Ezekiel 41 11

Ezekiel 41:11 kjv

And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.

Ezekiel 41:11 nkjv

The doors of the side chambers opened on the terrace, one door toward the north and another toward the south; and the width of the terrace was five cubits all around.

Ezekiel 41:11 niv

There were entrances to the side rooms from the open area, one on the north and another on the south; and the base adjoining the open area was five cubits wide all around.

Ezekiel 41:11 esv

And the doors of the side chambers opened on the free space, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south. And the breadth of the free space was five cubits all around.

Ezekiel 41:11 nlt

Two doors opened from the side rooms into the terrace yard, which was 8 3?4 feet wide. One door faced north and the other south.

Ezekiel 41 verses

Ezekiel 41 11 meaning

Ezekiel 41:11 provides specific architectural details concerning the side chambers of the visionary temple, particularly their access points and western dimension. It describes that these chambers possessed openings to both the north and the south, facilitating entry and movement. Furthermore, it specifies the breadth of the side chamber complex on its western side as seventy cubits, emphasizing the meticulous precision inherent in the divine blueprint for this sacred structure. This precise numbering underlines the deliberate and ordered nature of God's design.

Ezekiel 41 11 Context

Ezekiel 41:11 is part of a grand vision given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (around 573 BCE). Chapters 40-48 provide an extremely detailed architectural blueprint for a new temple and the surrounding complex, including its altars, gates, courts, and land divisions. This specific verse contributes to the description of the temple building itself, focusing on the chambers attached to its outer wall. The purpose of this vision was to give hope and assure the exiled Israelites of God's future restoration, the re-establishment of His presence among them, and the ultimate return to their land, culminating in a purified worship. The exhaustive detail signified the divine origin and importance of the vision, contrasting sharply with the defiled temple of Ezekiel's pre-exile prophecies and offering a new, perfectly ordered sanctuary for God's glory.

Ezekiel 41 11 Word analysis

• And the opening (וּפֶתַח - u·pethaḥ): Pethaḥ literally means "opening" or "entrance." In this context, it refers to a doorway or access point. Its inclusion emphasizes the functionality and connectivity of the various temple structures. This detail shows that the side chambers were not sealed units but integrated into the flow of the building.
• of the side chamber (הַצֵּלָע - ha·tsela’): Tsela’ means "rib" or "side." Here, it specifically denotes "side chamber" or "side room," as seen in 1 Kgs 6:5 for Solomon's temple. These chambers were likely for priestly functions, storage of holy articles, or housing attendants, similar to the structures observed in historical ancient Near Eastern temples, yet divinely ordered here. Their presence signifies the practical infrastructure needed for temple operations.
• that was toward the north (אֲשֶׁר אֶל־הַצָּפוֹן - ’asher el-hatz·tzaphon): This designates a specific direction of one opening. The four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) are crucial in the temple's layout, often symbolizing cosmic order or access points. The north held significance, sometimes associated with divine presence (e.g., Ps 48:2 "Mount Zion on the sides of the north").
• was one opening, and another opening (פֶּתַח אֶחָד וּפֶתַח - pethaḥ ’eḥaḏ u·pethaḥ): Repetition of "opening" reinforces the distinct existence of multiple access points. The number "one" specifies singular distinct entrances from these directions, not necessarily shared or continuous passages.
• toward the south (אֶל־הַדָּרוֹם - ’el-had·darom): Indicates the direction of the second opening. Symmetry or balance in structure often characterizes sacred architecture, and these twin openings (north and south) imply orderly flow and equal access/distribution for functional purposes.
• and the breadth (וְרֹחַב - wə·roḥav): Refers to the width or expanse. This highlights a dimensional measurement crucial for understanding the overall scale and structure. Divine architects in ancient cultures were considered precise, reflecting heavenly order.
• of the place of the side chamber (הַמָּקוֹם הַצֵּלָע - ham·maqom hatz·tsela’): "Place" (maqom) further specifies the area or locale of these chambers, clarifying that the breadth applies to the overall extent of the side chamber complex rather than just an individual room. It's the region these chambers occupied.
• toward the west (אֲשֶׁר אֶל־הַיָּם - ’asher el-hay·yam): Literally "that to the sea," referring to the Mediterranean Sea which was to the west of Israel. This denotes the western boundary or dimension of the side chambers, establishing another key coordinate for their placement.
• was seventy cubits (שִׁבְעִים אַמָּה - shiv‘îm ’ammah): "Seventy" (shiv‘îm) and "cubit" (ammah). The cubit was an ancient unit of length, approximately 18-21 inches (forearm length). This precise numerical value, seventy, adds to the exactitude of the architectural plan. In biblical numerology, seven often signifies completeness or perfection, implying divine exactitude in the structure's scale and design.

• The opening...north...one opening, and another opening toward the south: This grouping details the strategic positioning of entrances, signifying regulated and purposeful access to these auxiliary spaces from two primary, balanced directions. It suggests an organized flow of activity within the temple complex.
• the breadth of the place of the side chamber toward the west, was seventy cubits: This phrase focuses on the overall dimension of the side chambers along their western extent. The exact number "seventy cubits" underscores the divine precision and the specific nature of this visionary temple, differentiating it from an arbitrary, man-made construction. This precision speaks to the meticulousness of God's planning, leaving nothing to chance or human estimation in sacred matters.

Ezekiel 41 11 Bonus section

The extensive detail throughout Ezekiel 40-48, of which this verse is a part, has sparked much discussion among scholars regarding its interpretation:

• Literal vs. Symbolic: Some believe this describes a future, physical temple to be built during a millennial reign, while others see it as a symbolic representation of the church, the heavenly New Jerusalem, or a theological blueprint for ideal worship. The precision argues for literal interpretation for some, while the seemingly impractical scale and specific rituals lead others to see it as symbolic of God's perfect and ideal dwelling with humanity.
• Polemic against Idolatry: In Ezekiel's day, pagan temples often incorporated various chambers for storing idols, conducting immoral rites, or housing priests. By providing precise and sanctified details for these side chambers, Ezekiel's vision subtly establishes a divine counter-narrative, presenting a temple completely devoted to YHWH, with all components serving His holy purposes. The clear instructions and dimensions remove ambiguity, preventing any deviation toward syncretistic practices. The structured, ordered nature of God's dwelling contrasts sharply with the often chaotic or anthropomorphic representations of pagan cults.

Ezekiel 41 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 41:11 continues the intensely detailed architectural description of the visionary temple, highlighting the practicality and precision of its side chambers. The specific mention of north and south openings suggests well-defined circulation within the complex, essential for a functional house of worship, possibly for priests moving about their duties without interfering with the main sanctuary. The seventy-cubit breadth along the west emphasizes the grand scale and the divine order governing every dimension of this eschatological temple. This level of exactitude is not just a building specification but a theological statement about God's perfect plan, his desire for pure and orderly worship, and the enduring reality of his future dwelling among his people. It stands in stark contrast to human imperfection and corruption, providing a glimpse into a perfectly sanctified reality.