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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Ezekiel 41:6 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's extensive and incredibly detailed vision of a new temple, which he received while in Babylonian exile (starting in Ezekiel 40). This visionary temple, often referred to as Ezekiel's Temple, is described with meticulous architectural precision, down to its dimensions, gates, and various chambers. The vision served as a powerful message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, pointing to a future time when God's presence would dwell among them in a renewed and holy sanctuary, far grander than Solomon's Temple or the Second Temple.

Meaning and Key Themes

This verse specifically describes the side chambers, or 'cells,' that surrounded the main temple building. It states they were arranged in "three, one over another" (implying three stories or levels) and "thirty in order," likely referring to the number of chambers on each level or in a continuous sequence around the structure. The most significant detail is the description of how these chambers were attached: "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."

This unique architectural feature means the side chambers were supported by ledges or offsets built into the outer wall of the temple itself. However, their beams or supporting structures did not penetrate or compromise the structural integrity of the inner, sacred wall of the main temple building. This design ensured that the holy core of the temple remained untouched and distinct from the surrounding ancillary chambers.

  • Divine Precision and Order: The minute detail in this and surrounding chapters underscores God's meticulous planning and the divine blueprint for His dwelling place, reflecting His character of order and perfection.
  • Holiness and Separation: The instruction that the side chambers did "not have hold in the wall of the house" is paramount. It emphasizes the inviolable sanctity and structural integrity of the main sanctuary. This highlights a fundamental principle of distinguishing between the holy and the common, a recurring theme in biblical law and worship (Leviticus 10:10).
  • Functionality and Support: These side chambers likely served practical purposes for the priests, storing holy vessels, vestments, or offerings, providing necessary support functions without detracting from the temple's core sacredness. This reflects a divine design that is both practical and reverent.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "side chambers" is tsela (צֶלַע), which can also mean "rib" or "side," emphasizing their attachment to the main structure. The phrase "had not hold" uses the Hebrew verb 'ahaz (אָחַז), meaning "to grasp," "take hold," or "seize." Its use here reinforces the idea that the main wall's integrity and sacredness remained untouched, as no structural element from the chambers was allowed to directly penetrate or weaken it.

Practical Application

The intricate details of Ezekiel's temple vision, including Ezekiel 41:6, offer profound spiritual lessons:

  • God's Meticulous Care: This verse reminds us that God is a God of precision and order, attentive even to the smallest details of His plans and purposes. This can inspire us to be diligent and thorough in our own lives, understanding that God values excellence and intentionality.
  • Maintaining Sanctity: The principle of not compromising the core "wall of the house" can be applied to our spiritual lives. Just as the physical temple's integrity was paramount, believers are called to maintain the sanctity of their lives, recognizing their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. We are to ensure that external influences, worldly compromises, or secondary pursuits do not diminish the spiritual integrity of our walk with God or the purity of our devotion.
  • Building on a Firm Foundation: The design illustrates the importance of a firm, uncompromised foundation. Our spiritual lives should be built on the unshakeable truth of God's Word, ensuring that ancillary activities or peripheral concerns do not undermine our primary relationship with God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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