Ezekiel 40:12 kjv
The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.
Ezekiel 40:12 nkjv
There was a space in front of the gate chambers, one cubit on this side and one cubit on that side; the gate chambers were six cubits on this side and six cubits on that side.
Ezekiel 40:12 niv
In front of each alcove was a wall one cubit high, and the alcoves were six cubits square.
Ezekiel 40:12 esv
There was a barrier before the side rooms, one cubit on either side. And the side rooms were six cubits on either side.
Ezekiel 40:12 nlt
In front of each of the guard alcoves was a 21-inch curb. The alcoves themselves were 10 1?2 feet on each side.
Ezekiel 40 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 40 | "... and the chamber thereof was a reed wide..." | Specifies a consistent measurement for a chamber's width. |
| Ezekiel 40 | "...and the foundation thereof a reed deep..." | Highlights the structural depth relative to the foundation. |
| Ezekiel 40 | "...with one reed between it and the inward wing." | Defines spacing between structures for architectural layout. |
| 1 Kings 6 | Solomon’s Temple had surrounding chambers for priests. | Parallel in temple architecture and its purpose. |
| 1 Kings 7 | Detailed measurements and construction of temple structures. | Similar focus on precise architectural specifications. |
| Jeremiah 17 | Curses for trusting in man rather than God, similar to outward adornment. | Contrasts dependence on God versus outward structures. |
| Psalm 92 | The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, symbolizing stability. | Connects foundation and flourishing growth. |
| Hebrews 11 | Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen. | Spiritual foundations are essential, not just physical. |
| 1 Corinthians 3 | We are God's temple; the foundation is Christ. | Christ as the ultimate foundation of the spiritual temple. |
| Ephesians 2 | Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. | The New Testament community built on apostolic teaching. |
| Revelation 21 | The New Jerusalem has foundations with precious stones. | Eschatological temple imagery, enduring foundations. |
| Revelation 21 | No temple in the New Jerusalem, for God is its temple. | Contrast with earthly temple’s function and symbolism. |
| John 2 | Jesus cleansed the temple, asserting divine authority. | Jesus' actions in the physical temple foreshadow His authority. |
| Matthew 5 | Jesus’ teaching on the Law shows adherence to God’s detailed commands. | Emphasis on precise obedience to divine will. |
| Leviticus 14 | Instructions for cleansing and rebuilding the house affected by leprosy. | Ritual cleansing and rebuilding in relation to purity. |
| Isaiah 28 | God lays a foundation stone in Zion. | God's sovereign foundation for His people. |
| Psalm 118 | The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. | Christ as the rejected, foundational stone. |
| Acts 4 | The apostles speak boldly, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. | Spiritual foundation enabling bold proclamation. |
| 1 Peter 2 | Like living stones, we are being built into a spiritual house. | Believers as building materials in God's spiritual temple. |
| Romans 9 | God’s sovereign choices, election of Jacob. | Divine selection and purpose in foundational aspects. |
| Haggai 2 | God’s promise to fill His house with glory, rebuilding the temple. | Encouragement for reconstruction and divine presence. |
| Zechariah 6 | Visions of rebuilding and restoring the temple and priesthood. | Prophetic messages concerning the temple’s future. |
| Isaiah 56 | Inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant and temple service. | Universal aspects of God's house and worship. |
| 1 Chronicles 28 | David’s preparations for the temple, entrusting Solomon. | God’s plan and provision for His house construction. |
Ezekiel 40 verses
Ezekiel 40 12 Meaning
This verse describes the construction of chambers built against the outer wall of the inner court. The measurements given (one reed, with a foundation one reed deep) specify the dimensions and placement of these chambers, indicating they were built directly upon the wall and extended inward. The foundation was made in relation to the wall itself.
Ezekiel 40 12 Context
Ezekiel chapter 40 marks the beginning of a vision where the prophet is shown a detailed depiction of a future temple. This vision comes after the destruction of the first and second temples, and after the Babylonian exile. The prophet is specifically shown the architectural layout and measurements of this new, idealized temple. The context is one of restoration and the re-establishment of God's presence among His people. The meticulous detail in the measurements emphasizes the perfection and holiness of God's dwelling place. This section sets the stage for understanding the divine order and purity expected in worship.
Ezekiel 40 12 Word Analysis
- אֶת־ (et-): A prefix indicating the definite object. It marks "the chamber" as specific.
- הַלִּשְׁכָּה (hallishkah): "the chamber." Refers to a specific room or structure. Found frequently in temple descriptions for various ancillary rooms.
- חָצָה (ḥaẓah): "half" or "part." This is a prepositional use indicating "half a reed."
- קָנֶה (qaneh): "reed" or "staff." Used here as a standard unit of measurement, likely about 13-14 feet, consistent with Ezekiel's measurement system.
- חֲצִי (ḥaẓi): "half." Precisely specifying half of the reed unit for the width.
- אֶת־ (et-): Again, marking the definite object.
- וְהַיְסוֹד (veyesod): "and the foundation." Refers to the base or lowest part of the structure being built.
- יָסֹד (yasod): "foundation."
- אַמָּה (ammah): "cubit," another unit of measurement. Though "reed" is the primary unit here, context implies a measurement for depth.
- אַמָּתַיִם (ammatayim): "two cubits." Specifies the depth in cubits. This indicates the foundation's thickness or rise relative to its base on the wall.
- בִּד־ (bid-): Preposition meaning "between."
- וּבֵין (uvein): "and between."
- קִיר (qir): "wall." The inner wall being referenced.
- הַקִּיר (haqqir): "the wall." Specific outer wall of the inner court.
- הַמִּבְצַק (hamivtzaq): "the inner (wing or enclosure)." The specific part of the wall system adjacent to the chambers.
Words Group Analysis:
- "a reed wide": This phrase highlights precise spatial dimensions, emphasizing the exactness of the architectural design.
- "and the foundation thereof a reed deep": This indicates the depth and substantial nature of the foundational structure of these chambers. The foundation being one reed deep suggests it was a significant structural element, possibly built onto or into the outer wall's base.
- "with one reed between it and the inward wing": This detail is crucial for understanding the layout, indicating a deliberate and measured space separating the chambers from an adjoining part of the inner court's structure, possibly a portico or another set of chambers. It ensures space and definition.
Ezekiel 40 12 Bonus Section
The measurement unit of "reed" (qaneh) is consistently used in this chapter (e.g., 40:3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 15, 21, 25, 32, 36, 41, 47, and chapter 41-43). Its deliberate application by the angelic guide in Ezekiel's vision signifies a celestial standard of measurement, a divine blueprint for His house. The consistent application points to uniformity and perfection in God’s plan for His temple and, by extension, for His people's worship. This detail is foundational for understanding the theological significance of the temple vision: it represents not just a building, but God's ultimate dwelling place, perfectly ordered and holy.
Ezekiel 40 12 Commentary
This verse, alongside its companions in Ezekiel 40, contributes to the overall picture of a perfect and divinely ordained temple. The specific measurements (half a reed width, a reed depth for the foundation) demonstrate the precision and holiness inherent in God's dwelling. These are not random constructions but parts of an intricately planned edifice. The repetition of "reed" as a measurement unit throughout chapter 40 underscores the standard of divine perfection being revealed. This vision, while symbolic and futuristic, serves to underscore the holiness of God and the need for order, purity, and precise adherence to His will in approaching Him. It's a contrast to the flawed, often disobedient worship of Israel’s past, offering a glimpse of a restored, holy communion.