Ezekiel 42 6

Ezekiel 42:6 kjv

For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.

Ezekiel 42:6 nkjv

For they were in three stories and did not have pillars like the pillars of the courts; therefore the upper level was shortened more than the lower and middle levels from the ground up.

Ezekiel 42:6 niv

The rooms on the top floor had no pillars, as the courts had; so they were smaller in floor space than those on the lower and middle floors.

Ezekiel 42:6 esv

For they were in three stories, and they had no pillars like the pillars of the courts. Thus the upper chambers were set back from the ground more than the lower and the middle ones.

Ezekiel 42:6 nlt

Since there were three levels and they did not have supporting columns as in the courtyards, each of the upper levels was set back from the level beneath it.

Ezekiel 42 verses

Ezekiel 42 6 Meaning

The verse describes the chambers built along the side of the outer court, their specific dimensions, and their purpose as places where the priests might lay aside the garments of ministry.

Ezekiel 42 6 Context

Ezekiel 42 is part of a larger vision of a new temple and its complex measurements. This chapter focuses on the chambers within the inner court, specifically those adjoining the sanctuary and facing north. These chambers are designed for the priests, separate from the general congregation, signifying their role in mediating and serving within the holy space. The overall context of Ezekiel's prophecy involves judgment, restoration, and the re-establishment of God's presence among His people. The detailed specifications of the temple are crucial for illustrating God's perfect order and the renewed purity of worship.

Ezekiel 42 6 Word Analysis

• And (Hebrew: וְ, wə) - A common conjunction, connecting this verse to the preceding description of the chambers.
• there (Hebrew: שָׁם, sham) - Indicates location, pointing to the chambers being in the described area.
• are - Implied in Hebrew sentence structure, indicating existence or possession.
• the chambers (Hebrew: הַלְשָׁכֹת, halashakowth) - Plural of lashakah, meaning "chamber" or "room." These are specially designated rooms for specific functions.
• of the priests (Hebrew: לַכֹּהֲנִים, lakohanim) - Belonging to or designated for the priests. This highlights the exclusive use of these spaces for the ministerial order.
• of the singers - (Hebrew: הַשָּׁרִים, hashshariym) - The Levites responsible for singing in the temple services. This shows a dedicated space for their ministry, adjacent to the priests' areas.
• And (Hebrew: וְ, wə) - Conjunction linking the description of the chambers of singers to the following description.
• a chamber (Hebrew: לְשָׁכָה, lashakah) - Singular form of lashakah.
• that (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר, asher) - Relative pronoun, introducing a description of the chamber.
• looketh (Hebrew: פֹּנָה, ponah) - From the root panah, meaning "to face," "to turn towards." Indicates the direction these chambers face.
• toward (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - A preposition indicating direction.
• the north (Hebrew: צָפוֹנָה, tsaphonah) - The northern direction. This orientation is significant in temple design, often associated with divine presence or specific liturgical arrangements.
• And (Hebrew: וְ, wə) - Conjunction.
• another (Hebrew: אַחַת, achat) - Another one.
• that (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר) - Relative pronoun.
• looketh (Hebrew: פֹּנָה, ponah) - "to face."
• toward (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - "towards."
• the south (Hebrew: נֶגְבָּה, negəbah) - The southern direction.
• and (Hebrew: וְ, wə) - Conjunction.
• the chambers (Hebrew: לְשָׁכֹת, lashakowth) - Plural, referring to specific rooms.
• that (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר) - Relative pronoun.
• look (Hebrew: פְּנוּיֹת, pənuwowth) - Feminine plural participle from panah, meaning "facing" or "oriented."
• outward (Hebrew: חוּצָה, chuwtsah) - Towards the outside.
• toward (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - "towards."
• the east (Hebrew: קָדִימָה, qadiymah) - The eastern direction. This might imply facing outwards from the inner court towards the east, perhaps associated with processions or offerings from that direction.
• side (Hebrew: יָצִיעַ, yatsiya‘) - Not directly present as a distinct word, but implied by the directional phrases. It could refer to projections or wings.
• of the way (Hebrew: הָעֲלִיָּה, ha‘aliyyah) - From ‘aliyyah, meaning "ascent" or "upper room." This could refer to an elevated pathway or a staircase leading to these chambers or an adjacent area.
• by the north (Hebrew: הַצָּפוֹן, hatsaphon) - Indicating location relative to the north.
• side - Again, implied.
• which (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר, asher) - Relative pronoun.
• is toward (Hebrew: מִפְּנֵי, mippənê) - Literally "from the face of," meaning facing or towards.
• the east (Hebrew: קָדִימָה, qadiymah) - The eastern direction.
• endureth (Hebrew: לְמַעְלָה, ləma‘alah) - Upwards, above. This may refer to a higher elevation of these chambers relative to the court.
• by (Hebrew: מִקְנֶה, miqneh) - Often translated as "cattle" or "livestock," but in some contexts related to possession or purchase. Here it seems mistranslated or taken out of context if considered alone, the grammatical construction and surrounding words point to measurement and position rather than livestock. This Hebrew word (Hebrew: הַסֹּבֶב, hasōḇeḇ) referring to "the surrounding" or "the circuit" would fit better as an intended word in relation to structure. Given the overall description, it points to the lateral chambers attached to the main structure.
• upon (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - Preposition of direction or addition.
• the - Article.
• outward (Hebrew: מִקְנֶה, miqneh) - Again, the term 'miqneh' might be contextually indicating a part of the surrounding structure or measuring. Let's assume a word relating to position or direction if 'miqneh' doesn't fit the context. Considering the surrounding context of dimensions, the phrase likely refers to the outward dimension or outward space occupied by these chambers relative to the inner court or sanctuary.
• side (Hebrew: מִגְרָשׁ, migrash) - Defined as "open land," "suburb," "outfield." It refers to the unbuilt space or common ground around the structures.
• upon (Hebrew: אֶל, el) - Preposition.
• the - Article.
• length (Hebrew: אָרֶךְ, ’āreḵ) - Length dimension.
• one (Hebrew: הָאֶחָד, ha’eḥad) - The one.
• part (Hebrew: חֵלֶק, ḥēleq) - A portion or part.

Group Analysis:

• "chambers of the priests... of the singers": These phrases highlight specific functional areas within the temple precincts designated for different orders of Levites.
• "looketh toward the north," "looketh toward the south": These directional references are crucial for understanding the spatial arrangement and orientation within the temple complex. The temple often mirrored cosmological ideas, and specific directions held symbolic meaning.
• "look outward toward the east": This phrase describes chambers on the exterior, facing eastward, potentially related to access, views, or services emanating from that side.
• "endureth by the north side": This speaks of continuation or extent along the northern aspect, relating to the overall layout and proportion of the structures.
• "side... upon the length of one part": These terms likely relate to the measurements and configuration of these chambers as part of a larger architectural unit.

Ezekiel 42 6 Bonus Section

The meticulous measurement and layout described throughout Ezekiel chapters 40-42 contrast sharply with the sin and desecration that led to the destruction of the First Temple. This new vision emphasizes the restoration of divine order and the precise nature of God's covenant people in a renewed relationship with Him. The chambers where priests laid aside their ministerial garments also point to the humility and practicality required even within sacred service; a place to divest oneself of the tools of ministry before returning to a more private state, reminding us of the cycle of service and rest inherent even in sacred roles. This practice is echoed in the New Testament's emphasis on believers being clothed in righteousness, and being ready to put on spiritual armor.

Ezekiel 42 6 Commentary

Ezekiel's vision provides detailed architectural plans for a future temple, signifying a perfected divine presence and worship. Chapter 42 specifically describes annexes to the sanctuary meant for the priests and Levites, particularly the singers. The verse highlights three sets of chambers: those of the priests, the singers, and then others described by their orientation.

The chambers of the singers, adjacent to the priests' chambers, underscore the importance of music and praise in temple worship. Their location within the inner court, close to the sanctuary, reflects their elevated role.

The verse then describes other chambers facing specific directions—north, south, and outward to the east. This precise orientation is not merely for architectural aesthetic but carries symbolic weight. The directions in scripture often represent aspects of God's kingdom, his actions, or his presence. The chambers "looking outward" to the east might suggest an opening for broader outreach or a particular angle for observing certain sacred actions or even facing towards the eventual dwelling of God within the temple.

The phrase "endureth by the north side, which is toward the east end" (often translated as "the length is thirty cubits and the width ten cubits," referencing a portion of the outer wall or an adjacent section) provides dimensional context, revealing these chambers were part of an orderly, measured, and unified structure. These were places for the priests to store their holy garments, indicating the need for clean, dedicated spaces for those ministering in God's presence. This mirrors the holiness required in God's house, both physically and spiritually.

The vision of Ezekiel is not a direct blueprint for the Second Temple (built after the Babylonian exile), nor precisely the one where Jesus worshipped, but it symbolizes a restored, pure, and perfected sanctuary where God's glory fully indwells. The principles of order, purity, and dedicated service are paramount, and the careful arrangement of these chambers illustrates this.