What number verse is Ezekiel 41:25 in the Bible?

Ezekiel 41:25 is the 21,552nd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Ezekiel 41:25 sits at position 21,552.

Translation

King James Version

And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And there were made ^H6213 on them, on the doors ^H1817 of the temple ^H1964, cherubims ^H3742 and palm trees ^H8561, like as were made ^H6213 upon the walls ^H7023; and there were thick ^H5646 planks ^H6086 upon the face ^H6440 of the porch ^H197 without ^H2351.

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Complete Jewish Bible

On them, that is, on the doors of the sanctuary, were carved k'ruvim and palm trees like those on the walls; and on the exterior facade of the outside entrance were thick beams of wood.

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Berean Standard Bible

Cherubim and palm trees like those on the walls were carved on the doors of the outer sanctuary, and there was a wooden canopy outside, on the front of the portico.

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American Standard Version

And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm-trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there was a threshold of wood upon the face of the porch without.

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World English Bible Messianic

There were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm trees, like as were made on the walls; and there was a threshold of wood on the face of the porch outside.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And vpon the doores of the Temple there were made Cherubims and palmetrees, like as was made vpon the walles, and there were thicke plankes vpon the forefront of the porch without.

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Young's Literal Translation

And made on them, on the doors of the temple, are cherubs and palm-trees as are made on the walls, and a thickness of wood is at the front of the porch on the outside.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezekiel 41:25 meticulously describes the intricate decorative and structural elements of the visionary temple's doors and porch, featuring carved cherubim and palm trees, mirroring the ornamentation on the temple walls, and noting the substantial planks on the porch's exterior. This verse is an integral part of Ezekiel's highly symbolic architectural blueprint, emphasizing God's precise and holy design for His dwelling place, and underscoring profound themes of divine presence, sanctity, and the promise of future restoration for exiled Israel, highlighting the sacred beauty and order inherent in God's ideal sanctuary.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically the detailed temple vision spanning chapters 40-48. Following the initial comprehensive measurements and layout of the outer and inner courts in Ezekiel 40, Ezekiel 41 focuses intently on the main temple building itself, including the sanctuary (Holy Place) and the Most Holy Place, along with various surrounding chambers. Verse 25, in particular, hones in on the aesthetic and structural details of the temple's doors and the porch (vestibule), serving to reinforce the divine precision and inherent beauty of this visionary structure. It builds upon earlier descriptions of the temple's walls and chambers, adding layers of symbolic detail that contribute to the overall impression of a perfectly conceived and executed divine dwelling. The meticulousness of this description is not merely architectural but theological, aiming to impress upon the reader the divine origin and perfection of this future sanctuary.
Historical & Cultural Context: The profound vision of the temple was granted to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense despair, displacement, and spiritual crisis for the Jewish people, roughly between 593-571 BC. The First Temple, Solomon's magnificent edifice, had been utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, leaving the Israelites without their central place of worship, their sacrificial system, and a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among them. In this context of national trauma and spiritual void, Ezekiel's detailed vision offered an extraordinarily powerful message of hope, comfort, and restoration. It promised a future where God would indeed dwell among His people once more, in a glorious, perfect, and undefiled sanctuary. The specific architectural plans, including the use of traditional decorative motifs like cherubim and palm trees, would have resonated deeply with Israelite traditions of sacred art and temple design, thereby connecting this future hope with their rich spiritual heritage and reinforcing its authenticity within their cultural framework. These elements were far from mere aesthetics; they carried profound theological significance within both ancient Near Eastern and Israelite religious symbolism.
Key Themes: Ezekiel 41:25 contributes significantly to several overarching theological themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Precision and Order. The exhaustive and minute details of the temple's design, including its precise ornamentation, reveal God's meticulousness, His profound desire for beauty, and His absolute demand for order and holiness in worship and in His dwelling place. Secondly, the prominent presence of cherubim and the overall sacred architecture emphatically underscore the theme of God's Presence and Holiness. The visionary temple is presented as the designated dwelling place of God's glory, and every single element, from its grand dimensions to its smallest carvings, serves to emphasize the unparalleled sacredness required for His habitation. This vision stands in stark contrast to the defiled state of the First Temple that led to God's glory departing in Ezekiel 10. Finally, this verse, as an integral part of the broader temple vision, functions as a potent symbol of Restoration and Hope. For the exiled Israelites, it offered a tangible and divinely guaranteed promise of future renewal, a full return to covenant relationship with God, and the re-establishment of His dwelling among them, culminating in the triumphant return of God's glory as vividly described in Ezekiel 43:4.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

made (Hebrew, ʻâsâh', H6213): A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of Ezekiel 41:25, this verb signifies the deliberate, intentional, and skilled creation or fashioning of the decorative and structural elements. It emphasizes that these features were not accidental or haphazard but were carefully crafted according to a divine blueprint, highlighting God's purposeful design and meticulous attention to detail for His sanctuary.
cherubims (Hebrew, kᵉrûwb', H3742): An imaginary figure or angelic being. In biblical theology, cherubim are consistently associated with guarding sacred space, symbolizing God's holiness, and serving as attendants to His divine presence. Their presence is notable at the entrance to Eden (Genesis 3:24) and on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:20). Their depiction on the temple doors in Ezekiel's vision profoundly signifies the sanctity of the divine dwelling and the sacred protection surrounding God's holy presence within.
palm trees (Hebrew, timmôr', H8561): An architectural term for a palm-like pilaster or column. In ancient Near Eastern symbolism and biblical tradition, palm trees frequently represent righteousness, flourishing, prosperity, victory, and vitality. Their inclusion in the temple's ornamentation suggests the blessed, fruitful, and vibrant nature of God's presence and the abundant life found within His sanctuary, echoing themes of flourishing for the righteous who dwell in His presence (Psalm 92:12).

Verse Breakdown

"And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees": This initial clause introduces the primary decorative motifs adorning the doors of the visionary temple. The passive verb "were made" (H6213) implies intentional craftsmanship, emphasizing that these features were divinely purposed. The "doors of the temple" (H1817, H1964) are depicted not merely as functional entryways but as integral components of sacred art, indicating that every part of God's dwelling, even its thresholds, is imbued with profound beauty, symbolic meaning, and divine significance. The "cherubims" (H3742) and "palm trees" (H8561) are specific, theologically rich motifs, chosen for their inherent spiritual meaning rather than mere aesthetic appeal.
"like as were made upon the walls": This phrase establishes a crucial continuity and uniformity of design throughout the sacred complex. The same distinctive decorative patterns found on the temple's "walls" (H7023) were meticulously replicated on its doors. This consistency suggests a unified, harmonious, and divinely ordered aesthetic that pervades the entire structure, reinforcing the idea of a perfectly conceived and executed sanctuary. It implies that the holiness, symbolism, and beauty extended to every visible surface, creating a cohesive and awe-inspiring environment.
"and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without": This final clause describes a significant structural element of the "porch" (H197), specifically mentioning "thick planks" (H5646, H6086). The adjective "thick" (H5646) suggests substantiality, durability, and strength, while "planks" (H6086) refer to robust wooden beams or paneling. "Upon the face of the porch without" (H6440, H2351) indicates their external placement on the façade of the vestibule. This detail, though seemingly mundane, points to the solidity, permanence, and protective strength of the temple's exterior, further emphasizing its enduring nature as God's secure and unassailable dwelling place.

Literary Devices

Ezekiel 41:25 prominently employs Symbolism through its specific decorative motifs, which are central to conveying theological meaning. The cherubim are powerful symbols of divine presence, holiness, and guardianship, consistently appearing where God's glory is manifested or protected (e.g., at Eden's gate, on the Ark of the Covenant). Their presence on the temple doors signifies the profound sacredness of the space and the divine protection surrounding God's dwelling. The palm trees symbolize righteousness, flourishing, victory, and vibrant life, suggesting the blessed and fruitful nature of God's renewed presence and the abundant life found within His sanctuary for those who enter. Additionally, the verse utilizes Detailed Description and Architectural Imagery, which are pervasive throughout Ezekiel chapters 40-48. This meticulous recounting of every architectural and decorative element serves to convey the divine origin and perfection of the vision, creating a vivid mental blueprint of an ideal, divinely ordered sanctuary. The very act of describing such precise details elevates the temple from a mere physical building to a profound theological statement about God's character, His dwelling, and His relationship with His people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezekiel 41:25, with its emphasis on detailed ornamentation and robust construction, underscores the profound theological truth that God is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality in all His designs. The cherubim and palm trees are not arbitrary decorations but carry deep symbolic weight, pointing to the inviolable sanctity of God's presence and the flourishing life found in His covenant relationship. This vision served as a powerful reminder to the exiles that God's plan for their restoration was meticulously crafted and divinely assured, promising a future where His glory would not only return but would be housed in a sanctuary of unparalleled holiness and beauty. The physical temple, even in its visionary form, always pointed to the spiritual reality of God's desire to dwell with His people, a theme that finds its ultimate and glorious expression in the New Testament.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Ezekiel 41:25, while describing a visionary temple, offers profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. The meticulous detail in God's design for His dwelling place reminds us of His infinite care, His profound desire for beauty, and His unwavering demand for order and holiness in every aspect of our lives, especially in our worship and our personal walk with Him. The prominent presence of cherubim on the doors emphasizes the sacredness of God's presence and calls us to approach Him with reverence, awe, and a deep recognition of His absolute holiness. The palm trees, symbolizing flourishing and righteousness, encourage us to live lives that bear abundant fruit for His glory, reflecting the vibrant and life-giving presence found in His fellowship. Just as this vision offered tangible hope to a discouraged and displaced people, it reminds us that God's plans for restoration and renewal are certain and meticulously designed, even in times of personal or collective despair and destruction. Ultimately, as New Testament believers, we are called to embody the spiritual temple, living as holy dwelling places for the Spirit of God, manifesting His order, beauty, and holiness in a world that desperately needs His presence.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of God's temple design in Ezekiel challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His desire for order in your life?
In what practical ways can you cultivate a greater sense of holiness, reverence, and intentional beauty in your personal life and corporate worship, reflecting the sacredness of God's presence?
What "cherubim" (symbols of divine protection/holiness) and "palm trees" (symbols of flourishing/righteousness) of God's character or promises can you identify in your life that offer hope and assurance, even in challenging or "exilic" times?

FAQ

What is the significance of the cherubim and palm trees on the temple doors?

Answer: The cherubim and palm trees are highly symbolic decorative elements that convey deep theological meaning within Ezekiel's temple vision. Cherubim (H3742) are angelic beings consistently depicted in Scripture as guardians of God's holiness and glory. They were present at the entrance of Eden after the fall (Genesis 3:24), prominently featured on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:20), and intricately carved throughout Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:29). Their presence on the temple doors in Ezekiel's vision signifies the inviolable sanctity of the sacred space and the divine protection surrounding God's dwelling. Palm trees (H8561) in ancient Near Eastern cultures and biblical tradition symbolize righteousness, prosperity, victory, and abundant life. They are often associated with flourishing and divine blessing, as seen in Psalm 92:12, "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree." Their inclusion suggests the blessed, fruitful, and vibrant nature of God's renewed presence and the abundant life found within His sanctuary. Together, these motifs convey a powerful message of guarded holiness, divine presence, and the promise of flourishing life for those in covenant with God.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Ezekiel's visionary temple, with its intricate details and profound symbolism of divine presence, holiness, and flourishing life, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal rebuilt structure, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking prophetically of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). He is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, the very embodiment of divine presence and absolute holiness. The cherubim, guarding the way to God's holy presence, foreshadow Christ who is the sole "way, the truth, and the life" to the Father, through whom alone access to God is granted (John 14:6). The palm trees, symbolizing flourishing, righteousness, and abundant life, point directly to Christ as the inexhaustible source of abundant life (John 10:10) and the one through whom believers are made righteous and truly flourish in God's presence (Philippians 3:9). Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that believers, individually and collectively, are being built into a spiritual temple, a holy dwelling place for God by the Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:5). Thus, the meticulous design of Ezekiel's temple ultimately points to the perfect, holy, and life-giving reality of God's dwelling in Christ and, through Him, in His church, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's presence is fully realized without a physical temple (Revelation 21:22).

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Commentary on Ezekiel 41 verses 12–26

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.

13 So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

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

15 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;

16 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;

17 To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure.

18 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;

19 So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.

20 From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.

21 The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.

22 The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

23 And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.

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

25 And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without.

26 And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks.

Here is, 1. An account of a building that was before the separate place (that is, before the temple), at the end towards the west (Eze 41:12), which is here measured, and compared (Eze 41:13) with the measure of the house, and appears to be of equal dimensions with it. This stood in a court by itself, which is measured (Eze 41:15) and its galleries, or chambers belonging to it, its posts and windows, and the ornaments of them, Eze 41:15-17. But what use was to be made of this other building we are not told; perhaps, in this vision, it signified the setting up of a church among the Gentiles not inferior to the Jewish temple, but of quite another nature, and which should soon supersede it. 2. A description of the ornaments of the temple, and the other building. The walls on the inside from top to bottom were adorned with cherubim and palm-trees, placed alternately, as in Solomon's temple, Kg1 6:29. Each cherub is here said to have two faces, the face of a man towards the palm tree on one side and the face of a young lion towards the palm-tree on the other side, Eze 41:19. These seem to represent the angels, who have more than the wisdom of a man and the courage of a lion; and in both they have an eye to the palms of victory and triumph which are set before them, and which they are sure of in all their conflicts with the powers of darkness. And in the assemblies of the saints angels are in a special manner present, Co1 11:10. 3. A description of the posts of the doors both of the temple and of the sanctuary; they were squared (Eze 41:21), not round like pillars; and the appearance of the one was as the appearance of the other. In the tabernacle, and in Solomon's temple, the door of the sanctuary, or most holy, was narrower than that of the temple, but here it was fully as broad; for in gospel-times the way into the holiest of all is made more manifest than it was under the Old Testament (Heb 9:8) and therefore the door is wider. These doors are described, Eze 41:23, Eze 41:24. The temple and the sanctuary had each of them its door, and they were two-leaved, folding doors. 4. We have here the description of the altar of incense, here said to be an altar of wood, Eze 41:22. No mention is made of its being over-laid with gold; but surely it was intended to be so, else it would not bear the fire with which the incense was to be burned, unless we will suppose that it served only to put the censers upon. Or else it intimates that the incense to be offered in the gospel-temple shall be purely spiritual, and the fire spiritual, which will not consume an altar of wood. Therefore this altar is called a table. This is the table that is before the Lord. Here, as before, we find the altar turned into a table; for, the great sacrifice being now offered, that which we have to do is to feast upon the sacrifice at the Lord's table. 5. Here is the adorning of the doors and windows with palm-trees, that they might be of a piece with the walls of the house, Eze 41:25, Eze 41:26. Thus the living temples are adorned, not with gold, or silver, or costly array, but with the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 12–26. Public domain.

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JeromeAD 420

Commentary on Ezekiel

(Vers. 23 seqq.) And he spoke to me: This is the table before the Lord, and there were two doors in the temple and in the sanctuary, and in the two doors on each side there were two little doors that folded into each other. For there were two doors on each side of the doors, and on the doors of the temple there were carved cherubim and palm tree sculptures, just as they were also engraved on the walls. Therefore, the wood in the front of the vestibule was thicker: on top of which there were slanting windows, and the appearance of palm trees on both sides of the shoulders of the vestibule, according to the width of the house and the thickness of the walls. In this place, the Septuagint edition differs greatly from the Hebrew truth. Therefore, I will only mention that they have translated 'σπουδαῖα' as 'crassioribus lignis', which means necessary or worthy of attention, and 'absconditas' as 'oblique fenestras' or hidden windows. And at the end of the testimony, they have measured the 'laquearia superliminaris' or vestibule, as well as the 'conjuncta' or joined sides of the house, which they have called 'ἐζυγωμένα', and for which we can translate as equal weight. Therefore, that man who had brought the prophet into the hidden part of the temple and had shown him, among other things, the wooden altar which had both corners and horns according to the Septuagint, and wooden walls, said to him: This altar that you see, it is the table in front of the Lord, which burns in the likeness of a ruby and is not consumed; of which the holy one speaks to God: You have prepared a table before me, against those who trouble me (Ps. 22:5). There were also two doors in the temple and in the sanctuary itself, through which the sacraments of both instruments are revealed, and in the two doors on each side there were two little doors, which folded into each other: so that in history you may have spiritual understanding, and in the tropology the truth of history, both of which need each other, and if one is lacking, knowledge is incomplete. But what follows, 'There were two doors on each side of the doors,' is clear according to the letter. For in the larger dining rooms, it is customary for two to adhere and join together: so that the larger entrance is not closed or opened by two large doors, but by four smaller ones. In these doorways of the temple, or the holy of holies, there were carved Cherubs, of which we have mentioned above, and sculptures of palm trees, so that after a multitude of knowledge, victory would be provided to those entering. These sculptures of palm trees were also on all the walls of the temple. And the reasons why the Cherubim were carved on the doors themselves and the images of palm trees were depicted. Also, why the wood on the outer gate vestibule was thicker: so that they would have strength and could receive the carved work. Furthermore, according to spiritual understanding, the doors are more firm and carved, so that they possess both strength and beauty, so that no one like Uzziah can break into the Holy of Holies and claim priesthood for himself (2 Chronicles 26). Moreover, the gates which were windows were oblique, or concealed, so that the very light which was provided from within did not have perfect knowledge, nor clear light and open to all: but for the most part it was concealed. For now we see in an enigma (I Cor. XIII, 12); and we do not yet know as we ought to know: but when that which is perfect has come, then that which was in part, will be destroyed. And there was a likeness of palms here and there. In the interior of the Temple and in the Holy of Holies, he did not place the right hand and the left, so that he would not seem to say anything negative about things that are great and mysterious; but rather on this side and on that side, according to what is written in the Gospel: 'If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also' (Matthew 5:39). Could he not have said, 'and the left'? But when the right is struck, the other right is offered, because in a holy man, both the right and the left are perfect. And in the corners of the vestibule on the sides of the house, and the width of the walls: for which seventy were carried to the vaults of Aelus, that is, the porch, and the sides of the house, of equal weight or measure: through which it is covertly shown that the doorposts of the vestibule (for these seem to signify the corners) and the sides of the house, and the width of the walls, are all full of reason and measure, and that nothing is found in the temple of the Lord that is without order and wisdom.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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