Ezekiel 46:19

KJV

¶ After he brought me through the entry, which [was] at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there [was] a place on the two sides westward.

KJV (with Strong's)

After he brought {H935} me through the entry {H3996}, which was at the side {H3802} of the gate {H8179}, into the holy {H6944} chambers {H3957} of the priests {H3548}, which looked {H6437} toward the north {H6828}: and, behold, there was a place {H4725} on the two sides {H3411} westward {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, he brought me through the entry at the side of the gate into the holy rooms facing north that were for the cohanim. At their far west end I saw a place

Berean Standard Bible

Then the man brought me through the entrance at the side of the gate into the holy chambers facing north, which belonged to the priests, and he showed me a place there at the far western end

American Standard Version

Then he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers for the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there was a place on the hinder part westward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:19 continues the prophet's guided tour through the visionary temple, meticulously detailing the architectural layout and designated areas within the sacred complex. This verse specifically describes the precise entry point and location of the holy chambers reserved for the priests, emphasizing their exact orientation and placement within the temple's northern and western sections. This meticulous description underscores the divine order, sanctity, and functional precision inherent in God's dwelling place, highlighting the careful separation required for those who minister before Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive temple vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple"), which forms the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy. Following the initial grand overview and detailed measurements of the outer and inner courts (e.g., [Ezekiel 40-42](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-42 - Temple Measurements and Courts")), Ezekiel is now being led into the more restricted and holy areas. The progression from the general gates and courts to the specific chambers for the priests signifies an increasing focus on the functionality and sanctity of the temple's inner workings, particularly concerning those who minister before God. The meticulous architectural blueprint serves not merely as a physical description but as a profound theological statement about God's perfect order, His demand for holiness, and the future restoration of His glorious presence among His people, culminating in the departure and return of God's glory in [Ezekiel 43](/ezekiel/43 "Ezekiel 43 - The Return of God's Glory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national despair for the Israelites. The destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem (recounted in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple")) left the people without their central place of worship and a tangible symbol of God's presence. In this context, Ezekiel's vision of a new, glorious, and perfectly ordered temple served as a powerful message of hope and future restoration. It provided a divine blueprint for a renewed covenant relationship and the re-establishment of proper worship, contrasting sharply with the defilement that led to the first temple's destruction. The concept of "holy chambers" for priests was familiar from the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, where such spaces were used for storing sacred items, changing priestly garments, and consuming holy portions of offerings, underscoring the vital need for ritual purity and separation for those serving God.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 46:19](/ezekiel/46-19 "Ezekiel 46:19 - Priests' Holy Chambers and Their Location") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the broader temple vision. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, as every detail, from entry points to directional orientation, is meticulously specified, reflecting God's absolute sovereignty and His perfect design for worship. This aligns with the overarching theme of God's meticulous planning seen throughout the vision, from the detailed measurements in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") to the precise instructions for offerings and festivals in [Ezekiel 45-46](/ezekiel/45 "Ezekiel 45-46 - Ordinances for the Prince and Priests"). Secondly, the mention of "holy chambers" underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that God's presence demands purity and that certain spaces and individuals are set apart for sacred service. This aligns with the declaration in [Ezekiel 43:12](/ezekiel/43-12 "Ezekiel 43:12 - The Law of the Temple's Holiness") that "the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy." Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **Preparation for Sacred Service**, as these chambers were essential for the priests to prepare themselves, store their holy garments, and handle the sacred offerings, ensuring that all aspects of worship were conducted with the utmost reverence and according to divine protocol, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 42:13](/ezekiel/42-13 "Ezekiel 42:13 - Purpose of the Holy Chambers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** (H6944) This term signifies something set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to God. In the context of "holy chambers," it emphasizes that these rooms are not ordinary spaces but are imbued with sanctity, designated exclusively for sacred purposes related to the priests' duties and the handling of holy things. It points to the intrinsic nature of God's dwelling and the purity required within its precincts, highlighting that the very space is sanctified by divine decree.
* **chambers (Hebrew, _lishkâh'_):** (H3957) This word refers to a room or cell within a building, often used for storage, eating, or lodging. Here, it specifies the physical structures where the priests would perform their preparatory and post-service functions, such as changing into holy garments, storing sacred items, and partaking of the holy portions of sacrifices. The specific mention of "chambers" indicates functional spaces integral to the daily operations of the temple, designed to facilitate the meticulous and pure execution of priestly duties.
* **place (Hebrew, _mâqôwm'_):** (H4725) This general term denotes a specific standing or locality, a designated spot. Its use here, "there was a place on the two sides westward," further emphasizes the precise and defined nature of the vision. It indicates a designated area within or adjacent to the chambers, reinforcing the meticulous detail of the architectural blueprint and the intentionality behind every element of the temple's design, leaving nothing to chance or human discretion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After he brought me through the entry, which [was] at the side of the gate":** This clause describes Ezekiel's guided movement into a specific access point within the temple complex. The "entry" (mâbôwʼ) signifies a designated passage, and its location "at the side of the gate" indicates a controlled and specific route into the more sacred areas. This highlights the ordered progression within the visionary sanctuary, emphasizing that access to holy spaces is not haphazard but strictly regulated according to divine design.
* **"into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north":** This specifies the destination of Ezekiel's tour: the sacred rooms reserved exclusively for the priests. The description "holy chambers" (lishkâh qôdesh) immediately conveys their consecrated nature and their purpose for sacred service. The directional orientation "toward the north" is crucial, as cardinal directions in temple architecture often held symbolic or functional significance, indicating a precise and divinely ordained layout that dictated the flow of worship and the placement of various ritual activities.
* **"and, behold, there [was] a place on the two sides westward.":** This final clause provides further precise spatial information, detailing a specific "place" (mâqôwm) within or adjacent to these chambers. The phrase "on the two sides westward" (yᵉrêkâh yâm) indicates a location towards the western extremities or flanks of these chambers, possibly a storage area for instruments or garments, or a specific functional space for the priests. This reinforces the extraordinary level of detail in Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing the divine blueprint's comprehensive nature and the intentionality behind every element of the temple's design.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [Ezekiel 46:19](/ezekiel/46-19 "Ezekiel 46:19 - Priests' Holy Chambers") and the surrounding chapters is **Architectural Detail**, presented with an almost obsessive precision. Every measurement, direction, and functional space is meticulously laid out, creating a vivid mental blueprint of the visionary temple. This detailed description serves not merely as a technical drawing but as a form of **Symbolism**, where the physical structure represents divine order, holiness, and the future restoration of God's presence among His people. The specificity of the "entry," "holy chambers," and directional cues like "north" and "westward" transforms the abstract concept of God's dwelling into a tangible, albeit visionary, reality. Furthermore, the entire passage is a prime example of **Visionary Literature**, a genre common in prophetic books, where divine truths are conveyed through symbolic or literal visions, designed to inspire hope, convey profound theological principles, and reveal future events that transcend immediate historical circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:19, with its meticulous description of the priests' holy chambers, profoundly emphasizes God's nature as a God of order, holiness, and intentional design. The very existence of such specific, consecrated spaces underscores the principle that access to God and service within His presence are not casual but require careful preparation, purity, and adherence to divine protocol. This vision, while literal for a future temple for some, speaks to the timeless theological truth that God is utterly holy and demands holiness from those who draw near to Him. It highlights the importance of separation from the profane and dedication to the sacred, not just in physical spaces but in the lives of those who serve Him. The detailed blueprint also points to God's ultimate plan for restoration and the re-establishment of perfect worship, where every aspect is divinely ordained and purposeful, reflecting His glory and character.

* [Exodus 29:30](/exodus/29-30 "Exodus 29:30 - Priestly Garments and Consecration"): "And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons' after him, to be anointed therein, and to be consecrated in them."
* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Holy from Unholy"): "And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;"
* [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of a Greater Sanctuary"): "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed architectural precision of [Ezekiel 46:19](/ezekiel/46-19 "Ezekiel 46:19 - Priests' Holy Chambers") serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, purpose, and absolute holiness. While we no longer serve in a physical temple with specific chambers for ritual purity, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As New Testament believers, we are called a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), implying that our entire lives are to be set apart for God's service. This means cultivating an inner "holy chamber" of the heart, where we prepare ourselves through prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and sincere confession, so that our worship and daily lives are pleasing to Him. The meticulousness of the vision challenges us to approach our spiritual walk with intentionality and reverence, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), and therefore, every part of our being should reflect God's holiness and order. Our preparation for "sacred service" now involves spiritual disciplines and a commitment to living a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's design for the temple challenge or affirm your understanding of His character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what ways can believers today cultivate an attitude of "holiness and separation" in their daily lives, even without a physical temple structure?**
* **What does "preparation for sacred service" look like for a New Testament believer, and how can we be more intentional about dedicating our lives and actions to God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the precise directions (north and westward) mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The precise directional cues in [Ezekiel 46:19](/ezekiel/46-19 "Ezekiel 46:19 - Priests' Holy Chambers") are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they underscore the **literal and tangible nature** of Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing that this is a real, albeit future, architectural blueprint, not a vague symbolic representation. Secondly, in ancient temple design, cardinal directions often held **functional and ritualistic importance**. For example, the "north" side was commonly associated with the slaughter of certain sacrifices in the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple ([Leviticus 1:11](/leviticus/1-11 "Leviticus 1:11 - Slaughter of Burnt Offering on the North Side")), and the "westward" direction generally faced the Most Holy Place, the most sacred area. Thus, these directions indicate a highly ordered and purposeful layout, ensuring that all priestly functions could be carried out efficiently and according to divine command, maintaining the sanctity of the entire complex and reflecting God's absolute precision in all matters of worship.

**Is the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 a literal future temple or a symbolic vision?**

Answer: The interpretation of the temple in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision") is a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. Many conservative scholars interpret it as a **literal temple** that will be built in Jerusalem during the millennial reign of Christ, based on the extreme detail of the architectural plans, which seems too specific for mere symbolism. They argue that it represents the re-establishment of worship during a future earthly kingdom, fulfilling unfulfilled prophecies related to Israel. Other scholars view it primarily as a **symbolic vision**, representing the perfect spiritual worship of God's people, the ideal church, or a spiritual reality in the new heavens and new earth, arguing that literal animal sacrifices would be incongruous after Christ's ultimate sacrifice. However, even those who hold a literal view acknowledge its profound symbolic implications for God's holiness, His desire for perfect worship, and the restoration of His presence among His people. The meticulous details in verses like [Ezekiel 46:19](/ezekiel/46-19 "Ezekiel 46:19 - Priests' Holy Chambers") lend strong support to the idea of a concrete, divinely ordained structure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed description of the priests' holy chambers in [Ezekiel 46:19](/ezekiel/46-19 "Ezekiel 46:19 - Priests' Holy Chambers") finds its ultimate fulfillment and transcendence in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple and its visionary counterpart in Ezekiel emphasized physical spaces, ritual purity, and a separated priesthood for access to God, the New Covenant reveals that Christ Himself is the true and ultimate Temple. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus offered a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) that renders the need for repeated animal sacrifices and their associated priestly rituals obsolete. He is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who has passed through the heavens and entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not made with human hands ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of a Greater Sanctuary")), thereby providing direct and unhindered access to God for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). The meticulous preparation and holy chambers for priests in Ezekiel foreshadow the perfect holiness and complete preparation of Christ, who, by His perfect life and atoning death, fully satisfied the demands of God's holiness, making us, His followers, a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) called to offer spiritual sacrifices ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Works")) in the true temple, which is the body of Christ and His church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Church as the Temple")).

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 42:9

And from under these chambers [was] the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court.

Ezekiel 44:4

¶ Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.

Ezekiel 44:5

And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 40:44

And without the inner gate [were] the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which [was] at the side of the north gate; and their prospect [was] toward the south: one at the side of the east gate [having] the prospect toward the north.

Ezekiel 40:46

And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.