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Ezekiel 40:6

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Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, [which was] one reed broad; and the other threshold [of the gate, which was] one reed broad.

Then came {H935} he unto the gate {H8179} which looketh {H6440} toward {H1870} the east {H6921}, and went up {H5927} the stairs {H4609} thereof, and measured {H4058} the threshold {H5592} of the gate {H8179}, which was one {H259} reed {H7070} broad {H7341}; and the other {H259} threshold {H5592} of the gate, which was one {H259} reed {H7070} broad {H7341}.

He went to the east gate, climbed its steps and measured one of the gate's doorposts at ten-and-a-half feet wide and the other one the same.

Then he came to the gate facing east and climbed its steps. He measured the threshold of the gate to be one rod deep.

Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the steps thereof: and he measured the threshold of the gate, one reed broad; and the other threshold, one reed broad.

Commentary

Ezekiel 40:6 marks a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's profound vision of a future temple, where an angelic guide begins the precise measurement of its various components. This verse specifically focuses on the initial measurements of the East Gate, a significant structure within the temple complex.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy and intricate vision described in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. After the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites to Babylon, God grants Ezekiel a vision of a new, meticulously detailed temple. This vision serves as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring presence among His people. The act of measuring signifies divine order, precision, and the sacredness of the structure, emphasizing that this temple is built according to God's exact specifications, not human design.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The repeated emphasis on specific measurements (like "one reed broad") highlights God's meticulousness in planning and executing His redemptive purposes. Every detail matters in His divine blueprint.
  • The Significance of the East Gate: The East Gate holds particular theological importance. In earlier visions, God's glory had departed from the temple through the East Gate, and later, His glory is prophesied to return through this very gate. Its measurement here signifies preparation for His sacred presence.
  • Restoration and Hope: For the exiled Israelites, this vision of a new, perfect temple offered immense hope, promising a future where God would dwell among them again in holiness and glory.

Linguistic Insights

The term "reed" (Hebrew: qaneh) refers to a standard unit of measurement in ancient times, typically six cubits, or approximately 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). The repetition of "one reed broad" for both thresholds underscores the exactness of the specifications, leaving no room for human error or deviation from the divine plan.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 40:6 reminds believers that God is a God of order and purpose. Just as He had a precise design for the temple, He has a meticulous plan for His creation and for the lives of His people. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect design and to seek His specific guidance in our own lives, understanding that His ways are always precise and purposeful. It also foreshadows a time of complete restoration and divine presence, offering comfort and hope for the future, much like the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, which is also meticulously described.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 8:16 (4 votes)

    And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.

  • Ezekiel 43:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Afterward he brought me to the gate, [even] the gate that looketh toward the east:

  • Ezekiel 40:20 (3 votes)

    And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.

  • Jeremiah 19:2 (3 votes)

    And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which [is] by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,

  • 1 Chronicles 9:24 (3 votes)

    In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

  • Ezekiel 10:18 (3 votes)

    Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.

  • 1 Kings 6:8 (3 votes)

    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.