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 40:13KJV
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Ezekiel 40:13 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:13 mean?

Ezekiel 40:13 describes the measuring of the temple gate, specifically the distance from the roof of one small chamber to the roof of the one opposite it, which is recorded as twenty-five cubits wide, with the doors facing each other. This verse is part of a detailed architectural vision, showing the precise layout and dimensions of the temple’s entrance area.

In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown a vision by a heavenly guide, who is measuring the future temple. The focus here is on the structure and symmetry of the gate area, emphasizing the orderly and intentional design. The mention of "door against door" highlights that the chambers were directly across from each other, giving a sense of balance and careful planning in the temple’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:13

  • "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): This word refers to the main entrance or gateway, emphasizing that the measurement concerns a significant entry point to the temple complex.
  • "chamber" (תָּא, ta): This term means a small room or chamber, likely used by temple attendants or guards, showing that even these minor spaces were measured with care.
  • "breadth" (רֹחַב, rochav): This word means width, clarifying that the measurement is not of length or height, but specifically the width from one chamber’s roof to the other.
  • "door" (פֶּתַח, petach): Used twice, this word means doorway or entrance, and its repetition stresses the alignment of the doors, making the layout clear and orderly.

Why Ezekiel 40:13 matters

  • This verse shows the attention to detail in Ezekiel’s temple vision, highlighting that every part, even the small chambers, was carefully measured and positioned.
  • The symmetry and precision described here reflect the order and holiness expected in the temple, reinforcing the idea that God’s dwelling place is not random but purposefully designed.
  • By recording these measurements, Ezekiel provides a sense of realism and concreteness to his vision, making it clear that this is not just a symbolic structure but one with specific, tangible features.

Where else these words appear

“chamber” Hebrew H8372 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Kings 14:28 And it was so, when the king went into the house of the LORD, that the guard bare them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.
  • Ezekiel 40:10 And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.
  • Ezekiel 40:21 And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

“roof” Hebrew H1406 · used in 27 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 1 Samuel 9:26 And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.
  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

“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 40:11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
  • 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.