Ezekiel 41:2

And the breadth of the door [was] ten cubits; and the sides of the door [were] five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits.

And the breadth {H7341} of the door {H6607} was ten {H6235} cubits {H520}; and the sides {H3802} of the door {H6607} were five {H2568} cubits {H520} on the one side, and five {H2568} cubits {H520} on the other side: and he measured {H4058} the length {H753} thereof, forty {H705} cubits {H520}: and the breadth {H7341}, twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}.

The width of the entrance was seventeen-and-a-half feet. The sides of the entrance were eight-and-three-quarters feet on the one side and the same on the other. He measured its length at seventy feet and its width at thirty-five feet.

The width of the entrance was ten cubits, and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on each side. He also measured the length of the outer sanctuary to be forty cubits, and the width to be twenty cubits.

And the breadth of the entrance was ten cubits; and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 41:2 KJV

Ezekiel 41:2 is a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a new temple, received while in Babylonian exile. This verse provides specific measurements for a door and a larger section of the temple structure, emphasizing the meticulous detail of the divine blueprint.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy and highly detailed description of a visionary temple, beginning in Ezekiel chapter 40. The prophet is transported in a vision to a very high mountain, where he sees a city-like structure and is given a tour by a celestial being with a measuring rod. The extensive measurements throughout chapters 40-42 underscore the divine origin and perfect design of this future temple. While interpretations varyβ€”some seeing it as a literal future temple, others as symbolic of God's perfect dwelling or the Churchβ€”the immediate context is one of precise architectural revelation to a people longing for the restoration of God's presence among them.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The detailed measurements of the door (ten cubits wide, with five-cubit sides) and the subsequent forty by twenty cubit dimensions for another section highlight God's meticulous nature. Every aspect of His plan, especially concerning His dwelling place, is perfectly ordered and designed. This precision assures the reader of the divine authority behind the vision and the certainty of its ultimate fulfillment.
  • Symbolism of Structure: Beyond mere architecture, the temple's design speaks to profound spiritual truths. The "door" represents access to sacred space, and its specific dimensions might imply controlled or divinely ordained entry into God's presence. The overall structure signifies holiness, purity, and a restored relationship between God and His people.
  • God's Presence: The ultimate purpose of any temple is to be a place where God's glory dwells. The intricate details of this vision prepare the reader for the return of God's glory, as depicted later in Ezekiel 43:4, filling this perfectly designed space.

Linguistic Insights

The unit of measurement used here, "cubit" (Hebrew: ΧΧžΧ” - ammah), was a standard ancient linear measure, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The repetition of specific numbers and dimensions throughout Ezekiel's vision emphasizes the literalness of the measurements within the visionary experience, even if the ultimate interpretation is symbolic. The Hebrew text consistently uses these precise numerical descriptions, reinforcing the idea of a divinely dictated blueprint rather than a general impression.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 41:2, though highly technical, offers several practical insights for believers today:

  • God's Attention to Detail: This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and precision. He cares about the details, not just the broad strokes. This can encourage us in our own lives to strive for excellence and order in our service to Him.
  • The Way of Access: The concept of a "door" in a holy place can symbolically point to Jesus Christ as the way of access to God. He declared, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). Our access to God is not through physical structures but through faith in Him.
  • Future Hope: For many, Ezekiel's temple vision provides a glimpse into a future reality, whether a literal millennial temple or a symbolic representation of the eternal dwelling of God with humanity. It points to a time of perfect order, holiness, and uninterrupted communion with God, ultimately finding its fulfillment in the New Jerusalem where God dwells directly with His people, and there is no need for a temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22).
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:2

    And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty [cubits], and the height thereof thirty cubits.

  • 2 Chronicles 3:3

    Now these [are the things wherein] Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.

  • 1 Kings 6:17

    And the house, that [is], the temple before it, was forty cubits [long].

  • Exodus 26:36

    And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:7

    Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy [place] unto the God of Israel.

  • John 10:7

    Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

  • 2 Chronicles 3:7

    He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.
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