Ezekiel 41:5

KJV

After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of [every] side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

KJV (with Strong's)

After he measured {H4058} the wall {H7023} of the house {H1004}, six {H8337} cubits {H520}; and the breadth {H7341} of every side chamber {H6763}, four {H702} cubits {H520}, round about {H5439} the house {H1004} on every side {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[On his way out,] he measured the thickness of the wall of the house at ten-and-a-half feet [at ground level], and the width of all the side-rooms surrounding the house, seven feet [at ground level].

Berean Standard Bible

Next he measured the wall of the temple to be six cubits thick, and the width of each side room around the temple was four cubits.

American Standard Version

Then he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side-chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:5 provides meticulous architectural details of the visionary temple, specifically outlining the dimensions of the outer wall of the main sanctuary and the breadth of the surrounding side chambers. This precise enumeration of "six cubits" for the wall's thickness and "four cubits" for the side chambers, which encircle the house, emphasizes the divine precision and structured order inherent in God's blueprint for His sacred dwelling. The verse contributes to the overarching theme of God's renewed presence and the sanctity of the space where He will dwell among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:5 is embedded within the highly detailed temple vision that spans [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - Division of the Land and City"). Following the initial measurements of the outer court and gates in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision"), Ezekiel is led into the inner court and then to the temple building itself. Chapter 41 specifically describes the main sanctuary, including its porch, holy place, and the surrounding side chambers. This verse, therefore, contributes to the precise architectural blueprint, detailing the thickness of the temple wall and the width of the contiguous side rooms, which are integral to the overall structure and functionality of the sacred complex. The progression of the vision moves from the exterior to the interior, with each verse adding another layer of intricate detail to the divine design.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel received this vision while in Babylonian exile, around 573 BC, approximately 14 years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem (cf. [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - Date of the Vision")). For the exiles, the destruction of the temple represented the loss of God's visible presence and the heart of their national identity. This vision, therefore, served as a profound message of hope and restoration, promising a future where God would dwell among His people once more, albeit in a temple far grander and more perfect than any previous structure. The use of cubits as a unit of measure was standard in ancient Near Eastern architecture, making the details tangible to Ezekiel's audience, even if the scale and perfection of the vision transcended their immediate reality. The concept of a divine blueprint for sacred spaces was also familiar from the Tabernacle (cf. [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")) and Solomon's Temple (cf. [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple")), reinforcing the divine origin and authority of this new vision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, with its precise measurements, strongly reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the temple vision and the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Precision and Order**, highlighting God's meticulous nature and His absolute control over every detail of His sacred dwelling. This contrasts sharply with the chaos and defilement that led to the destruction of the first temple, emphasizing a future of perfect order and holiness. Secondly, the detailed description of the "house" (temple) and its "side chambers" reinforces the theme of **God's Dwelling Place** among His people. The temple is the physical manifestation of God's presence, signifying His desire for fellowship and His commitment to restore His relationship with Israel, as seen in [Ezekiel 37:27](/ezekiel/37-27 "Ezekiel 37:27 - God's Dwelling Among Them"). Finally, the substantial dimensions of the "wall" and the encircling "side chambers" contribute to the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, creating a distinct and protected space for divine worship, setting it apart from the profane world, a concept echoed in the call for Israel to be a holy nation in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **measured (Hebrew, _mâdad'_):** This primitive root signifies "to stretch" or, by implication, "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In Ezekiel 41:5, it emphasizes the exactness and intentionality behind the temple's construction. The act of measuring implies a divine architect at work, ensuring every dimension adheres to a precise, pre-determined standard, leaving no room for human error or arbitrary design. This verb underscores the divine origin and perfect blueprint of the visionary temple.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** Prolonged from the word for "mother," this term refers to a standard ancient unit of linear measure, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches. Its consistent use throughout Ezekiel's temple vision (e.g., [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed")) grounds the extraordinary vision in tangible, comprehensible terms, even while the overall scale is immense. The repetition of "cubits" highlights the meticulous, calculable nature of God's design, emphasizing that the temple's dimensions are not arbitrary but divinely ordained.
* **side chamber (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ'_):** This term literally means "rib" (as curved), but architecturally, it refers to a "side" or a "plank/timber," and by extension, a "side chamber." In the context of the temple, these are rooms built against the outer walls of the main sanctuary, providing additional space. Their specific breadth ("four cubits") and their encircling nature ("round about the house on every side") indicate their integral role in the temple's structure, likely for storage, priestly functions, or access, all contributing to the overall functionality and sanctity of the divine dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits;":** This clause describes the initial action of the angelic guide, who measures the thickness of the main temple building's outer wall. The "six cubits" (approximately 9-10.5 feet) indicates a substantial, robust structure, emphasizing the security, strength, and sacred separation of the sanctuary. This thick wall physically delineates the holy space from its surroundings, underscoring its unique and protected status.
* **"and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits,":** Following the wall's measurement, the focus shifts to the dimensions of the adjacent side chambers. These rooms, built against the temple wall, are specified to be "four cubits" (approximately 6-7 feet) in width. This detail provides insight into the functional spaces surrounding the core sanctuary, suggesting their purpose in supporting the temple's operations, whether for storage of sacred vessels, priestly vestments, or for the use of the priests themselves.
* **"round about the house on every side.":** This concluding phrase clarifies the comprehensive nature of these side chambers. They are not merely attached to one section but encircle the entire main temple building. This continuous encirclement reinforces the idea of a fully integrated and self-contained sacred complex, where every part contributes to the overall order, sanctity, and security of God's dwelling place. It signifies completeness and a protective embrace around the central sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 41:5 primarily employs **Architectural Detail** and **Symbolism**. The overwhelming use of precise measurements and specific structural components (wall, side chambers, cubits) is a form of **Architectural Detail**, which serves to make the visionary temple tangible and real. This meticulous enumeration creates a sense of divine precision and order, reflecting God's perfect plan. Beyond the literal description, these details carry profound **Symbolism**. The substantial thickness of the "six cubit" wall symbolizes the impenetrable holiness, security, and divine strength protecting God's presence. The "four cubit" side chambers, encircling the house, symbolize the comprehensive support system for the sacred space, implying functionality, order, and a complete separation of the holy from the common. The entire structure, described with such exactitude, becomes a **Metaphor** for God's restored relationship with His people, built on unshakeable foundations of holiness and divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:5, with its emphasis on precise architectural dimensions, underscores the profound theological truth that God is a God of order, intentionality, and absolute holiness. The meticulous blueprint for this visionary temple speaks to a divine standard of perfection that transcends human capability, signifying that God's presence is not haphazard but carefully orchestrated and protected. This vision, given during a time of national despair, served as a tangible promise of God's future dwelling among His people, a dwelling characterized by divine design and unblemished sanctity. It highlights the importance of a properly ordered space for worship and the necessity of separating the sacred from the profane, a principle foundational to biblical understanding of God's character and His interaction with humanity.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 6:2](/1_kings/6-2 "Dimensions of Solomon's Temple")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of Ezekiel 41:5, though seemingly mundane architectural specifications, invite us to reflect on the profound nature of God's character and His expectations for our lives. Just as God meticulously designed every cubit and chamber of His visionary temple, He has a precise and purposeful plan for each of us. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His blueprints are perfect. For believers, who are called to be "temples of the Holy Spirit" (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body is a Temple")), this implies a call to intentionality, purity, and a life built according to divine design. The "thick wall" and "side chambers" encircling the house can prompt us to consider the boundaries we establish in our lives to protect our spiritual sanctity and the "spaces" we cultivate to support our walk with God. Our lives, like this temple, should be meticulously constructed to honor His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's temple blueprint challenge my own approach to order and intentionality in my spiritual life?**
* **In what ways can I, as a "temple of the Holy Spirit," ensure that my life is built with divine precision and set apart for God's holy purposes?**
* **What "walls" or "side chambers" (spiritual disciplines, boundaries) do I need to establish or reinforce to protect the sanctity of God's presence within me?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific measurements (six and four cubits) in this verse?**

Answer: The specific measurements of "six cubits" for the wall's thickness and "four cubits" for the breadth of the side chambers are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they underscore the **divine precision and meticulousness** of God's design. Unlike human constructions which might have approximations, every dimension in this visionary temple is exact, reflecting God's perfect order and control. Secondly, the substantial thickness of the wall (six cubits) symbolizes **security, strength, and the sacred separation** of the holy space. It creates a robust barrier, emphasizing the inviolable nature of God's dwelling. Thirdly, the "four cubits" for the side chambers, which encircle the house, suggest **functionality and comprehensive support** for the main sanctuary. While the exact symbolic meaning of the numbers six and four themselves is not explicitly stated here, their presence contributes to the overall theme of a divinely ordained, perfectly structured, and holy dwelling place for God, distinct from any human-built structure, as seen in the descriptions throughout [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 41:5 describes a physical temple, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are profoundly realized in Christ. The meticulous measurements and divine blueprint of this visionary temple foreshadow the perfect, unblemished nature of God's ultimate dwelling place, which is not a building made with hands, but the person of Jesus Christ. He is the true "temple" where God's presence fully resides, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh") states, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The thick walls and precise dimensions of Ezekiel's temple symbolize the absolute holiness and security of God's presence, qualities perfectly embodied in Christ, who is without sin (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our High Priest")). Furthermore, the concept of God dwelling among His people, central to the temple vision, finds its ultimate reality in Christ's incarnation and, subsequently, in the Church, which is described as God's spiritual temple, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone" (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ the Cornerstone")). The precise order and divine design of the visionary temple point forward to the perfect order and redemptive plan accomplished through Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life, leading humanity into true fellowship with God (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way")). In Him, the desire for God to dwell "round about the house on every side" is fulfilled, as His presence encompasses and sanctifies all who are in Him.

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 42:3

Over against the twenty [cubits] which [were] for the inner court, and over against the pavement which [was] for the utter court, [was] gallery against gallery in three [stories].

Ezekiel 42:14

When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy [place] into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they [are] holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to [those things] which [are] for the people.

1 Kings 6:5

And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against] the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

1 Kings 6:6

The nethermost chamber [was] five cubits broad, and the middle [was] six cubits broad, and the third [was] seven cubits broad: for without [in the wall] of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that [the beams] should not be fastened in the walls of the house.

Ezekiel 41:6

And the side chambers [were] three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which [was] of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold, but they had not hold in the wall of the house.

Ezekiel 41:9

The thickness of the wall, which [was] for the side chamber without, [was] five cubits: and [that] which [was] left [was] the place of the side chambers that [were] within.