Ezekiel 41:15

KJV

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

KJV (with Strong's)

And he measured {H4058} the length {H753} of the building {H1146} over against {H6440} the separate place {H1508} which was behind {H310} it, and the galleries {H862} thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}, with the inner {H6442} temple {H1964}, and the porches {H197} of the court {H2691};

Complete Jewish Bible

He measured the length of the building facing the separated yard behind [the house], together with its galleries on both sides, at 175 feet. The sanctuary, the inner place and the vestibules [leading from the house] to the courtyard,

Berean Standard Bible

Next he measured the length of the building facing the temple courtyard at the rear of the temple, including its galleries on each side; it was a hundred cubits. The outer sanctuary, the inner sanctuary, and the porticoes facing the court,

American Standard Version

And he measured the length of the building before the separate place which was at the back thereof, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, a hundred cubits; and the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:15 offers a precise and detailed measurement of specific architectural components within the visionary temple complex revealed to the prophet. It meticulously describes the length of the main building, its relationship to the "separate place" behind it, the dimensions of its galleries on both sides, and its integration with the inner temple and the court's porches, all specified at a length of one hundred cubits. This verse, consistent with the broader vision in Ezekiel 40-42, underscores the divine precision, grandeur, and holiness of God's future dwelling place, serving as a profound message of hope, restoration, and the enduring reality of God's presence for a people in exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:15 is deeply embedded within a comprehensive and highly detailed prophetic vision of a new temple and its surrounding complex, a vision that spans from [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land and the City"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 41](/ezekiel/41 "Ezekiel 41 - Measurements of the Temple Interior") is dedicated to the interior and exterior measurements of the temple building itself, meticulously detailing its walls, chambers, and various architectural features. This particular verse, with its focus on the length of the main edifice, immediately precedes descriptions of the temple's decorative elements and the outer sanctuary, maintaining a consistent narrative of precise architectural specification. The cumulative effect of these exhaustive measurements is to convey an overwhelming sense of divine order, absolute holiness, and the tangible reality of God's future restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The profound vision of this new temple was granted to Ezekiel in the twenty-fifth year of his exile, approximately 573 BC, while he was among the Jewish captives in Babylon. At this time, Jerusalem and the magnificent Temple of Solomon had been utterly destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leaving the Israelites in profound despair, questioning God's presence, power, and covenant faithfulness. In this context of national desolation and spiritual crisis, the detailed blueprint of a new, glorious temple served as a powerful counter-narrative to their present reality. Culturally, temples were universally regarded as the dwelling places of deities, and their destruction implied the defeat or departure of the associated god. God's revelation of a new, perfect temple to Ezekiel was, therefore, a profound statement of His enduring sovereignty, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and His promise to dwell among His people once more, transcending the physical destruction they had experienced and offering a concrete vision of future hope.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous measurements presented in [Ezekiel 41](/ezekiel/41 "Ezekiel 41 - The Temple's Dimensions"), including those in [Ezekiel 41:15](/ezekiel/41-15 "Ezekiel 41:15 - Temple Dimensions"), contribute significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel. First, they powerfully emphasize **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's absolute control, meticulous planning, and the perfection inherent in His design, even down to the smallest cubit. This precision signifies the profound holiness and perfection required for God's dwelling place. Second, the entire temple vision, including its detailed architectural specifications, powerfully conveys the **Promise of God's Restored Presence**. For a people who had witnessed the departure of God's glory from the first temple ([Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs")), this vision offered the profound assurance that the glory of the Lord would indeed return and fill His house ([Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory Returns")). Finally, the vision provides a profound **Hope for Future Restoration** for Israel, encompassing not merely a physical structure but a renewed relationship with God, a restored land, and a re-established covenant, culminating in the triumphant declaration, "The Lord Is There" ([Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Lord Is There")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **building (Hebrew, _binyân'_):** Derived from the root _banah_ (to build), this term refers to an edifice or structure, specifically highlighting the constructed and divinely engineered nature of the temple. In Ezekiel's visionary context, it underscores the tangible, meticulously designed architectural reality of the future temple, standing in stark contrast to the destroyed temple of his present. It signifies a divinely established and permanent structure.
* **separate place (Hebrew, _gizrâh'_):** This word denotes an enclosure or something that has been "cut out" and set apart. In the context of the temple, it refers to a distinct, specially designated area, likely a sacred or restricted space within the complex. Its designation as "separate" emphasizes the holiness and exclusive nature of different zones within the temple, reinforcing the divine order and the boundaries required for God's holy presence.
* **temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** This term refers to a large public building, specifically a palace or a temple, often implying a grand and significant structure. In this verse, it specifically refers to the "inner temple," which is the main sanctuary building itself—the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place—distinct from the surrounding courts or other auxiliary structures. Its mention signifies the central dwelling place of God's presence within the entire complex, the very heart of the sacred architecture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it":** This clause initiates the precise measurement, focusing on the main temple structure ("the building"). It specifies its length in relation to a distinct, set-apart area ("the separate place") located directly behind it. This indicates a meticulously planned spatial relationship and an integrated design within the larger temple complex, where every component is precisely positioned.
* **"and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side":** This specifies that the measurement of the building's length includes its "galleries," which were likely elevated walkways, ledges, or perhaps rows of chambers, extending along both sides of the main structure. This detail highlights the architectural complexity and grandeur, indicating that the overall length encompasses these integral extensions.
* **"an hundred cubits":** This provides the exact dimension for the combined length of the building, encompassing its galleries and its relationship to the separate place. A cubit was an ancient unit of measure, typically around 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm), making 100 cubits a substantial length (approximately 150-175 feet or 45-53 meters). This emphasizes the vast scale and impressive dimensions of the visionary temple, underscoring its divine origin and significance.
* **"with the inner temple":** This clarifies that the "building" being measured at 100 cubits encompasses the "inner temple" (the _hêykâl_), which is the main sanctuary or holy place. This confirms that the 100-cubit measurement applies to the core sacred structure, the very heart of the temple where God's presence would dwell.
* **"and the porches of the court":** This final phrase indicates that the total 100-cubit length also accounts for the porches (vestibules or porticoes) that were part of the court area. This suggests an integrated measurement that spans from the main temple building through its associated entryways and connecting structures within the court, emphasizing the holistic and interconnected nature of the entire divinely designed complex.

#### Literary Devices
The predominant literary device at play in Ezekiel 41:15, and indeed throughout the detailed architectural vision in [Ezekiel 40-42](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"), is **Meticulous Description** or **Hyper-detail**. The prophet provides an exhaustive inventory of measurements and architectural features, far exceeding what would be necessary for a mere symbolic or abstract vision. This extreme precision serves to convey the **Divine Order** and absolute **Holiness** of the temple. Every cubit, every dimension, and every architectural component is divinely ordained and precisely specified, leaving no room for human improvisation or error. This level of detail also functions as a form of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of absolute reality and certainty to the vision, assuring the exiled Israelites that God's promises of restoration are concrete, tangible, and utterly reliable, not mere abstract hopes. The repetition of measurements and architectural terms throughout these chapters creates a sense of **Rhythm** and **Emphasis**, reinforcing the grand scale, sacred nature, and divine origin of the structure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel's visionary temple, with its precise measurements and sacred spaces, is a profound theological statement about God's nature and His unwavering desire for communion with His people. It emphatically underscores God's absolute holiness, His demand for ordered and reverent worship, and His covenant faithfulness to dwell among humanity. The meticulous detail points to a divine blueprint for a perfect dwelling, foreshadowing not only a future physical restoration for Israel but also deeper spiritual realities concerning God's presence. This vision underscores that God is a God of order, beauty, and intentional design, and His presence demands a consecrated space, whether that space is physical, spiritual, or ultimately, personal.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ Enters the True Tabernacle")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Measurements")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 41:15, with its seemingly mundane measurements, invites us to ponder the profound significance of God's meticulous attention to detail and His unyielding desire for intimate communion with His people. For the exiled Israelites, this vision was far more than an architectural blueprint; it was a tangible promise of hope and restoration, a powerful reminder that God had not forgotten them and would indeed return to dwell among them in glory. For us today, it serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, who designs everything with ultimate purpose and divine precision. It challenges us to consider the "measurements" of our own lives—the intentionality, holiness, and order with which we live, particularly in how we prepare our hearts as dwelling places for God's Spirit. Just as every cubit in the visionary temple had its divinely appointed place and purpose, so too does every aspect of our lives, when surrendered to God, contribute to the building of His spiritual temple. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect and sovereign plan, even when our circumstances seem chaotic, broken, or desolate, knowing that His ultimate design for our redemption and fellowship is grander, more precise, and more glorious than we can possibly imagine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the temple vision encourage or challenge your understanding of His character and His involvement in your life?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of "divine precision and order" to our personal lives, our spiritual disciplines, and our corporate worship?**
* **How does the promise of God's restored presence, powerfully symbolized by the temple vision, offer hope in your own moments of despair, spiritual struggle, or feelings of exile?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "hundred cubits" measurement in Ezekiel 41:15?**

Answer: The "hundred cubits" (approximately 150-175 feet or 45-53 meters) signifies the immense scale, grandeur, and divine perfection of the visionary temple. Throughout [Ezekiel 40-42](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"), precise and often large measurements are given for every part of the temple complex. This emphasis on exact, substantial dimensions serves several profound purposes: it underscores the divine origin and perfection of the blueprint, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and absolute control; it contrasts sharply with the destroyed and desecrated temple of Ezekiel's time, offering a vision of unparalleled glory and holiness; and it powerfully conveys the vastness and sacredness required for God's restored and unhindered presence among His people. It is not merely a large building, but a divinely proportioned and consecrated space, reflecting the infinite majesty of the God who dwells within it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 41:15, with its detailed measurements of a future temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple, including the visionary one in Ezekiel, served as a physical dwelling place for God's presence and a locus for atonement, it was always a shadow, a type pointing to a greater, spiritual reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring not to the physical structure in Jerusalem but to [the temple of his body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple") ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). In Christ, the fullness of God's presence fully and perfectly dwells among humanity ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), making Him the true meeting place, the ultimate sanctuary, between God and man. Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that through Christ's atoning work, believers are incorporated into a spiritual temple, "being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as a Holy Temple")). The meticulous measurements in Ezekiel thus foreshadow the divine perfection, holiness, and precise design of this new spiritual reality—the church as God's dwelling—culminating in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem where the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, and God will dwell directly with His people for all eternity ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity") and [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). Therefore, the visionary temple's precise dimensions ultimately speak to the perfect, immeasurable reality of God's dwelling in and through Christ, His church, and the eternal city.

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 42:3

Over against the twenty [cubits] which [were] for the inner court, and over against the pavement which [was] for the utter court, [was] gallery against gallery in three [stories].

Ezekiel 42:1

¶ Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that [was] over against the separate place, and which [was] before the building toward the north.

Song Of Solomon 7:5

Thine head upon thee [is] like Carmel, and the hair of thine head like purple; the king [is] held in the galleries.

Ezekiel 41:12

¶ Now the building that [was] before the separate place at the end toward the west [was] seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building [was] five cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety cubits.

Ezekiel 42:5

Now the upper chambers [were] shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building.

Zechariah 3:7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Song Of Solomon 1:17

The beams of our house [are] cedar, [and] our rafters of fir.