Ezekiel 41:7

KJV

And [there was] an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house [was still] upward, and so increased [from] the lowest [chamber] to the highest by the midst.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was an enlarging {H7337}, and a winding about {H5437} still upward {H4605} to the side chambers {H6763}: for the winding about {H4141} of the house {H1004} went still upward {H4605} round about {H5439} the house {H1004}: therefore the breadth {H7341} of the house {H1004} was still upward {H4605}, and so increased {H5927} from the lowest {H8481} chamber to the highest {H5945} by the midst {H8484}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The higher side-rooms surrounding the house were wider than the lower ones, as were the passageways next to the side-rooms on each floor; thus the width of the side-rooms plus that of the passageways increased as one went up from floor to floor. The ascent from the lowest floor to the highest was [by a ramp] through the middle floor.

Berean Standard Bible

The side rooms surrounding the temple widened at each successive level, because the structure surrounding the temple ascended by stages corresponding to the narrowing of the temple wall as it rose upward. And so a stairway went up from the lowest story to the highest, through the middle one.

American Standard Version

And the side-chambers were broader as they encompassed the house higher and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house continued upward; and so one went up from the lowest chamber to the highest by the middle chamber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:7 offers a meticulous architectural description within the prophet's grand vision of a future temple, focusing on the unique design of the side chambers. It details how these chambers progressively widened as they ascended, with a continuous upward spiral of the structure, resulting in an increasing breadth from the lowest to the highest levels, illustrating divine precision and an expanding capacity within God's sacred dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly detailed temple vision found in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. Following the Lord's departure from the defiled temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 10-11) and the subsequent destruction of the city (Ezekiel 33), this extensive architectural blueprint serves as a profound message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites. Chapters 40-42 provide precise measurements and descriptions of the temple's outer court, inner court, and the sanctuary building itself, including the surrounding side chambers. Ezekiel 41 specifically describes the main sanctuary, its porch, and the surrounding structures, with verse 7 focusing on the unique, ascending design of the side chambers that abut the temple walls, emphasizing the meticulous divine plan for the future dwelling of God's glory.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this vision during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and theological crisis for the Jewish people. They had lost their land, their king, and most significantly, their temple – the physical manifestation of God's presence among them. In this context, the vision of a new, perfectly ordered, and glorious temple (as detailed in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision")) was not merely an architectural blueprint but a powerful prophetic assurance of God's faithfulness, His intention to restore His people, and His commitment to dwelling among them once more. The meticulous detail, including the specific dimensions of the side chambers, underscored the divine origin and perfect order of this future sanctuary, contrasting sharply with the defiled temple that had been destroyed.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 41:7 contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, emphasizing God's meticulous planning and His commitment to perfect order in His redemptive purposes, seen throughout the detailed measurements of the temple vision. Secondly, the "enlarging, and a winding about still upward" of the side chambers subtly introduces the theme of **Growth and Expansion**, which can be seen metaphorically as spiritual maturity leading to greater capacity for God's presence, or the expanding nature of God's kingdom. Thirdly, and most importantly, the entire temple vision underscores the profound importance of **God's Dwelling Place** among His people. The intricate structure described in this chapter, and indeed the entire vision, prepares for the glorious return of the Lord's presence, as vividly depicted in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple"), offering comfort and assurance of future restoration and intimate communion with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Upward (Hebrew, _maʻal'_):** This adverbial term, derived from a root meaning "to ascend," signifies movement or position in the upper part, above, or overhead. In Ezekiel 41:7, its repeated use emphasizes the vertical progression and elevation of the temple structure, particularly the side chambers, indicating a continuous rise in height and, in this context, an increasing breadth as one ascends.
* **Winding about (Hebrew, _mûwçâb'_):** Derived from the verb `çâbab` (to revolve or surround), this noun refers to a turn or circuit, specifically describing the continuous, perhaps spiral, ascent of the structure. It suggests a circumambulatory path or a design that wraps around, indicating the architectural feature of the side chambers extending around the temple walls while simultaneously rising.
* **Side chambers (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ'_):** Literally meaning "rib" (as curved), this term is used architecturally to denote a side, a timber, or a chamber. In the context of the temple, it refers to the rooms built against the outer wall of the main sanctuary. The description in this verse implies that these chambers were not uniform but expanded in their dimensions as they rose, possibly due to the tapering thickness of the temple wall, which created ledges supporting wider upper rooms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers:"** This initial clause introduces the unique architectural feature of the temple's side chambers. The "enlarging" (Hebrew: `râchab`, "to broaden") indicates a progressive increase in space or width. Coupled with "winding about" (`mûwçâb`), it describes a continuous, ascending movement or design that encircles the main structure, leading to the "side chambers" (`tsêlâʻ`), which are the rooms built against the temple walls. The phrase "still upward" (`maʻal`) emphasizes the continuous vertical progression of this design.
* **"for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house:"** This explanatory clause reiterates and clarifies the previous statement, providing the reason for the enlarging. It confirms that the "winding about" (`mûwçâb`) – the continuous, encircling structure – was inherent to the "house" (`bayith`, the temple building itself) and consistently extended "still upward" (`maʻal`), encompassing the main edifice. The repetition emphasizes the pervasive nature of this ascending, encircling design.
* **"therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst."** This concluding clause presents the consequence of the described architectural design. Because of the continuous upward winding, the "breadth" (`rôchab`, "width") of the temple structure, specifically the side chambers, progressively "increased" (`ʻâlâh`, "to ascend, grow") as it rose. The phrase "from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst" specifies that this expansion occurred throughout the entire vertical dimension of the side chambers, from their base to their uppermost level, indicating a deliberate and uniform increase in space as one ascended through the building's central core.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 41:7 employs several literary devices to convey its detailed architectural vision. The most prominent is **Architectural Symbolism**, where the physical structure of the temple is not merely a building but a representation of divine order, presence, and future restoration. The "enlarging" and "winding about still upward" of the side chambers can be seen as symbolic of progressive spiritual growth, increasing capacity for God's presence, or the expanding nature of God's kingdom. **Repetition** is also evident, particularly with the phrase "still upward" (`maʻal`), which appears multiple times, underscoring the continuous vertical ascent and the consistent nature of the architectural design. This repetition serves to emphasize the precision and unwavering nature of God's blueprint. Finally, the meticulous and highly specific measurements throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, including this verse, highlight **Divine Precision**, a literary technique that conveys the absolute perfection and intentionality of God's design, leaving no room for human error or improvisation in His sacred dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:7, with its description of the temple's side chambers expanding upward, speaks to the dynamic nature of God's dwelling and His relationship with His people. The progressive increase in breadth from the lowest to the highest levels can be understood as a metaphor for spiritual growth and capacity. As believers mature in faith, their understanding of God deepens, and their capacity to receive and manifest His presence expands. This architectural detail also underscores God's meticulous design and His desire for an ever-increasing space for His glory to reside among His people, foreshadowing a more intimate and expansive indwelling than previously known. The vision reassures a disheartened Israel that God's presence, though seemingly withdrawn, would return in an even more glorious and ordered fashion, pointing to a future of restoration and abundant life in His presence.

* [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple"): The glory of the Lord fills the temple, emphasizing the ultimate purpose of the structure – to be God's dwelling place.
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones"): Believers are described as "living stones" being built into a "spiritual house," a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices.
* [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone"): In Christ, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord, in whom believers are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate architectural details of Ezekiel 41:7, particularly the expanding and ascending side chambers, offer profound spiritual insights for our lives today. Just as the temple was designed for increasing capacity as it rose, so too are our spiritual lives meant to grow and expand in our capacity to experience and reflect God's presence. This verse challenges us to consider if we are actively pursuing spiritual growth, allowing our "chambers" – our hearts, minds, and spirits – to enlarge for a deeper indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that God's design for His dwelling, whether a physical temple or the spiritual temple of believers, is one of precision, order, and ever-increasing glory. We are called to be intentional in our spiritual formation, allowing God to build us up from our "lowest" foundations to our "highest" potential, becoming more fully vessels for His divine purposes. This vision encourages us to trust in God's meticulous blueprint for our lives and to embrace the journey of continuous spiritual ascent, knowing that He is faithfully at work, enlarging our capacity for His presence and glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life do you sense a need for "enlarging" or increased capacity for God's presence?**
* **How does the idea of God's meticulous design in the temple vision encourage you about His care and plan for your own life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster continuous "upward" spiritual growth, allowing your understanding and experience of God to deepen?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "enlarging" and "winding about" of the side chambers in Ezekiel's temple vision?**

Answer: The "enlarging" (widening) and "winding about" (ascending in a circuit) of the side chambers signify a unique architectural design where the rooms built around the temple progressively increased in breadth as they ascended from the lowest to the highest levels. Theologically, this detail can symbolize several things: God's meticulous and perfect design for His dwelling, indicating divine precision and order; the idea of spiritual growth and increasing capacity, where maturity in faith leads to a broader understanding and experience of God; and the expanding nature of God's presence and kingdom, suggesting that His dwelling among His people is not static but dynamic and ever-increasing in glory and scope. This vision provided hope to the exiles, assuring them of a future where God's presence would return in a perfectly ordered and expansive way, as seen in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple").

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

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision is a subject of ongoing theological discussion. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple that will be built during the millennial reign of Christ, emphasizing the detailed measurements and specific instructions. Others view it more symbolically, seeing it as a prophetic picture of God's dwelling among His people in the New Covenant era (the Church) or an idealized vision of heavenly realities and the New Jerusalem. The intricate details, like the expanding side chambers in [Ezekiel 41:7](/ezekiel/41-7 "Ezekiel 41:7 - The Expanding Side Chambers"), lend themselves to both literal and symbolic interpretations. Even if symbolic, the precision underscores God's perfect order and His desire for a holy dwelling place among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Christ and His Church, as described in [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's temple vision, with its meticulous descriptions like the expanding side chambers, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the prophet saw a physical structure, the New Testament reveals that Christ Himself is the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity. As [John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple") declares, Jesus spoke of the temple of His body, indicating that in Him, God's presence fully resided. The "enlarging" and "winding about still upward" of the temple chambers can be seen as a shadow of the ever-increasing and expanding nature of God's presence in Christ and through His Church. Through Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, the barrier between God and humanity was removed, and believers are now collectively built together as a spiritual house, a holy temple in the Lord (as seen in [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone") and [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")). This spiritual temple, the body of Christ, is not confined by physical dimensions but expands globally, growing in grace and knowledge, continually "increasing" in breadth and depth as the Spirit indwells believers and works through them. Ultimately, the vision points to the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is fully and eternally manifested, and there is "no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). Thus, the architectural marvel in Ezekiel foreshadows the boundless and ever-present reality of God dwelling with His people through 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

1 Kings 6:8

The door for the middle chamber [was] in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle [chamber], and out of the middle into the third.

Matthew 13:32

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Hebrews 6:1

¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,