Ezekiel 41:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Ezekiel 41:3

Ezekiel 41:3 is part of a highly detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a magnificent, intricately designed temple. This vision, which begins in Ezekiel chapter 40, occurs after the destruction of Solomon's Temple and during the Babylonian exile. The angel, or "man," described in the preceding verses continues to guide Ezekiel, meticulously measuring various parts of the temple structure. This particular verse focuses on the precise dimensions of a door and its post as the tour progresses deeper into the temple complex, emphasizing the divine blueprint for this sacred space.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exacting measurements provided throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, including the specific dimensions of the door post (two cubits), the door (six cubits), and its breadth (seven cubits) in this verse, highlight God's meticulous nature and the perfect order of His divine plans. Every detail is significant, reflecting a heavenly standard.
  • Holiness and Access: Doors and gateways in biblical contexts often signify points of entry and control access to sacred spaces. As the vision moves "inward," the measurements define the pathway to increasing levels of holiness, indicating that access to God's presence is ordered and prescribed. This echoes the careful design of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple.
  • Symbolism of the Future Temple: While some interpret this vision as a literal temple to be built in the future, others see it as a symbolic representation of God's perfect dwelling among His people, perhaps referring to the church, the new heavens and new earth, or a spiritual reality. The detailed architectural plan signifies the enduring presence and glory of God.

Linguistic Insights

The primary unit of measurement mentioned, "cubits" (KJV), refers to an ancient linear measure, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length could vary, it was generally understood to be about 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 centimeters). The consistent use of this unit throughout the vision underscores the tangible and precise nature of the measurements, lending credibility to the divine instruction. The numbers themselves (two, six, seven) are often imbued with symbolic significance in biblical numerology, though the primary emphasis here is on the exactness of the divine blueprint.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 41:3, within its broader context, reminds us of God's profound attention to detail in all His works. For believers, this can inspire confidence in God's perfect plan, even when it appears complex or overwhelming. Just as every part of the temple was measured and purposed, so too are the details of our lives and the unfolding of God's kingdom. It encourages us to seek understanding of God's design and to approach His presence with reverence, recognizing the order and holiness He establishes. Furthermore, understanding the structured access to God's presence in the Old Testament temple vision can deepen our appreciation for the New Testament truth that we now have bold access to God through Christ, who Himself declared, "I am the door."

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

  • 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.
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