Ezekiel 41:16

KJV

The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows [were] covered;

KJV (with Strong's)

The door posts {H5592}, and the narrow {H331} windows {H2474}, and the galleries {H862} round about {H5439} on their three stories {H7969}, over against {H5048} the door {H5592}, cieled {H7824} with wood {H6086} round about {H5439}, and from the ground {H776} up to the windows {H2474}, and the windows {H2474} were covered {H3680};

Complete Jewish Bible

as well as the thresholds, narrow windows and galleries around these three, had wood panelling around them as far as the thresholds and from the ground up to the windows; and the windows were covered.

Berean Standard Bible

as well as the thresholds and the beveled windows and the galleries all around with their three levels opposite the threshold, were overlaid with wood on all sides. They were paneled from the ground to the windows, and the windows were covered.

American Standard Version

the thresholds, and the closed windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the threshold, ceiled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows (now the windows were covered),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:16 provides an intricate architectural description of the visionary temple, focusing on the refined interior elements such as the doorposts, the unique narrow windows, and the multi-story galleries. This verse contributes to the overall impression of a meticulously designed and divinely ordered sacred space, emphasizing the precise details of its construction, particularly the extensive use of wood paneling from the ground up to the windows, and the covered nature of these windows, all pointing to the profound significance and sanctity of God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:16 is situated within the prophet Ezekiel's extensive and highly detailed vision of a new temple, a new land, and a restored city, spanning chapters 40-48 of the book. This grand vision, given to Ezekiel while in Babylonian exile, serves as a profound message of hope, divine presence, and future restoration for the exiled people of Israel. Chapter 41 specifically delves into the dimensions and features of the inner sanctuary (the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place) and the surrounding structures, including the side chambers and their access points. Verse 16, with its focus on the interior finishing of doorposts, windows, and galleries, contributes to the overall impression of a divinely ordered and magnificently constructed sacred space, building upon the precise measurements introduced in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") and preceding the description of the altar and the glory of God returning to the temple in [Ezekiel 43](/ezekiel/43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Glory of God Returns to the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during a period of profound national despair for Israel, as they were in exile in Babylon, having witnessed the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. In this context, a detailed vision of a new, glorious temple offered immense spiritual and psychological comfort, serving as a promise of future restoration and the enduring presence of God among His people. Ancient Near Eastern temples were typically seen as the dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved meticulous planning and the use of precious materials, reflecting the majesty of the god worshipped. The emphasis on wood paneling, for instance, echoes the luxurious cedar and cypress wood used in [Solomon's Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), signifying sanctity, beauty, and durability. The "narrow windows" may also reflect a common architectural feature in ancient temples or fortresses, designed to control light, maintain privacy, or offer defensive advantages, contributing to the solemn and enclosed atmosphere appropriate for a sacred dwelling.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed architectural descriptions in Ezekiel 41:16 contribute to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Precision and Order**. The exhaustive level of detail, from doorposts to multi-story galleries, conveys God's meticulous nature and His perfect blueprint for His sacred dwelling, leaving nothing to chance. This divine order is a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction experienced by Israel during the exile. Secondly, the description of structures "cieled with wood" speaks to the **Glory and Magnificence of God's Dwelling**. Such finishes imply a substantial, beautiful, and finished interior, emphasizing the grandeur appropriate for the dwelling of the Most High God and the sacredness of His presence. This resonates with the rich adornment of [Solomon's Temple, which was also paneled with cedar](/1_kings/6-15 "1 Kings 6:15 - Cedar Paneling in Solomon's Temple"). Finally, the entire temple vision, including these specific architectural elements, serves as a powerful prophecy of **Future Hope and Restoration**. While the immediate circumstances were dire, the vision points to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, indicating a future time of renewed worship and God's dwelling among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate expression in the promise of God's presence with humanity in the new heavens and new earth, as seen in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **windows (Hebrew, _challôwn'_):** (H2474) This term refers to an opening, specifically a window, often implying a perforation or aperture. In the context of the visionary temple, these are not necessarily for broad views but for light, ventilation, or symbolic purposes, contributing to the enclosed and sacred atmosphere.
* **narrow (Hebrew, _ʼâṭam'_):** (H331) Derived from a root meaning "to close" or "to contract," this word describes the windows as being constricted or bevelled. This suggests a design that limits outward visibility and perhaps inward light, reinforcing the temple's sacred, set-apart nature and preventing distraction from the outside world.
* **cieled with (Hebrew, _shâchîyph'_):** (H7824) This word refers to a board or plank, specifically one used for paneling or covering. The phrase "cieled with wood" indicates that the interior surfaces were finished with wooden boards, signifying a high-quality, complete, and aesthetically pleasing construction, much like the paneling in Solomon's Temple.
* **covered (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** (H3680) This primitive root means "to plump," "to fill up hollows," and by implication, "to cover" or "to conceal." Applied to the windows, it suggests they were either obscured, latticed, or otherwise designed to prevent full transparency, further contributing to the temple's interior sanctity and controlled environment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories,"**: This clause immediately establishes the architectural complexity and multi-level design of the temple's side structures. "Door posts" (H5592, _çaph_) refer to the vertical elements framing an entrance, indicating specific points of access. The "narrow windows" (H2474, _challôwn_ combined with H331, _ʼâṭam_) are a distinctive feature, suggesting a controlled environment. The "galleries" (H862, _ʼattûwq_) are ledges or offsets, implying walkways or levels, further clarified by "three stories" (H7969, _shâlôwsh_), indicating a substantial, multi-tiered structure surrounding the main temple building.
* **"over against the door,"**: This phrase (H5048, _neged_ combined with H5592, _çaph_) specifies the precise location of these architectural elements. They are positioned directly opposite or in front of the main entrance, highlighting their integral role in the temple's layout and the flow of movement within the complex.
* **"cieled with wood round about,"**: This describes the interior finishing material. "Cieled with wood" (H7824, _shâchîyph_ combined with H6086, _ʻêts_) indicates that the interior surfaces of these structures were covered or paneled with timber. The phrase "round about" (H5439, _çâbîyb_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this wood paneling, covering all sides of these multi-story structures, signifying a complete and luxurious finish.
* **"and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered;"**: This final clause provides further detail on the extent of the wood paneling and the nature of the windows. The wood paneling extended "from the ground" (H776, _ʼerets_) "up to the windows" (H2474, _challôwn_), indicating that the lower sections of the walls were entirely wood-paneled. The concluding phrase, "and the windows were covered" (H3680, _kâçâh_), reiterates the unique design of these "narrow windows," suggesting they were not transparent but obscured or latticed, perhaps to maintain the sanctity and solemnity of the interior by limiting external views and controlling light.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 41:16 powerfully employs **Imagery** and **Meticulous Detail** to convey its message. The precise enumeration of architectural elements—doorposts, narrow windows, three-story galleries, and wood paneling—creates a vivid mental picture of a highly ordered and substantial structure. This extreme level of **Meticulous Detail** is itself a literary device, serving to emphasize the divine origin and perfect blueprint of the temple, suggesting that every aspect is significant and purposeful. Furthermore, the temple itself functions as **Symbolism**. Beyond a literal building, it symbolizes God's enduring presence, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and the future restoration of His people. The "narrow windows" and "covered" openings might symbolically represent the sacred enclosure and the controlled access to God's holy presence, distinguishing the sacred space from the profane world outside.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:16, with its emphasis on the meticulous design and rich finishing of the visionary temple, speaks profoundly to the nature of God and His dwelling among His people. The divine blueprint, down to the smallest architectural detail, underscores God's sovereignty, His commitment to order, and His desire for a holy and beautiful dwelling place. This vision, given during a time of exile and despair, served as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ultimate plan for restoration and renewed communion with humanity. The physical temple, with its intricate design, foreshadows the spiritual reality of God's presence, first in Christ, and then in His church, where believers are being built into a spiritual house.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle") - "Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." This foundational command for the Tabernacle underscores God's desire to dwell with His people, a theme continued in the temple visions.
* [1 Kings 6:15](/1_kings/6-15 "1 Kings 6:15 - Cedar Paneling in Solomon's Temple") - "And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir." This verse describes the extensive wood paneling in Solomon's Temple, providing a historical precedent for the luxurious finish described in Ezekiel's vision.
* [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem") - "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." This eschatological vision reveals the ultimate fulfillment where a physical temple is no longer needed because God Himself, in Christ, fully dwells among His people, transcending all architectural limitations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 41:16, as part of the larger temple vision, offers timeless principles for believers today. The meticulous care God takes in designing His dwelling place, even in a visionary context, reminds us of His value for excellence, order, and beauty in all things, especially in matters pertaining to His worship and presence. This passage encourages us to reflect on the divine blueprint for our lives, recognizing that God has a purposeful design for each of us. Just as the temple was prepared for God's glory, we are called to prepare our lives as "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), striving for order, beauty, and dedication in our personal walk with God. The "narrow windows" might prompt us to consider how we limit distractions and focus our gaze on Christ, maintaining a sacred space within our hearts for His presence. This vision assures us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak, inspiring hope and perseverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Ezekiel's temple vision challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways can you, as a "temple of the Holy Spirit," strive for greater order, beauty, and dedication in your daily life?**
* **What "narrow windows" or intentional limitations might you need to implement in your life to cultivate a more sacred and focused walk with God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "narrow windows" and "covered" windows in Ezekiel's temple vision?**

Answer: The "narrow windows" (Hebrew: *challôwn* with *ʼâṭam*, meaning "contracted" or "closed") and the fact that they were "covered" (Hebrew: *kâçâh*, meaning "to conceal" or "to fill up") suggest a deliberate design choice. Unlike windows designed for expansive views, these likely served to control light, maintain a sense of enclosure, and contribute to the solemn and reverent atmosphere of the temple interior. The covering could imply latticework, screens, or even a design that allowed light in but obscured outward vision, emphasizing the sacred, set-apart nature of the space and preventing distraction from the outside world. This design choice reinforces the idea that the temple was a place dedicated solely to God's presence, distinct from the common realm.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be a literal blueprint for a future temple?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision varies among scholars. Some believe it describes a literal temple that will be built in the future, often associated with the millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as a symbolic representation of God's renewed presence among His people, a spiritual reality that transcends a physical building. Given the highly idealized and sometimes physically impossible dimensions and features, many see it as a prophetic vision conveying theological truths about God's holiness, His desire to dwell with His people, and the ultimate restoration of His kingdom, rather than a literal architectural plan. The New Testament often reinterprets Old Testament temple imagery in spiritual terms, as seen in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple") where Jesus refers to His body as the temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 41:16, with its intricate details of a meticulously designed temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical edifice, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The visionary temple, with its precise dimensions and sacred materials, points to God's desire for a perfect dwelling place among humanity. This desire is fully realized in Jesus, who is the true and ultimate Temple of God, for "in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Just as the temple's narrow windows and covered openings controlled access and emphasized holiness, Christ is the "new and living way" ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrew/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way through Christ")) through whom we gain access to God's presence, a way made possible by His perfect sacrifice. The detailed wood paneling, signifying beauty and permanence, foreshadows the glorious and enduring nature of God's presence in Christ and, by extension, in His Church, which is being built up as a spiritual house of "living stones" upon the cornerstone, Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, the meticulous blueprint of Ezekiel's temple ultimately directs our gaze to the flawless perfection and divine glory embodied in Jesus, the one in whom God's presence truly dwells among His 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

1 Kings 6:4

And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.

Ezekiel 40:25

And [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

1 Kings 6:15

¶ And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: [and] he covered [them] on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.

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.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Haggai 1:4

[Is it] time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house [lie] waste?

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].