Ezekiel 42:6

KJV

For they [were] in three [stories], but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore [the building] was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they were in three {H8027} stories, but had not pillars {H5982} as the pillars {H5982} of the courts {H2691}: therefore the building was straitened {H680} more than the lowest {H8481} and the middlemost {H8484} from the ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the rooms were on three floors, and they didn't have columns like those in the courtyards; therefore space was taken away from the [rooms on the] lower and middle [floors], in comparison with the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

For they were arranged in three stories, and unlike the courts, they had no pillars. So the upper chambers were set back further than the lower and middle floors.

American Standard Version

For they were in three stories, and they had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the uppermost was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:6 provides a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a future temple, describing the unique construction of the side chambers. It explains that these chambers, built in three stories, lacked the traditional ground-up pillars seen in the temple courts. Consequently, the upper levels of these chambers were "straitened," or narrower, than the lower and middle stories, indicating a design where the upper floors were supported by ledges or offsets built into the thicker walls of the lower levels, optimizing space and structural integrity according to divine blueprint.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 42:6 is embedded within the lengthy and highly detailed temple vision found in [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"). Specifically, this verse falls within the description of the side chambers (or cells) that flanked the main temple building, detailed in [Ezekiel 42:1-12](/ezekiel/42-1 "Ezekiel 42:1-12 - Description of the Side Chambers"). These chambers were integral to the temple complex, serving as spaces for priests to store holy garments, eat holy portions, and prepare offerings, as later specified in [Ezekiel 42:13-14](/ezekiel/42-13 "Ezekiel 42:13-14 - Purpose of the Holy Chambers"). The meticulous architectural specifications, down to the support system of these ancillary rooms, underscore the divine origin and perfect order of the entire visionary structure, contrasting with the general descriptions of the main courts and gates.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of a new temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time when the first temple (Solomon's) had been destroyed and the people were far from their homeland. This context made the detailed blueprint a profound message of hope, restoration, and God's continued presence among His people. Ancient Near Eastern temples were often grand structures, typically employing large pillars for support and aesthetic grandeur. The specific design in Ezekiel 42:6, where upper stories are supported without independent ground-up pillars, suggests an innovative or specific functional design, possibly to maximize space at the lower levels or to signify a unique sacred purpose. The contrast with the "pillars of the courts" implies a distinction in function or holiness between the main public areas and these more restricted, priestly chambers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy. First, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every detail of His sacred dwelling, reinforcing the idea that His plans are perfectly designed and executed. This echoes the precise instructions given for the tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Second, it speaks to the theme of **Sacred Space and Holiness**, as the unique architectural features of these chambers emphasize their distinct purpose within a holy complex, set apart for priestly functions and consecrated items. Third, the "straitened" design subtly points to **Divine Ingenuity and Provision**, revealing a structural solution that optimizes space while maintaining integrity, even without conventional supports. This reflects God's ability to provide for His purposes in unique and effective ways, a theme seen throughout the book of Ezekiel, particularly in the restoration of Israel in [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Restoration of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **three (Hebrew, _shâlash'_):** This word indicates a triplicate structure, specifically referring to the "three stories" of the side chambers. The root suggests a sense of intensification or completion through triplication, emphasizing the full and complete nature of these levels within the temple design.
* **pillars (Hebrew, _ʻammûwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to stand," this term refers to a column or support. The verse explicitly states the absence of these traditional, freestanding supports for the upper stories of the side chambers, contrasting them with the "pillars of the courts" (H2691), which would have been conventional, load-bearing columns. This highlights the unusual and specific design of these chambers.
* **straitened (Hebrew, _ʼâtsal'_):** This word, from a root meaning "to join" or "to separate," and in this context, "to contract" or "to narrow," vividly describes the architectural consequence of the design. It implies that the upper stories were progressively narrower or set back from the lower ones, likely due to the support structure being built into the thickness of the walls below, creating ledges rather than external pillars.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they [were] in three [stories],"**: This clause establishes the vertical dimension of the side chambers, indicating that they comprised three distinct levels or floors. This multi-story construction was a significant feature of the temple's ancillary buildings.
* **"but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts:"**: This is a crucial comparative clause. It highlights a fundamental difference in the structural support of the side chambers compared to the more open, public areas of the temple courts. Unlike the courts, which presumably utilized traditional, freestanding pillars for support, the upper stories of these chambers were designed without such independent columns.
* **"therefore [the building] was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground."**: This clause explains the architectural consequence of the lack of traditional pillars. Because the upper stories did not have their own ground-up supports, they were built upon the thicker walls of the lower levels. This design necessitated that each successive story (middle and uppermost) was narrower or "straitened" than the one below it, creating a stepped or recessed profile as the building rose from the ground.

#### Literary Devices
The passage makes significant use of **Precision and Detail**, which is a defining characteristic of [Ezekiel's temple vision](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision"). The meticulous description of architectural measurements and structural nuances, even down to the support system of ancillary chambers, emphasizes the divine origin and perfect order of the blueprint. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the "pillars of the courts" and the unique, pillar-less design of the side chambers, highlighting the distinct function and structural ingenuity of the latter. This architectural specificity, while seemingly mundane, serves as **Symbolism** for God's comprehensive knowledge, His meticulous planning, and the absolute holiness and order required for His dwelling place. Every detail, no matter how small, is part of a grand, divinely ordained design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:6, though a technical architectural detail, profoundly speaks to God's meticulous nature and the divine blueprint for holiness. It reveals that God's plans are not vague but intricately designed, down to the very support structures of a sacred building. This level of detail underscores the importance of order, precision, and intentionality in God's work, particularly concerning His dwelling place and the sacred functions performed within it. The "straitened" design, a practical solution for space and support, illustrates divine ingenuity and the principle that even limitations can be incorporated into a perfect design, serving a specific purpose. This visionary temple, with its precise dimensions and unique features, serves as a tangible representation of God's perfect order and His desire for a people and a place wholly consecrated to Him.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle"): "According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
* [1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David's Temple Plan from God"): "All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern."
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly"): "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous architectural details in Ezekiel 42:6, though seemingly obscure, offer profound insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. They remind us that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. Every aspect of His divine plan, whether for a visionary temple or for the lives of His people, is carefully considered and purposefully designed. This verse challenges us to consider the "architecture" of our own lives and spiritual walk. Are we building on a foundation of divine instruction, or are we haphazardly constructing? Just as the temple's structure was entirely dependent on divine instruction and provision, so too are believers called to build their lives on a solid, divinely appointed foundation. This calls us to trust in God's perfect design for us, even when it involves "straitened" circumstances or unconventional paths, knowing that He is working all things together for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to architectural detail in Ezekiel's vision challenge my perception of His involvement in the "small" details of my own life?**
* **In what ways might my life or spiritual practices be "straitened" or limited, and how can I trust God's design even within those constraints?**
* **What "foundations" am I building my life upon, and how does this verse encourage me to seek God's precise blueprint for my spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a technical architectural detail important for a prophetic book like Ezekiel?**

Answer: This technical detail is crucial because it underscores the divine origin and absolute authority of the temple vision. The meticulousness of the blueprint, down to the unique support system of the side chambers, demonstrates that this is not a human invention but a divinely revealed pattern. It emphasizes God's precision, order, and the sacredness of the space He ordains. For an exiled people, it offered a tangible, detailed promise of future restoration and God's renewed presence, highlighting that God's plans are concrete and perfectly designed, even if not immediately understood in their entirety. It also contrasts with the destroyed temple, showing a new, perfect design from God.

**Is the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 meant to be a literal building, or is it purely symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision is complex and debated among scholars. Some believe it describes a literal temple to be built in the future, possibly during the millennium, given its precise measurements and details that do not perfectly align with any historical temple. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing God's ideal dwelling among His people, the perfect order of His kingdom, or the spiritual realities of the New Covenant. A third view sees it as a combination of both, a literal blueprint with profound symbolic meaning. Regardless of the exact interpretation, the level of detail, as seen in [Ezekiel 42:6](/ezekiel/42-6 "Ezekiel 42:6 - Description of Temple Chambers"), emphasizes its divine origin and the importance of God's presence and holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's visionary temple, with its meticulous design and emphasis on holiness, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the physical structure described in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision") points to a future reality, its deeper theological significance is realized in the person and work of Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the true temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," referring to His body. Just as the side chambers in Ezekiel's vision were precisely designed for sacred purposes and priestly functions, Christ's body—both physical and spiritual (the Church)—is perfectly designed by God to be the dwelling place of His Spirit and the locus of true worship. The "straitened" design, where upper levels are supported by the lower, can be seen as a shadow of Christ's foundational role; He is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of God's people is built. In Him, God's presence is truly among humanity, and through His sacrifice, the way into the holiest of holies is opened ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ")). The precision of the temple blueprint foreshadows the perfect, divine plan of salvation accomplished through Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling among His people, embodying all the holiness and order that the visionary temple represented.

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 41:6

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.

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.