Ezekiel 41:24

KJV

And the doors had two leaves [apiece], two turning leaves; two [leaves] for the one door, and two leaves for the other [door].

KJV (with Strong's)

And the doors {H1817} had two {H8147} leaves {H1817} apiece, two {H8147} turning {H4142} leaves {H1817}; two {H8147} leaves for the one {H259} door {H1817}, and two {H8147} leaves {H1817} for the other {H312} door.

Complete Jewish Bible

had two doors. The doors had two swinging leaves each - two leaves for the one door and two for the other.

Berean Standard Bible

and each door had two swinging panels. There were two panels for one door and two for the other.

American Standard Version

And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves: two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:24 offers a precise architectural detail within the prophet's visionary temple, describing the specific construction of its doors. These doors are characterized by having "two leaves apiece," which are further specified as "two turning leaves," with two such leaves designated for each of the two doors. This seemingly minor detail underscores the meticulous divine blueprint for the future temple, emphasizing God's absolute precision and order in His sacred dwelling place, and hinting at both the grandeur and regulated access to His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:24 is embedded within a lengthy and highly detailed prophetic vision of a new temple, spanning chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. Following the destruction of the first temple and the desolation of Jerusalem, this vision served as a profound message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites. Chapter 41 specifically focuses on the dimensions and features of the temple's inner sanctuary, including the nave (hekal), the holy of holies (devir), and the surrounding chambers. The meticulous description of the doors, their construction, and their "turning leaves" fits perfectly into the overall architectural blueprint, indicating the divine origin and importance of every component of this sacred structure. This level of detail mirrors the divine instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle") and the first temple in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon's Temple Construction"), underscoring God's precise standards for His dwelling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (circa 573 BC), a period of profound national despair for the Jewish people. Their temple lay in ruins, their land was occupied, and their covenant relationship with God seemed broken. In this context, a vision of a perfectly ordered, glorious new temple offered immense spiritual and psychological solace. It assured them of God's faithfulness, His enduring presence, and a future restoration far grander than their past. Ancient Near Eastern temples, including Solomon's, often featured elaborate, multi-leaved doors made of precious materials, signifying the sanctity and importance of the spaces they guarded. The "two turning leaves" described here would have been a common, yet impressive, architectural feature for significant entrances, suggesting both grandeur and controlled access, typical of sacred precincts.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description of the temple doors in Ezekiel 41:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, emphasizing God's meticulous nature and His desire for exactness in worship and in His dwelling place. Every detail, no matter how small, is divinely ordained, reflecting God's perfect design. Secondly, the presence and nature of the doors underscore the theme of **Access and Separation**. Doors inherently regulate passage, signifying the sacredness of God's presence and the structured, perhaps even restricted, approach required to enter certain areas of the temple. This concept resonates with the holiness of God described in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - God's Holiness"), where even angels cover themselves in His presence. Lastly, the entire temple vision, including these architectural details, serves as a powerful symbol of **Future Hope and Restoration**. For a people in exile, a vision of a perfect temple promised a future where God's glorious presence would once again dwell among them, contrasting sharply with their current desolation and foreshadowing the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in the new creation, as depicted in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **doors (Hebrew, _deleth'_):** From the root דָּלָה, meaning "something swinging," this term refers to the valve of a door, a gate, or a leaf. In Ezekiel 41:24, its repetition (translated as "doors" and "leaves") emphasizes the components of the entrance, highlighting that these were not single panels but multi-part entries. The word itself carries the connotation of a barrier that can be opened, controlling access.
* **turning (Hebrew, _mûwçabbâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from a root meaning "to turn around" or "to surround," describes the nature of the door leaves. It specifically refers to a "reversal" or "fold," indicating that these were hinged or pivoted leaves designed to swing open. This detail implies functionality and an impressive, perhaps grand, mechanism for entry, rather than a simple, static barrier.
* **two (Hebrew, _shᵉnayim'_):** This numeral, a dual form, signifies "two" or "twain." Its repeated use in the verse ("two leaves apiece," "two turning leaves," "two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door") precisely quantifies the components of the doors. This emphasis on "two" highlights the symmetrical, balanced, and complete nature of each entrance within the divine architectural plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the doors had two leaves [apiece],"**: This initial clause introduces the primary subject: the doors of the visionary temple. The phrase "two leaves apiece" immediately establishes that these were not single-panel doors but were composed of multiple sections, specifically two, for each opening. This suggests a more substantial and perhaps grander entrance than a simple single door.
* **"two turning leaves;"**: This phrase further specifies the nature of the "two leaves." The term "turning" (mûwçabbâh) indicates that these leaves were designed to pivot or swing open, likely on hinges or posts. This detail emphasizes the functionality and dynamic nature of the doors, implying they were fully operational and designed for regular use, allowing controlled passage.
* **"two [leaves] for the one door, and two leaves for the other [door]."**: This final clause reiterates and clarifies the distribution of these leaves. It confirms that each distinct door opening was comprised of two such "turning leaves." The repetition underscores the consistent design throughout the temple's entrances, reinforcing the theme of divine order and meticulous planning evident in every aspect of the vision.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 41:24 primarily employs **Architectural Detail** and **Repetition**. The verse is a prime example of the pervasive **Architectural Detail** found throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, where every dimension, material, and feature is precisely described. This meticulousness serves to underscore the divine origin and perfect nature of the blueprint, leaving no room for human improvisation. The repeated use of the number "two" and the word "leaves" (or "doors" which are comprised of leaves) exemplifies **Repetition**. This literary device serves to emphasize the specific construction of the doors, ensuring the reader fully grasps the symmetrical and dual-component nature of each entrance. The repetition also contributes to the sense of divine order and exactness, as if God is painstakingly dictating every precise measurement and feature of His future dwelling. While not a direct literary device, the verse also contributes to the overall **Symbolism** of the temple as a place of divine presence, where access is both grand and regulated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:24, with its precise description of the temple doors, speaks to the profound theological truth of God's ordered and intentional presence among His people. The meticulous detail highlights that every aspect of God's dwelling, even seemingly minor architectural features, is imbued with divine purpose and holiness. These doors, with their "two turning leaves," symbolize both the grandeur of God's sanctuary and the regulated access to His presence, underscoring the sacred boundary between the holy and the common. This vision, given during a time of exile and desolation, offered a powerful promise of future restoration and the re-establishment of God's dwelling among His people, a dwelling characterized by perfect order and divine design.

* [Exodus 26:36-37](/exodus/26-36 "Exodus 26:36-37 - The Tabernacle Screen") - Details the screen for the Tabernacle's entrance, emphasizing regulated access to God's presence in an earlier sanctuary.
* [Psalm 24:7-10](/psalm/24-7 "Psalm 24:7-10 - The King of Glory Enters") - Calls for "everlasting doors" to lift up their heads for the King of glory to come in, highlighting the symbolic significance of temple doors for divine entrance and majesty.
* [Hebrews 9:8](/hebrews/9-8 "Hebrews 9:8 - Access to the Holy Place") - Explains that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet manifest as long as the first tabernacle was still standing, emphasizing the restricted access under the Old Covenant.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the temple doors in Ezekiel 41:24, though seemingly mundane, offers a profound lesson for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of infinite detail and intentionality, not only in grand cosmic plans but also in the seemingly small components of His design. This precision should inspire a deep reverence for God's holiness and His desire for order in all things, including our lives and worship. While the physical temple no longer stands as the primary dwelling place of God, the principles of intentionality, reverence, and the concept of "access" remain vital. Our approach to God, made possible through Christ, should be with a spirit of intentionality and respect for His divine nature, recognizing the immense privilege we have to enter His presence. Just as these doors provided a pathway into a sacred space, so too are we called to enter into a deeper relationship with God, understanding that His presence transforms and sanctifies every aspect of our being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the temple vision, even concerning doors, challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways do you see the principle of "regulated access" to God's presence, as symbolized by these doors, still relevant for believers today, even with the New Covenant?**
* **How can reflecting on the divine order of the temple inspire you to cultivate greater intentionality and reverence in your personal worship and daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "two turning leaves" for the doors?**

Answer: The "two turning leaves" (Hebrew: *mûwçabbâh*) indicate that these were not single, solid panels but double doors designed to pivot or swing open. This architectural detail is significant for several reasons: it suggests a grand and impressive entrance, befitting a divine sanctuary; it implies functionality, allowing for controlled access and passage into the holy spaces; and it underscores the meticulousness of God's architectural blueprint, where even the mechanics of the doors are divinely specified, emphasizing perfect order and design.

**Does this visionary temple in Ezekiel refer to a literal 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 Jerusalem during a future millennial reign of Christ, based on the highly detailed and specific measurements. Others view it as a symbolic representation of God's restored presence among His people, the perfection of worship, or a spiritual reality that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church or the new heavens and new earth. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the vision powerfully conveys themes of God's faithfulness, His desire to dwell with His people, and the ultimate restoration of His kingdom. The detailed nature of the vision suggests a profound reality, whether physical or spiritual, of God's perfect order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 41:24, with its precise description of the temple doors and their "two turning leaves," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the Old Testament temple represented God's dwelling among His people and provided a means of access through ritual and sacrifice, it was always a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture" [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"). He is the true and living "door" through whom humanity gains access to God's presence, not through physical structures or animal sacrifices, but through His atoning work on the cross. The "turning leaves" of Ezekiel's vision foreshadow the opening of a new and living way into the Most Holy Place, a way inaugurated by Christ's torn body on the cross [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access through Christ's Blood"). Moreover, Jesus is not only the door but also the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple"). Through Him, believers become living stones in a spiritual house, a new temple where the Holy Spirit dwells [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"). Thus, the meticulous design of Ezekiel's visionary doors ultimately points to the perfect, divinely ordained access to God made possible solely through Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 6:34

And the two doors [were of] fir tree: the two leaves of the one door [were] folding, and the two leaves of the other door [were] folding.

Ezekiel 40:48

And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured [each] post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate [was] three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.