Ezekiel 41:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The thickness {H7341} of the wall {H7023}, which was for the side chamber {H6763} without {H2351}, was five {H2568} cubits {H520}: and that which was left {H3240} was the place {H1004} of the side chambers {H6763} that were within {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The outer wall of the side-rooms was eight-and-three-quarters feet thick [at ground level], likewise the empty space left [between] the structure containing the side-rooms [and the house itself also measured eight-and-three quarters feet wide].

Berean Standard Bible

The outer wall of the side rooms was five cubits thick, and the open area between the side rooms of the temple

American Standard Version

The thickness of the wall, which was for the side-chambers, on the outside, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side-chambers that belonged to the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 41:9 provides precise architectural dimensions for the outer wall and the internal arrangement of the side chambers within the visionary temple, detailing the thickness of the wall separating the side chambers from the exterior and the space allocated for the inner side chambers. This verse, part of a larger divine blueprint, underscores the meticulous order and intentionality inherent in God's design for His sacred dwelling, emphasizing both the separation of sacred space and the functional layout necessary for temple operations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 41:9 is embedded within a highly detailed architectural vision spanning Ezekiel chapters 40-48. Following the initial descriptions of the outer court, inner court, and various gates in chapters [40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") and [41](/ezekiel/41 "Ezekiel 41 - The Sanctuary and Holy Place"), this specific verse contributes to the meticulous measurements of the temple proper. It follows the description of the sanctuary's dimensions and the surrounding side chambers, which are integral to the temple's structure and function. The continuous flow of precise measurements, from the outer wall to the innermost sanctuary, emphasizes the divine origin and perfect order of this visionary structure, leaving no detail to human conjecture. The immediate verses ([Ezekiel 41:5-8](/ezekiel/41-5 "Ezekiel 41:5-8 - Dimensions of the Temple and Side Chambers")) describe the dimensions of the temple building itself and the three stories of side chambers that surround it, making verse 9 a continuation of this detailed architectural survey, focusing on the walls and the space around these chambers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair for the Israelites following the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple in 586 BC. Living in a foreign land, stripped of their monarchy, land, and temple, the exiles faced a crisis of faith and identity. In this context, the detailed temple vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the enduring presence of God. It countered the despair by promising a future where God's glory would return to a perfectly ordered sanctuary. Culturally, temples in the ancient Near East were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their design often reflected cosmological beliefs and hierarchical access. The meticulousness of Ezekiel's temple, with its precise measurements and distinct areas, would have resonated with the Israelite understanding of holiness, separation, and the ordered worship of Yahweh, distinct from the chaotic and often grotesque worship practices of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader temple vision, contributes significantly to several key themes in Ezekiel. First, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, emphasizing that God's plans are meticulously designed, leaving nothing to chance or human error. The exact cubit measurements throughout [EEzekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision") underscore God's sovereignty and His ultimate control over the future. Second, the detailed descriptions of walls and chambers reinforce the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. The temple's architecture was designed to create distinct zones, separating the holy from the common, and regulating access to God's presence. This echoes the broader biblical principle of God's absolute holiness and the necessity for His people to be set apart, as seen in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Finally, the entire vision, including these architectural details, serves as a powerful message of **Future Hope and Restoration**. For a people in exile, the promise of a new temple, a place where God's glory would return (as described in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple")), offered a tangible assurance of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and a future of renewed fellowship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thickness (Hebrew, _rôchab'_):** H7341. Derived from a root meaning "to be wide," this term refers to the breadth or width of an object. In Ezekiel 41:9, it specifically denotes the substantial dimension of the wall, emphasizing its solidity and the clear demarcation it provides. This precision in measurement is characteristic of the entire temple vision, highlighting the divine exactitude in God's blueprint.
* **side chamber (Hebrew, _tsêlâʻ'_):** H6763. This word literally means "rib" (as in Adam's rib) but is used architecturally to refer to a "side" or "side chamber" within a building. In the context of the temple, these were rooms built against the outer walls of the main sanctuary, likely serving various functions such as storage for sacred vessels, priestly vestments, or perhaps as living quarters for priests. Their presence and specific dimensions underscore the functional and organizational aspects of the temple complex.
* **without (Hebrew, _chûwts'_):** H2351. Meaning "outside" or "outdoors," this term indicates the external aspect or perimeter. In this verse, it specifies that the described wall's thickness pertains to the part of the side chamber that faces the exterior, emphasizing the boundary between the sacred temple complex and the outside world. This highlights the concept of separation and the protective nature of the temple's structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The thickness of the wall, which [was] for the side chamber without, [was] five cubits:"** This clause specifies a crucial dimension of the temple's architecture. It describes a wall that is 5 cubits thick (approximately 7.5 to 8.75 feet or 2.3 to 2.7 meters), serving as the outer boundary for the side chambers. This substantial thickness not only implies structural integrity but also signifies a clear separation and protection for the sacred spaces within. The phrase "for the side chamber without" clarifies that this wall forms the exterior boundary of these ancillary rooms, distinguishing the temple complex from its surroundings.
* **"and [that] which [was] left [was] the place of the side chambers that [were] within."** This second clause describes the remaining space, after accounting for the outer wall, as the area designated for the inner side chambers. The phrase "that which was left" refers to the space that remains between the outer wall (just described) and the main temple building itself, within which these chambers are situated. This indicates a careful utilization of space within the overall temple footprint, where every dimension and area serves a specific purpose in the divine design, ensuring both functionality and the proper arrangement of sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 41:9, and indeed throughout chapters [40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"), is **Precision and Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of measurements, down to the cubit, serves to emphasize the divine origin and perfect order of the visionary temple. This extreme detail is not merely architectural; it functions as a literary technique to convey God's absolute sovereignty and the infallibility of His plans. Furthermore, the description of walls and chambers embodies **Symbolism**. The physical boundaries represent spiritual separation between the holy and the common, reinforcing the theme of God's holiness and the need for purity in His presence. The structure itself is a **Metaphor** for the ordered and righteous community God desires to dwell among, a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction that had befallen Jerusalem. The entire vision can also be seen as a form of **Prophetic Vision**, using concrete, tangible details to convey an abstract, future hope of restoration and renewed covenant relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 41:9, with its precise architectural details, speaks profoundly to God's nature as a God of order, intentionality, and holiness. The meticulous measurements of the temple underscore that God's plans are not haphazard but are executed with perfect design and purpose. This divine precision extends beyond physical structures to His redemptive plan for humanity and the establishment of His kingdom. The walls and chambers symbolize the necessary boundaries for holiness, reminding us that God's presence demands reverence and separation from defilement. This vision, given in a time of desolation, served as a powerful assurance of God's faithfulness to restore His people and dwell among them once more, pointing forward to a future where His glory would fill His sanctuary.

* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")
* [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 41:9, while seemingly a dry architectural detail, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail and perfect order. If He orchestrates the dimensions of a physical sanctuary with such precision, how much more does He care about the intricate details of our lives, the spiritual "architecture" of our character, and the structure of His church? This passage challenges us to consider the intentionality with which we live our lives, build our relationships, and contribute to the body of Christ. The concept of "walls" and "side chambers" also serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of spiritual boundaries. Just as the temple had clear separations to preserve its holiness, we are called to establish and maintain boundaries in our lives that protect our faith, our purity, and our relationship with God from the encroaching influences of the world. This requires discernment, discipline, and a commitment to living set apart for God's purposes. Ultimately, the entire temple vision points to God's desire to dwell among His people, prompting us to prepare our hearts and lives as suitable dwelling places for His Holy Spirit, living in anticipation of His glorious presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Ezekiel's temple vision challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **What "walls" or "boundaries" do you need to establish or reinforce in your life to protect your spiritual health and relationship with God?**
* **In what ways can your life, as a "temple of the Holy Spirit," reflect the divine order and intentionality seen in this passage?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "cubit" as a unit of measurement in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The cubit was an ancient linear unit of measurement, typically based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact modern equivalent varied, it was generally around 17.5 to 21 inches (approximately 44 to 53 centimeters). In Ezekiel's vision, the consistent and precise use of the cubit throughout the detailed architectural descriptions underscores the tangible, measurable nature of the divine blueprint. It emphasizes the reality and exactness of God's plan, even if the vision itself carries profound symbolic and eschatological weight. The meticulousness conveyed by these measurements highlights God's absolute control and intentionality in His design for His dwelling place.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be built literally, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision (chapters [40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins")) is a subject of ongoing theological debate. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple to be built in Jerusalem, often associated with a millennial kingdom. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing God's renewed presence among His people, the perfection of worship, or the spiritual reality of the church as God's dwelling place. A third perspective sees it as a combination of both, with spiritual truths conveyed through literal, albeit idealized, architectural details. Regardless of the literal fulfillment, the vision's primary message to Ezekiel's original audience was one of hope, restoration, and the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, assuring them that God would indeed dwell among His people again.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 41:9, with its emphasis on the precise dimensions of the temple's walls and side chambers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its intricate design and sacred spaces, prefigured the greater reality of God's dwelling among humanity. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Christ is the true and ultimate sanctuary, the perfect meeting place between God and humanity, where the divine presence fully resides. The "thickness of the wall" and the "side chambers" in Ezekiel's vision, which served to demarcate holy space and facilitate temple functions, are fulfilled in Christ who, through His sacrifice, tore the veil of separation ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil Torn")) and opened a new and living way into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). Furthermore, the church, as the body of Christ, is now the spiritual temple where God's Spirit dwells ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")), comprised of believers who are "living stones" built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")). Thus, the meticulous design of Ezekiel's temple ultimately points to the perfect and complete work of Christ, who embodies God's presence, provides access to Him, and establishes a new, living temple in His people.

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 41:11

And the doors of the side chambers [were] toward [the place that was] left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left [was] five cubits round about.

Ezekiel 42:1

¶ Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that [was] over against the separate place, and which [was] before the building toward the north.

Ezekiel 42:4

And before the chambers [was] a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.