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

Ezekiel 42:4 provides a precise architectural detail of the envisioned temple complex. It describes a designated "walk" or walkway located "before" or in front of the northern chambers designated for the priests. This pathway had a significant breadth of ten cubits and was situated "inward," meaning it was part of the interior design closer to the main structure. It further mentions "a way of one cubit," which likely specifies an access point, a distinct narrower passage within the broader walk, or clarifies a measurement related to its entry. Crucially, the verse states that the doors providing entry into these chambers were oriented directly "toward the north." This level of detail highlights the divinely ordained precision and order of the new temple's construction and functionality, particularly concerning the access and layout for priestly service.

Ezekiel 42 4 Context

Ezekiel 42 is part of Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new, ideal temple (chapters 40-48), given to him during the Babylonian exile. This vision provided hope and a blueprint for a future, renewed worship and relationship with God. Specifically, chapter 42 details the layout and dimensions of the "holy chambers" designated for the priests, situated both to the north and south of the main temple structure. Verse 4 fits into this architectural description by specifying a particular walkway preceding the northern chambers, indicating its breadth, inner position, and the northward orientation of the doors to those rooms. Historically, this vision contrasted sharply with the destroyed Temple of Solomon, offering a detailed and divine plan for what was to come, underscoring God's meticulous care for sacred space and worship.

Ezekiel 42 4 Word analysis

• And before the chambers (וְלִפְנֵי הַלִּשְׁכּוֹת - ūlip̄nê halīšḵôṯ): "Lip̄nê" (לִפְנֵי) means "in front of" or "before," indicating spatial relation. "Līšḵâ" (לִשְׁכָּה), plural "līšḵôṯ," refers to chambers or rooms, specifically associated with the temple and often for priestly use (as confirmed in Ez 42:13). This sets the scene for access to these important, dedicated spaces.
• was a walk (הָלוֹךְ - hālûḵ): This noun, derived from the verb "to walk," signifies a pathway, corridor, or passage. It indicates an intentional route for movement within this sacred complex.
• of ten cubits' breadth (עֶשֶׂר אַמָּה רֹחַב - ʿeśer ʾammāh rōḥab): "ʿEśer" (עֶשֶׂר) is ten; "ʾammāh" (אַמָּה) is a cubit (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm); "rōḥab" (רֹחַב) means breadth or width. This precise dimension emphasizes the substantial and orderly nature of this pathway, perhaps allowing for dignified movement or even specific priestly processions. The number ten often symbolizes completeness and divine order (e.g., Ten Commandments).
• inward (הַפְּנִימִי - happnîmî): An adjective meaning "inner" or "interior." It specifies the position of the walkway, suggesting it was enclosed or positioned within a more internal section of the complex, reinforcing its sacred or restricted nature in relation to the outer courts.
• a way of one cubit (דֶּרֶךְ אַמָּה - dereḵ ʾammāh): "Dereḵ" (דֶּרֶךְ) means way or path; "ʾammāh" (אַמָּה) is a cubit. This is a point of scholarly discussion. It is often interpreted as either: a distinct, narrower passageway within or alongside the 10-cubit walk, possibly leading into it; a threshold or entrance measuring one cubit; or, in some interpretations, clarifying the length (referencing the 100 cubits of the building from Ez 42:2). Given the emphasis on detail, it signifies another precise architectural element for access or definition within the structure. It indicates specific and deliberate limitations or transitions within the greater space.
• and their doors (וּפִתְחֵיהֶם - wep̄ithḥêhem): "Pethaḥ" (פֶּתַח), plural "pithḥîm," denotes a door, opening, or entrance. The plural "their" refers to the aforementioned "chambers," indicating individual access points to each.
• were toward the north (אֶל־הַצָּפוֹן - ʾel-haṣṣāfôn): "ʾEl" (אֶל) means "to" or "towards." "ṣāfôn" (צָפוֹן) means north. This precise directional orientation is crucial. It aligns these chambers with the broader northern side of the temple complex described from Ez 42:1 onwards. In biblical cosmology, the "north" can be associated with the dwelling of God (Psa 48:2; Isa 14:13), suggesting a particular sacred geography.

• "And before the chambers was a walk...": This phrase establishes the spatial arrangement, presenting the walk as an approach or a contiguous area directly associated with the priests' chambers. It emphasizes an orderly layout where different zones have specific functions.
• "...of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit;...": This grouping conveys intricate dimensional details crucial for the construction. The contrast between a 10-cubit breadth (a wide passage) and "a way of one cubit" highlights the specific functional distinctions within the passage. Whether an access point, a measured segment, or a distinct narrower passage, it points to a deliberate design for controlling movement or defining zones within the holy area.
• "...and their doors were toward the north.": This defines the fixed orientation for all entrances to these particular chambers. This uniformity suggests a purposeful and divinely guided architectural design, ensuring consistency in access and layout within the sacred geography of the temple vision. It distinguishes these chambers from others that might be on the south side.

Ezekiel 42 4 Bonus section

The exhaustive detail found in Ezekiel 40-48, of which verse 4 is a part, highlights that God's plans are always meticulously formulated. These descriptions go beyond what would be practical for mere human construction, often interpreted typologically, eschatologically, or as an idealized spiritual template. The emphasis on specific measurements, paths, and doors in the temple vision can symbolize the precise "way" and "access" God provides for His people. It points forward to Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and "the door" (John 10:9) through whom all may draw near to God in the spiritual temple. The chambers and their access demonstrate God's care for those who serve Him, ensuring suitable and sanctified spaces for their duties and dwelling within His holy presence.

Ezekiel 42 4 Commentary

Ezekiel 42:4 offers a highly detailed glimpse into the architectural specifications of the envisioned temple. Far from being a mere blueprint, these precise dimensions and orientations communicate a profound truth about God's desire for order, intentionality, and access in worship. The "walk of ten cubits breadth inward" provides ample space, likely for the movement of priests in their duties, emphasizing functionality alongside holiness. The curious "way of one cubit" further signifies a measured, precise approach, potentially indicating controlled entry or a threshold. The northward orientation of the doors is not arbitrary but part of the larger, divinely ordered sacred geography, aligning these priestly chambers with specific liturgical or theological associations of the north. This level of meticulous detail underscores that God's plan for interaction with His people is always governed by a divine pattern, reflecting both His holiness and His provision for approach.