Ezekiel 41:3

KJV

Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then went {H935} he inward {H6441}, and measured {H4058} the post {H352} of the door {H6607}, two {H8147} cubits {H520}; and the door {H6607}, six {H8337} cubits {H520}; and the breadth {H7341} of the door {H6607}, seven {H7651} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, he went farther in [to the entranceway leading to the Especially Holy Place] and measured at three-and-a-half feet [the thickness of] each entrance support. He measured at ten-and-a-half feet the total thickness of the walls on either side of the entrance; and he measured at twelve-and-a-quarter feet the width of the entrance.

Berean Standard Bible

And he went into the inner sanctuary and measured the side pillars at the entrance to be two cubits wide. The entrance was six cubits wide, and the walls on each side were seven cubits wide.

American Standard Version

Then went he inward, and measured each post of the entrance, two cubits; and the entrance, six cubits; and the breadth of the entrance, seven cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:3 continues the prophet's detailed vision of a new temple, focusing on the precise measurements of an inner door and its associated post. This verse, part of a larger architectural blueprint, describes the dimensions of the door's post as two cubits, the door itself as six cubits wide, and its breadth as seven cubits, emphasizing the meticulous divine design and the ordered progression into the sacred spaces of the envisioned sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:3 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed prophetic vision of a new temple, spanning from [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - Division of the Land and City"). Specifically, chapter 41 describes the measurements of the temple's main sanctuary, including the nave (holy place) and the most holy place. The "man" with a measuring rod, introduced in [Ezekiel 40:3](/ezekiel/40-3 "Ezekiel 40:3 - The Man with a Measuring Rod"), continues to guide Ezekiel through the complex, systematically detailing every dimension. This particular verse marks a deeper progression into the temple's interior, moving beyond the outer courts and gates to the dimensions of the inner sanctuary's entrance, underscoring the methodical revelation of God's architectural plan. The meticulous nature of these measurements serves to emphasize the divine origin and perfect order of the vision.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national despair for the Israelites following the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. For a people whose identity was deeply intertwined with the Temple as the dwelling place of God, its destruction was a catastrophic theological crisis. This vision, therefore, served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, promising a future where God's presence would once again dwell among His people in a perfectly ordered sanctuary. The use of cubits as a unit of measurement was standard for ancient Near Eastern architecture, familiar to Ezekiel's audience, lending a tangible reality to the divine blueprint. The concept of a temple as the cosmic center, a place where heaven and earth meet, was prevalent in the ancient world, and Ezekiel's vision reasserts Israel's unique relationship with the divine through a divinely ordained sacred space.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the entire temple vision, contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous nature and His absolute sovereignty over creation and restoration. Every measurement, including the two, six, and seven cubits for the door and its post, speaks to a divine blueprint that leaves nothing to chance, reflecting a heavenly standard of perfection. Secondly, it emphasizes **Holiness and Access**, as doors and gateways in biblical architecture consistently regulate entry into sacred spaces. The progression "inward" through defined entrances signifies increasing levels of holiness and the prescribed, ordered nature of approaching God's presence, echoing the careful regulations for the [Tabernacle](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - The Tabernacle's Design") and [Solomon's Temple](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). Finally, the vision underscores the theme of **God's Enduring Presence and Glory**, providing a future hope that God would re-establish His dwelling among His people, even if the literal fulfillment of this temple remains a subject of theological debate, pointing perhaps to a spiritual reality or the new heavens and new earth (cf. [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** This primitive root means "to stretch" and, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In Ezekiel 41:3, it signifies the precise, deliberate act of determining dimensions, emphasizing the exactness and divine authority behind every detail of the temple vision. It underscores that the temple's design is not arbitrary but divinely ordained and meticulously planned.
* **post (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** Derived from a root meaning "strength," this term refers to anything strong, specifically a chief, a ram, or, as here, a pilaster or a strong support, such as a doorpost. In the context of the temple, the "post of the door" signifies a fundamental, strong structural element that frames and supports the entrance, highlighting the solidity and permanence of the divine structure.
* **door (Hebrew, _pethach'_):** From a root meaning "to open," this term denotes an opening, literally a door, gate, or entrance way. In this verse, "door" refers to the specific portal being measured, which controls access to the inner sanctuary. Its precise dimensions are crucial, symbolizing the regulated and holy nature of entry into God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then went he inward":** This phrase indicates a progression deeper into the temple complex. The "he" refers to the angelic guide, the "man" with the measuring rod, who is systematically leading Ezekiel through the various sections of the visionary temple. This movement signifies a closer approach to the most sacred parts of the sanctuary, implying a heightened sense of holiness and separation.
* **"and measured the post of the door, two cubits;":** The guide proceeds to measure the doorpost, a key structural element of the entrance. The dimension of "two cubits" is precisely given, emphasizing the divine precision in the temple's construction. The doorpost serves as a foundational support and a boundary marker for the sacred space.
* **"and the door, six cubits;":** Following the post, the door itself is measured, revealing a width of "six cubits." This measurement defines the actual opening for passage. The door's dimensions are integral to the overall architectural plan, regulating the size and nature of entry into the next section of the temple.
* **"and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.":** This final measurement specifies the "breadth" of the door as "seven cubits." While "breadth" might seem redundant after "door" width, it could refer to the total width of the doorway structure, including the frame or jambs, or perhaps the depth of the entranceway. The number seven, often symbolic of completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, further underscores the divine and perfect nature of this sacred entrance.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 41:3 and the surrounding chapters is **Symbolism**. The entire temple vision, with its hyper-detailed measurements, functions as a profound symbol. While some interpret it literally, its primary purpose is widely understood to be symbolic of God's perfect order, His enduring presence, and the ultimate restoration of His relationship with His people. The precise dimensions, including the two, six, and seven cubits, emphasize **Divine Precision** and **Order**, suggesting that God's plans are meticulously crafted and perfectly executed. The repeated mention of "cubits" and "door" creates a sense of **Emphasis** through repetition, drawing attention to the architectural exactness and the significance of access points within the sacred space. The journey "inward" itself is a form of **Progressive Revelation**, where Ezekiel (and the reader) is led step-by-step into deeper understanding of God's holy dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:3, with its meticulous measurements of the temple's inner door, reinforces the profound theological truth of God's absolute holiness and the ordered nature of His dwelling. The precise dimensions are not merely architectural specifications but serve as a tangible representation of divine perfection and the strict requirements for approaching the sacred. This vision underscores that access to God's presence is not haphazard but divinely ordained and structured, emphasizing reverence and the need for purity. The transition "inward" through measured doorways points to a progressive revelation of God's glory and the increasing sanctity of the spaces closer to His presence, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament worship.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build the Tabernacle According to the Pattern") - God provides Moses with a detailed pattern for the Tabernacle, emphasizing divine precision in sacred architecture.
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary") - Describes the earthly sanctuary (Tabernacle/Temple) with its specific compartments and furnishings, highlighting the structured access to God's presence.
* [Revelation 21:15-17](/revelation/21-15 "Revelation 21:15-17 - Measurements of the New Jerusalem") - The New Jerusalem is also described with precise, symbolic measurements, echoing the divine order seen in Ezekiel's temple vision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 41:3, within the grand vision of the temple, invites us to reflect on God's character and His interaction with humanity. The meticulous detail of every measurement, down to the cubits of a doorpost, speaks volumes about God's intentionality and His perfect order. It reminds us that nothing in God's plan is arbitrary or accidental; every detail serves a divine purpose. For believers, this instills a profound sense of trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He oversees even the seemingly smallest aspects of our lives and the unfolding of His kingdom with the same precision. It challenges us to approach our faith with intentionality and reverence, recognizing the holiness of God and the sacredness of His presence. Moreover, understanding the Old Testament emphasis on structured access to God through the temple deepens our appreciation for the New Testament truth that, through Christ, we now have direct, unhindered access to the Father, no longer bound by physical barriers but by spiritual transformation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does God's meticulous attention to detail in the temple vision, as seen in Ezekiel 41:3, teach us about His character and His approach to His plans?**
* **How does the concept of "inward" progression and measured access in the temple vision inform our understanding of approaching God in worship and daily life today?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's divine precision encourage us when faced with uncertainty or complexity in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific measurements (two, six, seven cubits) in Ezekiel 41:3?**

Answer: While ancient numerology often assigned symbolic meaning to numbers (e.g., seven for completeness), the primary significance of these specific measurements in Ezekiel 41:3 lies in their exactness. They emphasize the divine precision and meticulous detail of God's blueprint for the temple. This precision underscores that the temple's design is not humanly conceived but divinely revealed, reflecting God's perfect order and the absolute standard of holiness required for His dwelling place. The exactness ensures the integrity and sacredness of each part of the structure, particularly the points of access like doors, which regulate entry into increasingly holy spaces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 41:3, with its detailed measurements of the temple's inner door, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal rebuilt structure, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its intricate design and regulated access, served as a type and shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus declared, "[I am the door](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door"); if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved." He is the ultimate means of access to God's presence, the living way into the holiest of holies, which was once restricted by physical barriers and priestly mediation (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place")). The precise dimensions of the temple's doors and posts in Ezekiel foreshadow the perfect and complete work of Christ, whose sacrifice tore the temple veil (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way to God was now fully open. He is the new and living way, the perfectly measured and divinely ordained access point through whom believers, as living stones, are built into a spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), forming the true temple where God's Spirit dwells (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Thus, the meticulous measurements of Ezekiel's vision find their perfect spiritual reality in the flawless and complete provision of salvation and access to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 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.