Ezekiel 41:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the side {H6763} chambers {H6763} were three {H7969}, one over another {H6763}, and thirty {H7970} in order {H6471}; and they entered {H935} into the wall {H7023} which was of the house {H1004} for the side chambers {H6763} round about {H5439}, that they might have hold {H270}, but they had not hold {H270} in the wall {H7023} of the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were three floors of side-rooms, thirty on each floor; and the wall around the house was terraced, so that the side-rooms rested on the terraces and were not supported on [the vertical parts of] the wall.

Berean Standard Bible

The side rooms were arranged one above another in three levels of thirty rooms each. There were ledges all around the wall of the temple to serve as supports for the side rooms, so that the supports would not be fastened into the wall of the temple itself.

American Standard Version

And the side-chambers were in three stories, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the side-chambers round about, that they might have hold therein, and not have hold in the wall of the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:6 provides a precise architectural description of the side chambers surrounding the visionary temple, detailing their arrangement in three stories, thirty in total, and crucially, their unique method of attachment. These chambers were designed to "enter into the wall" of the main house to gain support, yet explicitly "had not hold in the wall of the house," signifying that their structural beams did not penetrate the sacred inner wall. This meticulous detail underscores the divine blueprint's emphasis on order, functionality, and the inviolable sanctity of the central sanctuary, a powerful message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:6 is embedded within the prophet Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple, spanning chapters 40-48. This section, specifically [Ezekiel 40-42](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-42 - The Temple Vision's Outer and Inner Courts"), meticulously details the temple's architecture, dimensions, and various components. Following the initial measurements of the outer and inner courts, Ezekiel 41 focuses on the main temple building itself, including the sanctuary, the most holy place, and the surrounding ancillary structures like the side chambers. The extreme precision of these descriptions, down to the exact measurements and construction methods, highlights the divine origin of the vision and its significance as a blueprint for God's future dwelling among His people. The narrative flow is that of a guided tour, with the divine guide explaining each part of the complex.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this vision while in Babylonian exile, approximately fourteen years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem (cf. [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - Vision in the 25th Year of Exile")). For the exiled Israelites, the loss of the Temple, the physical manifestation of God's presence among them, was a profound spiritual and national trauma. In this context, the vision of a new, glorious temple served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the assurance of God's continued covenant faithfulness. It countered the despair of a people who felt abandoned and without a sanctuary. The architectural details, while specific to this vision, would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern temple designs, yet often surpassed them in their emphasis on holiness and divine order, setting this temple apart.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's temple vision and the book as a whole. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Precision and Order**, showcasing God's meticulous nature and His perfect design for His dwelling place. Every detail, no matter how small, is significant and intentional. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, it highlights **Holiness and Separation**. The design principle that the side chambers did "not have hold in the wall of the house" underscores the inviolable sanctity and structural integrity of the main sanctuary. This reinforces the biblical principle of distinguishing between the holy and the common, the sacred and the profane, a theme central to priestly legislation (e.g., [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Holy from Unholy")). Finally, it speaks to **Functionality and Support**, indicating that while the temple was primarily a place of worship, it also accommodated practical needs, likely for the priests and their service, without compromising its core sacredness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **side chambers (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ'_ H6763):** This term, also meaning "rib" or "side," denotes an attached structure. In architectural contexts, it refers to a plank, beam, or, as here, a chamber or cell that is part of a larger building but distinct from its core. Its use emphasizes that these rooms were extensions or appendages to the main temple, designed to serve its functions without being integral to its most sacred inner structure.
* **hold (Hebrew, _ʼâchaz'_ H270):** A primitive root meaning "to seize," "take hold," or "possess." In this context, it refers to the structural connection or penetration of the side chambers into the main wall. The repeated phrase "that they might have hold, but they had not hold" creates a crucial distinction. It implies an intended or potential connection for support, but then explicitly denies a deep, compromising penetration into the sacred wall, thus preserving its integrity.
* **wall (Hebrew, _qîyr'_ H7023):** This word refers to a built wall, often implying a solid, foundational structure. Here, it specifically refers to the outer wall of the main temple building. The interaction between the side chambers and this "wall of the house" is central to the verse's architectural and theological meaning, as it defines the boundary and integrity of the sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the side chambers [were] three, one over another, and thirty in order":** This clause provides the basic dimensions and arrangement of the ancillary rooms. "Three, one over another" indicates that these chambers were built in three stories or levels. "Thirty in order" likely refers to the total number of chambers on each level, or the total sequence of chambers around the perimeter of the temple, highlighting the vastness and organized nature of the structure.
* **"and they entered into the wall which [was] of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold":** This part describes the method of construction. The side chambers were designed to connect to the outer wall of the main temple building. The phrase "that they might have hold" indicates that this connection was intended to provide structural support for the chambers, suggesting they were supported by ledges or offsets built into the temple wall itself, rather than by independent foundations.
* **"but they had not hold in the wall of the house":** This is the critical qualification. Despite "entering into the wall" for support, the chambers' beams or supporting elements did not penetrate or compromise the structural integrity of the inner, sacred wall of the main temple building. This detail is paramount, emphasizing the inviolable sanctity of the holy core, ensuring no common or ancillary structure could diminish its purity or stability.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 41:6 primarily employs **Architectural Detail** as its dominant literary device. The meticulous enumeration of dimensions, arrangements, and construction methods serves not merely as a blueprint but as a means to convey profound theological truths. This precise detailing elevates the vision from a mere building plan to a divine revelation, emphasizing God's perfect order and His intentionality in establishing a holy dwelling. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "that they might have hold, but they had not hold" functions as a form of **Contrast** or **Antithesis**, highlighting a crucial distinction. It underscores the tension between the necessary functionality of the ancillary chambers and the absolute, uncompromised sanctity of the main temple. This contrast serves to emphasize the inviolability of the sacred core, a concept central to the entire temple vision. The temple itself functions as a grand **Symbolism** of God's presence, holiness, and the future restoration of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:6, with its intricate architectural specifications, offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God's dwelling and His character. The precise instruction that the side chambers, while necessary for the temple's function, should not compromise the structural integrity of the main sanctuary's wall, speaks volumes about the absolute holiness and inviolability of God's presence. It underscores that God's dwelling place, whether a physical temple or a spiritual reality, must remain utterly distinct and unblemished by anything common or profane. This divine blueprint reflects God's own perfect order, His meticulous attention to detail, and His unwavering commitment to purity and sanctity, setting a standard for all who seek to approach Him.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.")
* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing between the holy and the common.")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The earthly sanctuary and its limitations.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous architectural details of Ezekiel's temple vision, particularly the precise instructions in Ezekiel 41:6 regarding the side chambers and their limited "hold" on the main wall, offer powerful spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. This passage reminds us that God is a God of absolute precision, order, and intentionality, even in the minutiae of His plans. This should inspire us to cultivate diligence, integrity, and intentionality in our own lives, recognizing that God values excellence and purity in all things. The principle of not compromising the core "wall of the house" is profoundly applicable to our spiritual walk. Just as the physical temple's integrity was paramount, believers are called to maintain the sanctity and uncompromised nature of their spiritual core. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, must ensure that external influences, worldly compromises, or even legitimate but secondary pursuits do not diminish the purity of our devotion to God or the integrity of our relationship with Him. We are to build our lives on the unshakeable foundation of Christ, ensuring that nothing peripheral undermines the sacredness of our inner sanctuary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be allowing "side chambers" (secondary concerns or worldly influences) to compromise the "wall of the house" (the integrity of my spiritual core)?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the temple vision encourage or challenge my own approach to diligence and intentionality in my faith and daily life?**
* **Considering my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, what practical steps can I take to better "maintain sanctity" and ensure my life reflects God's order and purity?**

### FAQ
**What was the practical purpose of these "side chambers" in Ezekiel's visionary temple?**

Answer: While not explicitly stated in Ezekiel 41:6, the "side chambers" (Hebrew: _tsêlâʻ_) in temple architecture typically served various practical functions. They were likely used by the priests for storing holy garments, sacred vessels, tithes, offerings, or even as living quarters for those ministering in the temple. Their presence indicates that the divine design was not only about sacred space but also about providing necessary support and infrastructure for the temple's operations and the service of the Lord, without detracting from the central sanctuary's holiness.

**Why was it so important that the side chambers "had not hold in the wall of the house"?**

Answer: This detail is crucial for two primary reasons. Architecturally, it suggests a sophisticated design where the chambers were supported by ledges or offsets built into the outer wall, rather than by beams penetrating the main wall. Theologically, and more importantly, it emphasizes the absolute sanctity and inviolability of the main temple building, particularly the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The core sanctuary was to remain untouched and uncompromised by any ancillary structure, symbolizing the unblemished purity and distinctness of God's dwelling place. This reinforced the principle of separation between the holy and the common, which is a foundational concept throughout biblical law and worship.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision, including these architectural details, meant to be built literally?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision varies among scholars. Some believe it describes a literal temple to be built in the future, perhaps during the millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as a symbolic blueprint, representing the ideal spiritual reality of God's presence among His people, the perfection of worship, or the ultimate state of the church. The extreme detail, including verses like [Ezekiel 41:6](/ezekiel/41-6 "Ezekiel 41:6 - Side Chambers of the Temple"), suggests a literal possibility, yet its ideal nature and the absence of any historical fulfillment precisely as described lead many to see its primary purpose as a theological and spiritual message of hope, restoration, and the future glory of God's dwelling with humanity. Regardless of literal fulfillment, its principles of holiness, order, and God's presence remain eternally relevant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 41:6, with its emphasis on the inviolable sanctity of the temple's inner wall, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While the physical temple represented God's dwelling among His people, Jesus Christ Himself is revealed as the true and ultimate Temple of God. He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus speaks of His body as the temple")). In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a physical structure or limited by architectural boundaries; rather, the fullness of deity dwells bodily in Him ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The fullness of deity dwells in Christ")). The principle of the sacred core remaining uncompromised is fulfilled in Christ's perfect holiness and His unblemished sacrifice, which perfectly atoned for sin, allowing access to God without human structural limitations. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into this spiritual temple, becoming living stones in a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living stones in a spiritual house")), and individually, our bodies become temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit")). The meticulous divine design of Ezekiel's temple foreshadows the perfect and complete dwelling of God with humanity, ultimately realized in Christ and consummated in the New Jerusalem, where there is no need for a temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - The Lamb is the temple")).

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 6:10

And [then] he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house [with] timber of cedar.

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 40:17

Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.