Ezekiel 41 7

Ezekiel 41:7 kjv

And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.

Ezekiel 41:7 nkjv

As one went up from story to story, the side chambers became wider all around, because their supporting ledges in the wall of the temple ascended like steps; therefore the width of the structure increased as one went up from the lowest story to the highest by way of the middle one.

Ezekiel 41:7 niv

The side rooms all around the temple were wider at each successive level. The structure surrounding the temple was built in ascending stages, so that the rooms widened as one went upward. A stairway went up from the lowest floor to the top floor through the middle floor.

Ezekiel 41:7 esv

And it became broader as it wound upward to the side chambers, because the temple was enclosed upward all around the temple. Thus the temple had a broad area upward, and so one went up from the lowest story to the top story through the middle story.

Ezekiel 41:7 nlt

Each level was wider than the one below it, corresponding to the narrowing of the Temple wall as it rose higher. A stairway led up from the bottom level through the middle level to the top level.

Ezekiel 41 verses

Ezekiel 41 7 Meaning

Ezekiel 41:7 describes the construction of a side chamber in the new temple, noting a projection or offset that allowed for additional space. This verse continues the detailed architectural description of the temple complex, emphasizing its orderliness and precision. The offset's presence signifies intentional design and an expansion of the interior space, contributing to the functional capacity of the structure.

Ezekiel 41 7 Context

Ezekiel 41 is part of Ezekiel's extended vision of a restored temple. This vision, given during the prophet's exile in Babylon, provides a blueprint for a future sanctuary that signifies God's renewed presence among His people. The detailed architectural specifications, including the construction of side chambers, are meant to convey the holiness, order, and glory of God's dwelling place. This specific verse highlights an architectural feature, an offset, in the construction of these chambers, contributing to the overall structural integrity and design of the new temple. The emphasis on measurements and orderly construction underscores the meticulous nature of God's plan for His people and His house, a stark contrast to the disorder and sin that led to Jerusalem's destruction.

Ezekiel 41 7 Word Analysis

• וְשָׁלַח (weshalach): "and the wall did spread forth," or "and the wall projected." The waw (ו) indicates "and," connecting it to the previous description. The root word is שׁלח (shalach), meaning to send out, extend, stretch out, or thrust forth. Here, it describes an outward projection or extension of the inner wall of the side chambers.

• קִיר (qir): "wall." This is a standard term for a wall, referring to the masonry structure of the temple.

• הַצֶּלָע (hatstsela'): "the side chamber" or "the side." The definite article הַ (ha) precedes צלע (tsela'), meaning rib, side, or side chamber. This indicates it's a specific side chamber already mentioned or understood from the preceding verses.

• לִפְתִּי: "toward," "in order to," "for." This preposition indicates direction or purpose. Here, it signifies the direction or context of the wall's projection, specifically in relation to the side chamber's construction.

• יִמָּרֶה (yimmarah): "is joined," "is attached," or "is brought together." This is a Niphal passive verb from the root מרה (marah), which can mean to rebel or be stubborn. However, in this Niphal form, it implies being joined or united, suggesting that the projecting part of the wall was affixed or incorporated into the main structure of the side chamber. It emphasizes the integration of the offset with the chamber's design.

• words-group by words-group analysis data:

  • "and the wall did spread forth to the side chamber" - This phrase describes an outward extension of a wall specifically to accommodate or interact with the side chamber. The term "spread forth" or "projected" indicates a deliberate architectural element.
  • "and the wall was joined" - This emphasizes the integrated nature of this projection; it wasn't a separate entity but a part of the overall wall construction that was securely connected or "joined" to the side chamber's structure.

Ezekiel 41 7 Bonus Section

The concept of an "offset" or projection in the temple walls echoes features found in both the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, particularly in the construction of the side chambers (1 Kings 6:4-10). These chambers, like those described in Ezekiel's vision, provided additional space for various functions of the sanctuary. The divine instruction for such detailed and precise construction signifies that God's presence requires not just symbolic representation but also a physical, orderly, and sacred space. The prophet Ezekiel's detailed measurements are not mere architectural records but are intended to communicate the sanctity and perfection of God's covenant relationship with His people, which will be fully realized in the Messianic era and the eternal dwelling of God with humanity. The complexity and careful integration of these structural elements point towards the spiritual truths of a structured and perfect fellowship with God.

Ezekiel 41 7 Commentary

The offset in Ezekiel 41:7 highlights meticulous construction. It suggests an architectural enhancement designed to increase the usable space within the side chambers or to create a more aesthetically pleasing or structurally sound design. This detail underscores the divine order and precision in God's design for His dwelling place. In a symbolic sense, it can represent how God's plans often involve building upon existing foundations with new, integral additions, extending His presence and provision in ways that might not be immediately obvious but are essential to the overall structure.