Ezekiel 40 33

Ezekiel 40:33 kjv

And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

Ezekiel 40:33 nkjv

Also its gate chambers, its gateposts, and its archways were according to these same measurements; and there were windows in it and in its archways all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

Ezekiel 40:33 niv

Its alcoves, its projecting walls and its portico had the same measurements as the others. The gateway and its portico had openings all around. It was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

Ezekiel 40:33 esv

Its side rooms, its jambs, and its vestibule were of the same size as the others, and both it and its vestibule had windows all around. Its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth twenty-five cubits.

Ezekiel 40:33 nlt

Its guard alcoves, dividing walls, and entry room were the same size as those of the others, and there were windows along the walls and in the entry room. The gateway passage measured 87 1?2 feet long and 43 3?4 feet wide.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 33 meaning

Ezekiel 40:33 describes specific dimensions and structural elements of an inner gate within the visionary temple complex. It details the width of the entrance leading into this gate, stating it was five cubits. It then specifies that the small guard chambers flanking this entrance also measured five cubits on each side. Finally, it notes that the dimensions of the arches or porticoes were consistent with the overall established measurement for the gate structure, implying a uniformity of design within the complex. This verse provides precise architectural details crucial to understanding the meticulously revealed blueprint for God's future dwelling.

Ezekiel 40 33 Context

Ezekiel chapter 40 marks a significant shift in the prophet's visions. Following prophecies of judgment, restoration, and the return of God's glory, Ezekiel is transported in vision to a very high mountain in the land of Israel, where he sees "the structure of a city." An angelic guide (often understood as a manifestation of the Lord Himself) then meticulously shows Ezekiel the plan for a new, divinely designed temple complex. This vision occurs in 573 BC, twenty-five years after Ezekiel's exile and fourteen years after Jerusalem's fall, a time when the physical temple lay in ruins. The details provided, including those in verse 33, are intensely specific architectural measurements for the outer wall, gates, courtyards, and various chambers, signaling a future, perfect, and purified place of worship for a restored Israel. This level of detail emphasizes the holiness and distinctness of God's presence and His desire for proper worship, in contrast to the desecrated former temple.

Ezekiel 40 33 Word analysis

• And the width: (Hebrew: wərōḥav - וְרֹחַב)
  • wə- (וְ): Conjunction "and," indicating continuity and addition of another dimension or feature in the description.
  • rōḥav (רֹחַב): Noun, meaning "width" or "breadth." This term highlights a core dimension being specified for the entrance. In architectural visions, precise dimensions emphasize divine intention and exactness.
• of its entrance: (Hebrew: hammaḇô'- הַמְבֹאוּ)
  • ha- (הַ): Definite article "the."
  • məḇô’ (מְבֹא): Noun, "entrance" or "approach." Derived from the verb bô’ (בּוֹא) meaning "to come in," "to enter." This refers specifically to the gateway leading into the gate complex. The exact measurement underscores that access to God's dwelling is regulated and intentional.
• was five cubits; (Hebrew: ḥāmēš ʼammōt - חָמֵשׁ אַמּוֹת)
  • ḥāmēš (חָמֵשׁ): Numeral, "five." A common number in biblical architectural descriptions, often associated with concepts of divine grace or human responsibility. In temple contexts, "five" can relate to elements of atonement and sacrifice.
  • ʼammōt (אַמּוֹת): Noun, plural of ʼammāh (אַמָּה), "cubit." A cubit was a unit of measurement, roughly from the elbow to the fingertip (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). The mention of exact cubit measurements signifies divine exactitude and importance.
• and its side chambers: (Hebrew: wəta’āv - וְתָאָו)
  • wə- (וְ): "and."
  • tā’ (תָּא): Noun, "cell," "chamber," "guardroom." These were small rooms within the gate structure, likely for guards or priestly use, signifying restricted access and sanctity. Their inclusion shows a complete functional and holy design.
  • -av (-ָאוּ): Possessive suffix "its."
• were five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side; (Hebrew: ḥāmēš baḥāmēš mizzew lazzew - חָמֵשׁ בַּחֲמֵשׁ מִזֶּה לָזֶּה)
  • ḥāmēš baḥāmēš: Literally "five by five," indicating their square dimensions (length and width). The repetition emphasizes symmetrical precision.
  • mizzew lazzew (מִזֶּה לָזֶּה): Idiomatic phrase meaning "on this side and on that side," denoting symmetry and equal measurements. This stresses the perfectly balanced and orderly design of the divine temple.
• and its arches: (Hebrew: wĕ’êlammaw - וְאֵילַמָּו)
  • wə- (וְ): "and."
  • ’êlām (אֵילָם): Noun, "porch," "portico," "vestibule." These are covered entrances or hall-like structures leading into or within the gate complex. This architectural element indicates a more elaborate and functional entry than a simple opening.
  • -aw (-ָו): Possessive suffix "its."
• were according to the measure of the gate house: (Hebrew: kamiddat šaʿar - כְּמִדַּת שָׁעַר)
  • kə- (כְּ): Preposition, "according to," "as the." Signifies adherence to a standard.
  • middat (מִדַּת): Noun, "measure," "dimension," "pattern." Indicates a prescribed standard or template.
  • šaʿar (שָׁעַר): Noun, "gate," or in this context, the entire "gatehouse" or "gate structure." This implies that the arches conformed to the established module or pattern for the gate as a whole, demonstrating harmonious and consistent divine design throughout the entire complex.

Ezekiel 40 33 Bonus section

The "five cubits" measurement repeated throughout Ezekiel's Temple vision is significant. While directly providing dimensions for a physical structure, numbers in prophetic literature often carry symbolic weight. Five, for instance, appears in various contexts related to God's law (e.g., five books of Moses), offerings (e.g., five main sacrifices in Leviticus), or as a numerical marker in other prophetic passages. The meticulous detail in the architectural dimensions of Ezekiel's temple suggests that this structure represents a future reality – whether a literal rebuilding, an eschatological dwelling, or a spiritual temple of the new covenant community. The precise measurements contrast with the casual and often corrupt worship practices that led to the destruction of the first temple, emphasizing a future marked by holiness, exact obedience, and purity of worship. The overall impression from such granular descriptions is one of divine purpose, meticulous planning, and an unwavering standard for a consecrated space meant for the manifestation of God's glory.

Ezekiel 40 33 Commentary

Ezekiel 40:33 offers a glimpse into the painstaking detail of the temple vision, emphasizing divine order, precision, and sanctity. The recurring "five cubits" signifies both regularity and, possibly, symbolic connection to concepts of grace, divine power, or elements tied to covenant and service within a holy context. The specification of symmetrical side chambers underscores the controlled access and sacredness of the space, possibly serving as guardrooms to protect the holy precincts from impurity or as offices for priestly administration. The mention of the arches conforming to the "measure of the gate house" speaks to a grand, integrated architectural scheme. Nothing in God's holy dwelling is haphazard; every element is proportioned according to His exact will, reflecting His perfect character. This attention to detail teaches about the importance of integrity, order, and adherence to divine standards in worship and ministry. The entire vision serves not only as a blueprint but also as an indictment against the past failures of Israel and a promise of a future where God's presence is truly honored in a holy place, providing a spiritual object lesson in the perfection and precision demanded by a holy God.