Ezekiel 42 12

Ezekiel 42:12 kjv

And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.

Ezekiel 42:12 nkjv

And corresponding to the doors of the chambers that were facing south, as one enters them, there was a door in front of the walk, the way directly in front of the wall toward the east.

Ezekiel 42:12 niv

were the doorways of the rooms on the south. There was a doorway at the beginning of the passageway that was parallel to the corresponding wall extending eastward, by which one enters the rooms.

Ezekiel 42:12 esv

as were the entrances of the chambers on the south. There was an entrance at the beginning of the passage, the passage before the corresponding wall on the east as one enters them.

Ezekiel 42:12 nlt

So there was an entrance in the wall facing the doors of the inner block of rooms, and another on the east at the end of the interior walkway.

Ezekiel 42 verses

Ezekiel 42 12 Meaning

The northern and southern wings of the priests' chambers in the vision of the restored temple are identified by their size and location. The northern wing measures fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits. The southern wing also measures fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits. This standardization signifies order and equality in the provision for those serving in the temple.

Ezekiel 42 12 Context

Ezekiel 42 describes the intricate measurements and specifications of the chambers within the visionary temple. Specifically, verse 12 details the dimensions of the northern and southern sanctuary chambers for the priests. These chambers are situated adjacent to the holy place and are distinct from the outermost chambers. The vision emphasizes order, holiness, and the proper provision for those who minister within God's presence. The previous verses (42:1-4) outline the dimensions of the inner court and the porch of the temple, setting the stage for the specific chambers designated for the priests. The purpose of these chambers was for the priests to lay aside the garments they wore for ministry in the sanctuary before coming into the outer court.

Ezekiel 42 12 Word Analysis

• and: (Hebrew: וְ - "ve") - A conjunction, connecting phrases or clauses, indicating sequence or addition.
• the : (Hebrew: הַ - "ha") - The definite article, specifying a particular noun.
• south : (Hebrew: נֶגֶב - "negev") - Refers to the southern direction or region. In this context, the southern side of the temple complex.
• chambers : (Hebrew: לְשָׁכֹת - "leshakhot") - Plural of "leshakah," meaning chamber, room, lodging. Refers to rooms designated for a specific purpose.
• and : (Hebrew: וְ - "ve") - Conjunction.
• the : (Hebrew: הַ - "ha") - Definite article.
• north : (Hebrew: צָפוֹן - "tsaphon") - Refers to the northern direction or region. In this context, the northern side of the temple complex.
• chambers : (Hebrew: לְשָׁכֹת - "leshakhot") - Plural of "leshakah," meaning chamber, room, lodging.
• for : (Hebrew: כִּי - "ki") - Conjunction, often translated as "because," "for," or "that." Here it introduces the reason for their existence or their identity.
• the : (Hebrew: הַ - "ha") - Definite article.
• sanctuary : (Hebrew: הַקֹּדֶשׁ - "ha-qodesh") - Literally "the holy" or "the sanctuary." Refers to the most sacred part of the temple.
• these : (Hebrew: אֵלֶּה - "elleh") - Plural demonstrative pronoun, pointing to the chambers just mentioned.
• were : Implied verb.
• of : (Hebrew: מִן - "min") - Preposition, indicating origin or separation.
• fifty : (Hebrew: חָמֵשׁ - "khamesh") - The number five. In combination with "thirty" (Hebrew: שְׁלֹשִׁים - "sh`loshim") or other numbers, it denotes a quantity. This indicates fifty cubits.
• cubits : (Hebrew: אַמָּה - "ammah") - An ancient unit of length, typically the distance from the elbow to the fingertips, varying but often around 18 inches.
• by : (Hebrew: בֵּין - "bein") - Preposition indicating between or in the midst of. Here it denotes a measurement between dimensions.
• twenty : (Hebrew: עֶשְׂרִים - "`esrim") - The number twenty.
• five : (Hebrew: חָמֵשׁ - "khamesh") - The number five.
• cubits : (Hebrew: אַמָּה - "ammah") - Unit of length.
• by : (Hebrew: בֵּין - "bein") - Preposition.
• twenty : (Hebrew: עֶשְׂרִים - "`esrim") - The number twenty.
• five : (Hebrew: חָמֵשׁ - "khamesh") - The number five.
• cubits : (Hebrew: אַמָּה - "ammah") - Unit of length.

Groups of Words Analysis:

• "the south chambers... and the north chambers...": Identifies the specific locations of these priests' rooms, indicating a balanced layout with provisions on both sides.
• "for the sanctuary": Denotes their purpose, linking them directly to the holy precincts of the temple, where priestly duties were performed.
• "fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits by twenty-five cubits": These are the dimensions. The initial fifty cubits likely represents the length, while the two sets of twenty-five cubits could indicate width and depth, or perhaps an inner and outer measurement of a particular space within these chambers. The precise interpretation of these sequential measurements can be debated among scholars regarding the internal structure of the chambers.

Ezekiel 42 12 Bonus Section

The precise meaning of "fifty cubits by twenty-five cubits by twenty-five cubits" within the context of the chambers' structure can be interpreted in a few ways:

1. Length x Width x Height: A common interpretation for architectural measurements.
2. Length x Depth of Chamber 1 x Depth of Chamber 2: If there were sub-divisions within these chambers.
3. Overall Length x Width x Projection/Depth: Relating to how these chambers protrude from a main structure.

Ezekiel's vision is detailed and prophetic, intended to reveal God's ideal for worship and His dwelling with His people, far beyond the post-exilic temple. The precision in measurements conveys a sense of divine order and meticulous planning, reflecting God's holiness and His attention to every detail in His service. This vision stands in contrast to the perceived corruptions and disorganization that had led to the exile.

Ezekiel 42 12 Commentary

The verse highlights a symmetrical design in the visionary temple's priests' quarters, with chambers of identical size on both the north and south sides of the sanctuary. This regularity emphasizes order, sanctity, and fairness in how the priests, who were servants of God, were housed and provided for. The specific dimensions (fifty by twenty-five by twenty-five cubits) suggest a functional space designed for resting and perhaps storing their consecrated garments. The proximity of these chambers to the sanctuary underscores their vital role in the priestly service. The measurements also provide concrete detail to the architectural vision, painting a clear picture of the temple's intended design, a design focused on holiness and the practical needs of its ministers. This mirrors the care God shows for His people, providing for them in an organized and abundant manner, echoing principles found throughout Leviticus and the organizational structure of the Levites in Chronicles.