also the breadth of the face of the house,"**: This clause specifies the measurement of the front (eastern) side of the main temple building. The "face of the house" refers to its façade or front elevation, which in this vision is oriented towards the east. The "breadth" indicates the width of this primary structure.
* **"and of the separate place toward the east,"**: This phrase adds another component to the total breadth. The "separate place" (Hebrew: *gizrâh*) denotes a distinct, enclosed area adjacent to the temple, specifically on its eastern side. This emphasizes the sacred demarcation of space around the sanctuary and its specific orientation.
* **"an hundred cubits."**: This final phrase provides the cumulative measurement for the combined breadth of the temple's eastern face and the adjacent "separate place." One hundred cubits (approximately 150-175 feet or 45-53 meters) represents a substantial dimension, highlighting the immense scale and grandeur of this divinely designed structure.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 41:14, like the broader temple vision, is rich in **Symbolism** and **Precision/Detailing**. The temple itself is a powerful symbol of God's dwelling place, His presence among His people, and the restoration of His covenant relationship. The meticulous measurements, including the "hundred cubits" for the breadth of the eastern face and its "separate place," are not merely architectural specifications; they symbolize divine order, perfection, and the absolute authority of God's design. This **Precision/Detailing** serves to authenticate the vision as divinely inspired, leaving no doubt about the exactness of God's future plans. Furthermore, the eastern orientation and the "separate place" carry symbolic weight, pointing to the direction of divine glory and the necessary holiness required for God's presence. The entire architectural blueprint can also be seen as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future reality of God's ultimate dwelling with humanity, whether in a literal temple, the Church, or the New Jerusalem.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:14, with its precise measurement of the temple's breadth and its "separate place," underscores the profound theological truth that God is a God of order, intentionality, and holiness. The meticulous detail of the temple vision speaks to the divine architect's perfect plan for His dwelling place and His people. It highlights the sacredness of God's presence, requiring specific boundaries and designated spaces to maintain holiness. This vision, given to a people in exile, powerfully conveyed God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, promising a future where His glory would return and dwell among them in a perfectly ordered sanctuary. The physical dimensions symbolize a spiritual reality: God's desire for an unhindered, holy communion with His people.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Instructions for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ, the Greater Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God Dwells with His People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Ezekiel's temple vision, down to the cubit, serve as a profound reminder of God's intentionality and precision in all His dealings. Just as He had a perfect blueprint for this visionary temple, He has an intricate and sovereign plan for our lives and for the unfolding of history. This should inspire deep trust, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. Furthermore, the concept of a "separate place" within the temple complex speaks to the importance of holiness and consecration. As believers, we are now considered the temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit")), called to set ourselves apart for God's purposes. This means dedicating our bodies, minds, and resources to Him, striving for purity and living in a way that honors His indwelling presence. The vision ultimately points to God's desire to dwell with His people, a hope that encourages us to cultivate His presence in our daily lives and anticipate the full realization of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's temple vision impact your understanding of God's character and His plans for your life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to create a "separate place" or set boundaries to honor God's holiness and presence within you?**
* **How does the hope of God's ultimate dwelling with His people, symbolized by this temple, encourage you in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "separate place" mentioned in Ezekiel 41:14?**

Answer: The "separate place" (Hebrew: *gizrâh*) refers to a distinct, enclosed area adjacent to the temple, specifically on its eastern side. Its significance lies in emphasizing the sacredness and set-apart nature of the entire temple complex. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly in Israelite worship, specific areas were designated as more holy or restricted, underscoring the distinction between the common and the sacred. This "separate place" reinforces the theme of God's holiness and the need for purity and demarcation around His dwelling. It highlights that access to God's presence is not casual but requires reverence and adherence to divine order, a concept also seen in the layout of the [Tabernacle in the wilderness](/exodus/26 "The Design of the Tabernacle").

**Is the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 a literal future temple or a symbolic vision?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the specific measurements in [Ezekiel 41:14](/ezekiel/41-14 "Ezekiel 41:14 - The Temple's Dimensions"), is a subject of ongoing theological debate. Some interpret it as a blueprint for a literal temple to be built in the future, often in relation to millennial prophecies. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the ideal spiritual reality of God's presence among His people, the perfection of His church, or the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in the New Heavens and New Earth. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the vision undeniably conveys profound truths about God's holiness, His desire to dwell with His people, and the meticulousness of His divine plans for restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's temple vision, with its precise measurements and emphasis on a holy dwelling place, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple served as a physical representation of God's presence among His people, it was always a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Christ is the true and perfect sanctuary, the very embodiment of God dwelling among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His sacrifice on the cross opened the way for all believers to have direct access to God's presence, tearing the veil of the temple ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), thereby fulfilling the need for a "separate place" through His own holiness. Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are now collectively the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")), a spiritual house built on Christ, the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). Ultimately, the vision points to the New Jerusalem, where there will be no need for a physical temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb Are the Temple")), signifying the complete and eternal dwelling of God with 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.