Ezekiel 42:3

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

Over against the twenty {H6242} cubits which were for the inner {H6442} court {H2691}, and over against the pavement {H7531} which was for the utter {H2435} court {H2691}, was gallery {H862} against {H6440} gallery {H862} in three {H7992} stories.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was located between the inner courtyard, which was thirty-five feet wide, and the flooring of the outer courtyard. It had galleries, one above the other, on three floors.

Berean Standard Bible

Gallery faced gallery in three levels opposite the twenty cubits that belonged to the inner court and opposite the pavement that belonged to the outer court.

American Standard Version

Over against the twentycubitswhich belonged to the inner court, and over against the pavement which belonged to the outer court, was gallery against gallery in the third story.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:3 provides a meticulous architectural detail within the prophet's grand vision of a future temple, specifically describing the precise arrangement of multi-storied galleries or chambers. These structures are carefully situated in relation to both the inner court's twenty-cubit space and the pavement of the outer court, highlighting the intricate design and divine order of the envisioned sacred complex. The verse contributes to the overall impression of a highly organized and functional edifice, designed to facilitate sacred activities and underscore the holiness of God's dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a lengthy and highly detailed architectural blueprint of a new temple, spanning from [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land and the City"). Following the initial comprehensive measurements of the outer and inner courts, and the various gates and chambers described in [Ezekiel 40-41](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-41 - Temple Measurements and Chambers"), Ezekiel 42 focuses specifically on the chambers surrounding the temple proper. Verse 3, therefore, builds upon the preceding descriptions by detailing the galleries associated with these chambers, emphasizing their multi-level construction and their precise alignment with the established court dimensions. This meticulous detailing serves to underscore the divine origin and perfect order of the vision, providing a sense of tangible reality to God's future plans.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple in Ezekiel was given during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense despair and spiritual desolation for the Jewish people who had witnessed the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. In this context, the detailed vision of a new, glorious temple served as a profound message of hope, restoration, and the enduring presence of God among His people. Such intricate architectural descriptions were not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern religious texts, where divine blueprints for sacred structures conveyed legitimacy, sanctity, and the active presence of deity. The "cubit" mentioned was a standard unit of measurement, typically around 18-21 inches, emphasizing the tangible and precise nature of the divine plan, assuring the exiles that God's future restoration was concrete and meticulously planned.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous architectural specifications in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision") contribute to several overarching themes crucial to Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, **Divine Order and Precision** is paramount; every measurement and placement, including the "gallery against gallery in three stories," speaks to God's perfect design and meticulous planning for His sacred space, contrasting sharply with the chaos and destruction experienced by Israel. Secondly, the vision emphasizes **Holiness and Separation**, with distinct courts, chambers, and precise dimensions designed to maintain the sanctity required for God's presence and priestly service. These structures facilitated proper worship and underscored the purity necessary for approaching the Holy One. Finally, the entire temple vision functions as a powerful symbol of **Future Hope and Restoration**, promising God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His ultimate dwelling among them, echoing the prophetic assurances found in passages like [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and foreshadowing the ultimate new creation where God's presence is fully realized, as described in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gallery (Hebrew, _ʼattûwq'_):** From H862, meaning "a ledge or offset in a building," specifically referring to a gallery. In this context, it denotes a walkway, porch, or a series of chambers or colonnades. The repetition "gallery against gallery" (Hebrew, _ʼattûwq el ʼattûwq'_) emphasizes a stacked or parallel arrangement, suggesting multiple rows or levels of these structures. This word highlights the intricate, multi-level nature of the temple's surrounding chambers, indicating significant architectural complexity.
* **utter court (Hebrew, _chîytsôwn châtsêr'_):** Composed of H2435 (_chîytsôwn_), meaning "outer" or "exterior," and H2691 (_châtsêr_), meaning "a yard" or "court." This phrase precisely designates the outermost large open area of the temple complex, typically accessible to a broader population. Its mention here provides a crucial spatial reference point, indicating that the galleries were positioned directly opposite or alongside this external area, further defining the temple's complex layout and the distinction between sacred and less sacred spaces.
* **three stories (Hebrew, _shᵉlîyshîy'_):** From H7992 (_shᵉlîyshîy_), meaning "third" or "third-story cell." This term explicitly indicates a multi-tiered construction, with the galleries rising to three distinct levels. This detail is significant as it speaks to the grandeur, capacity, and functional complexity of the temple's auxiliary buildings, suggesting ample space for various priestly activities, storage, or other sacred purposes within the divine blueprint.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Over against the twenty [cubits] which [were] for the inner court":** This clause establishes the first precise spatial reference point for the galleries. It indicates that these structures were situated opposite or adjacent to a specific twenty-cubit wide area that belonged to the inner court. This precision highlights the meticulous planning and exact measurements of the visionary temple, ensuring every component had a defined and ordered relationship to the whole sacred complex.
* **"and over against the pavement which [was] for the utter court":** This second clause provides another crucial spatial reference, triangulating the location of the galleries. They were also positioned opposite or alongside the paved area of the outer court. This dual reference point helps to define the exact placement of these galleries, emphasizing their strategic position between the more sacred inner areas and the more public outer court, likely serving as a transitional or functional zone for the temple's operations.
* **"[was] gallery against gallery in three [stories].":** This final clause describes the primary architectural feature of the verse: the galleries themselves. The phrase "gallery against gallery" suggests a stacked or parallel arrangement, indicating multiple rows or levels of these structures. The explicit mention of "three stories" confirms their vertical dimension, implying a significant architectural feature designed for specific functions, such as priestly chambers, storage, or access ways, within the grand and complex temple design.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 42:3 is rich in **Architectural Imagery**, providing a precise, almost blueprint-like description of the temple's structure. The detailed measurements and spatial relationships ("over against the twenty cubits," "over against the pavement") create a vivid mental picture of a meticulously designed edifice, emphasizing the tangible reality and divine origin of the vision. The phrase "gallery against gallery" employs **Repetition** to underscore the stacked or parallel arrangement of these structures, reinforcing their multi-level and extensive nature. Furthermore, the entire temple vision, of which this verse is a part, functions as profound **Symbolism**. It symbolizes God's future dwelling with His people, His perfect order, and the restoration of His glory, providing hope and assurance in a time of exile and despair. The divine precision in the architectural details also serves as a symbol of God's absolute control and meticulous care over His creation and His covenant plans.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:3, with its precise architectural details, contributes to the overarching theological themes of God's divine order, holiness, and His unwavering desire to dwell among His people. The meticulousness of the temple's design underscores that God is a God of precision, purpose, and perfect planning, even in the midst of human chaos and destruction. The distinct chambers and courts, including these galleries, speak to the principle of separation for holiness, where every aspect of the sacred space is designed to facilitate proper worship and maintain the sanctity required for interaction with the Holy God. This vision, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, offering a tangible hope of restoration and renewed communion for a people in exile, pointing forward to a time when God's presence would be fully realized among His redeemed.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Tabernacle, Heavenly Pattern")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of Ezekiel 42:3, describing the precise placement and multi-storied nature of the temple galleries, invite us to reflect on God's profound attention to detail and His desire for order in all things, especially in matters pertaining to His presence and worship. While we no longer worship in a physical temple of stone, the spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us that God's plans are purposeful and meticulously crafted, encouraging us to trust in His sovereign design for our lives and for the church. It challenges us to consider how we, as the spiritual temple of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")), reflect His divine order, holiness, and precision in our walk, worship, and service. Just as every part of the temple had its place and purpose, so too does every believer have a unique and vital role within the body of Christ, contributing to the overall structure and function of God's dwelling place on earth. Our lives, individually and corporately, should be built with the same intentionality and reverence for God's holy presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's architectural plan for the temple challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways can we, as the spiritual temple of God, reflect divine order and precision in our personal lives and corporate worship?**
* **How does the concept of "gallery against gallery in three stories" inspire you to think about the multi-faceted and expansive nature of God's dwelling place among His people today?**

### FAQ

**What was the likely purpose of these "galleries" in the temple vision?**

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state their function, based on the context of the temple vision and ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, these "galleries" (chambers or colonnades) likely served various practical and sacred purposes. They could have been used as storage rooms for sacred vessels, priestly garments, or offerings; as preparation areas for sacrifices; as living quarters or offices for priests and Levites; or as spaces for teaching and instruction. Their multi-storied nature ("in three stories") suggests a significant capacity, indicating their importance in supporting the complex operations of the envisioned temple. The precise location "over against the inner court" and "over against the pavement which was for the utter court" implies they were integral to the flow and function of the temple complex, facilitating the sacred activities within its divinely ordained structure.

**Does the detailed description of this temple, including Ezekiel 42:3, imply a literal future temple?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the details in [Ezekiel 42:3](/ezekiel/42-3 "Ezekiel 42:3 - Description of Temple Galleries"), varies among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future, rebuilt temple in Jerusalem during a millennial reign of Christ. They argue that the extreme detail necessitates a physical fulfillment. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing God's renewed presence, perfect order, and the spiritual reality of the church or the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people without a physical temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). A third view suggests it might have been a conditional prophecy, outlining what could have been if Israel had fully repented, or that it is a blend of literal and symbolic elements. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the vision powerfully conveys God's unwavering commitment to dwelling with His people and establishing His perfect order and holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 42:3 describes a physical structure in a prophetic vision, its profound Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. The elaborate temple, with its precise measurements and distinct chambers, pointed forward to the reality that God desires to dwell with His people, a desire perfectly realized in Christ. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone edifice but of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the true sanctuary, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, far surpassing any earthly structure in glory and access to God's presence. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ opened a new and living way into the holiest of holies ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to the Holy Place")), fulfilling the purpose of all temple rituals and structures. Moreover, in Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual temple, becoming "living stones" built into a spiritual house where God dwells by His Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House") and [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone, Believers the Temple")). Thus, the meticulous order and design of Ezekiel's temple vision find their ultimate spiritual reality in the perfectly ordered and holy dwelling of God in Christ and His church, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's presence is so complete that no temple is needed ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

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 41:15

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

Ezekiel 41:16

The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows [were] covered;

Ezekiel 41:10

And between the chambers [was] the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

Song Of Solomon 1:17

The beams of our house [are] cedar, [and] our rafters of fir.

2 Chronicles 7:3

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Ezekiel 42:5

Now the upper chambers [were] shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building.

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.