And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.

EZEKIEL 40:11KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 40:11 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:11 mean?

Ezekiel 40:11 describes the measurements of the entrance to a gate, stating that the width of the entry was ten cubits and the length of the gate was thirteen cubits. This verse is part of a detailed vision where Ezekiel records the exact dimensions of a temple structure shown to him.

In this scene, Ezekiel is being guided by a heavenly figure who is measuring the future temple complex. The focus on specific measurements highlights the precision and orderliness of the design. These details would have signaled to Ezekiel’s audience that this was a real, concrete vision of a sacred space, not just a symbolic or vague idea.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:11

  • "measured" (מָדַד, madad): This word emphasizes the act of careful, deliberate measurement, showing that every part of the temple was being recorded with precision.
  • "breadth" (רֹחַב, rochav): This refers to the width of the entry, making it clear that the passageway itself was being measured, not just the gate as a whole.
  • "entry" (פֶּתַח, petach): This word points specifically to the opening or doorway, highlighting that the focus is on the space people would pass through.
  • "gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): Used twice in the verse, this word refers to the main structure of the gate, distinguishing it from the entryway itself.

Why Ezekiel 40:11 matters

  • Ezekiel 40:11 helps clear up that the vision is about a physical structure with real dimensions, not just a symbolic or spiritual idea.
  • The attention to measurements shows the importance of order and holiness in the design of the temple, reflecting God’s care for detail.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that every part of the temple, even the entrances, was significant and worthy of careful description.

Where else these words appear

“measured” Hebrew H4058 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
  • Ezekiel 40:13 He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.
  • Ezekiel 41:13 So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

“breadth” Hebrew H7341 · used in 89 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
  • Ezekiel 41:3 Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.

“length” Hebrew H753 · used in 90 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
  • Ezekiel 40:36 The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

“cubits” Hebrew H520 · used in 132 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • 1 Kings 6:16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
  • Ezekiel 40:9 Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.