Ezekiel 42 4

Ezekiel 42:4 kjv

And before the chambers was a walk to ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.

Ezekiel 42:4 nkjv

In front of the chambers, toward the inside, was a walk ten cubits wide, at a distance of one cubit; and their doors faced north.

Ezekiel 42:4 niv

In front of the rooms was an inner passageway ten cubits wide and a hundred cubits long. Their doors were on the north.

Ezekiel 42:4 esv

And before the chambers was a passage inward, ten cubits wide and a hundred cubits long, and their doors were on the north.

Ezekiel 42:4 nlt

Between the two blocks of rooms ran a walkway 17 1?2 feet wide. It extended the entire 175 feet of the complex, and all the doors faced north.

Ezekiel 42 verses

Ezekiel 42 4 Meaning

The verse describes the dimensions of chambers located to the north of the inner court and to the west of the outer court. These chambers were meant for the priests who served in the sanctuary. The "north" and "west" placement is significant in understanding the spatial organization of the visionary temple and the sacred roles associated with different areas.

Ezekiel 42 4 Context

Ezekiel chapter 42 is part of the visionary section of the book where the prophet is given detailed instructions and measurements for a new temple. This vision follows God's departure from the former temple (Ezekiel 10) due to Israel's sin, signifying God's dwelling with His people in a renewed and purified way. This specific verse fits into the description of the temple's courts and chambers, particularly those designated for the priests' use. The location of these chambers on the north side of the inner court and the west side of the outer court is consistent with the structured and ordered design of this visionary temple. The purpose is to delineate spaces for sacred service and ministry within the divine architecture. Historically, such chambers were crucial for the functional operations of the Levitical priesthood, providing space for rest, preparation, and the safeguarding of sacred items.

Ezekiel 42 4 Word Analysis

• The chambers (Uluw'oth - $\uacute\lambda\lambda\omicron\omega\theta$): Plural of "chamber," referring to separate rooms or apartments. In the context of the temple, these were designated spaces for specific functions, especially for the priests.
• that were toward the north (asher 'al-tsaphon - $\times\tilde{\epsilon}\rho \tilde{\alpha}\lambda \tau\sigma\alpha\pi\omega\nu$): "Toward the north." The cardinal direction is significant in temple symbolism, often denoting God's dwelling or a specific orientation. The north in ancient Near Eastern thought could sometimes be associated with celestial or divine realms.
• and the west (wa'gal 'eber - $\omega\dot{\alpha}\gamma\dot{\alpha}\lambda\tau\epsilon\beta\epsilon\rho$): "and the west." The combination of north and west delineates a specific quadrant of the temple complex, relevant to the internal organization and access points.
• also looked toward the toward the open court (gaqah al hahaz'e r qods qasharah - $\gamma\dot{\alpha}\alpha\lambda\alpha\lambda \alpha\lambda \alpha\tau\zeta\epsilon \rho \kappa\omega\delta\sigma \kappa\alpha\sigma\alpha\rho\alpha$): "also faced the holy court." This indicates the outward orientation of these chambers, looking towards the inner sacred precincts.
• one hundred cubits (me'ah 'ammah - $\mu\epsilon\dot{\alpha}\dot{\alpha}\mu\mu\alpha$): A unit of length, approximately 18 inches (45 cm). The measurement emphasizes the substantial size and grandeur of the chambers within this visionary temple.
• was the length thereof (oremah hîm - $\omega\rho\epsilon\mu\alpha\chi\eta\sigma\iota\mu$): "was its length." Referring to the dimension of the chambers.
• and fifty (wa`asarim - $\omega\alpha\alpha\sigma\alpha\rho\iota\mu$): "and fifty." Indicating a significant dimension, reinforcing the spaciousness.
• cubits the breadth thereof (ammah 'eth rahab-ah - $\dot{\alpha}\mu\mu\alpha \tau\eta \rho\alpha\chi\alpha\beta-\alpha$): "cubits its breadth." Another dimension of the chambers.
• and toward the north were toward the inward (w`al tzafon qodes shabaath - $\omega\alpha\alpha\lambda \tau\sigma\alpha\phi\omega\nu \kappa\omega\delta\sigma \sigma\alpha\beta\alpha\alpha\theta$): "and toward the north were toward the inward." This phrase reiterates the location relative to the north, connecting it to the inner sanctum.
• the temple court (haz'ezzer hapnimmiy - $\chi\alpha\zeta\epsilon\zeta\zeta\epsilon\rho \chi\alpha\pi\nu\mu\mu\iota\upsilon$): "the inner court." The most sacred area of the temple, to which these chambers are closely related in their outward orientation.
• and fifty cubits (wa`asarim 'amah - $\omega\alpha\alpha\sigma\alpha\rho\iota\mu \dot{\alpha}\mu\mu\alpha$): "and fifty cubits."
• was the length thereof (orem hahîm - $\omega\rho\epsilon\mu \alpha\chi\eta\sigma\iota\mu$): "was its length."
• and toward the west (w`al ma'arabh - $\omega\alpha\alpha\lambda \mu\alpha\alpha\rho\alpha\beta$): "and toward the west." Reinforcing the western orientation.
• was toward the outer court (huwa hahaz'er chuts - $\chi\upsilon\omega \chi\alpha\chi\alpha\zeta\epsilon\rho \chi\chi\upsilon\tau\sigma$): "was toward the outer court." Indicating its relationship to the exterior precincts of the temple complex.
• the court (ha'azarah - $\chi\alpha\alpha\zeta\alpha\rho\alpha$): "the court." General term for an enclosed area within the temple.

Words Group by Words Group Analysis:

• Chambers toward the north and west: This describes the specific location of these priests' chambers within the larger temple structure. The orientation is crucial in the divine plan and symbolizes a particular relationship or function within the sacred space.
• Looked toward the inward temple court and the outward court: This highlights the dual orientation of these chambers. They are part of the temple's outer structure but directly access or relate to the inner sacred court. This duality suggests a mediatorial role for the priests who would inhabit them.
• Dimensions of one hundred cubits length and fifty cubits breadth: The exact measurements emphasize the meticulous design and substantial size of these functional spaces, indicating they were more than mere shelters but well-appointed areas for service and sustenance.

Ezekiel 42 4 Bonus Section

The detailed measurements and spatial arrangements in Ezekiel's vision are not arbitrary. They serve to emphasize the holiness of God and the sanctity of His dwelling place. The orderliness of the temple reflects the divine order itself. The priests' chambers are described with precision, indicating that every aspect of worship and service within God's house is to be conducted with meticulous care and reverence. This vision also provides a blueprint for a future restored worship that is intended to be a beacon of God's presence among His people. The careful spatial distribution of functions within the temple, including the priests' living quarters, highlights that even the mundane aspects of life connected to service are consecrated and governed by divine principle. This visionary temple is a foreshadowing of a more perfect reality, a reality anticipated in the ministry of Christ, who Himself is the true Temple and the great High Priest, and ultimately in the eternal dwelling of God with redeemed humanity in the New Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 42 4 Commentary

Ezekiel 42:4 meticulously details the dimensions and orientation of the chambers intended for the priests within the visionary temple. The dimensions of 100 cubits long by 50 cubits broad underscore the grandeur and adequacy of these spaces, suitable for the service and provisions of the priesthood. Their positioning, looking toward the inner temple court from the outer court, signifies the transitional or mediatorial role of the priests. They are located within the broader temple complex (outer court) yet have direct access and focus on the most sacred areas (inner court). This arrangement reflects the biblical understanding of the priesthood as mediators between God and His people, equipped and situated to carry out their sacred duties. The specific cardinal directions (north and west) may carry symbolic weight, often associated with God's dwelling or presence, emphasizing that these chambers are proximate to the divine habitation. The careful measurement and description reflect the order and holiness required in God's dwelling place, a concept central to the entire visionary temple.