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.

EZEKIEL 40:21KJV
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Ezekiel 40:21 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:21 mean?

Ezekiel 40:21 describes the measurements and features of a gate on the temple’s outer court, stating that it had three small rooms on each side, with posts and arches built to the same size as the first gate Ezekiel saw. The verse gives the gate’s length as fifty cubits and its width as twenty-five cubits.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being shown detailed plans for a future temple by a heavenly guide. The verse is part of a larger passage where Ezekiel carefully records the layout and dimensions of the temple’s gates and courtyards. These details emphasize order, symmetry, and the importance of following God’s specific instructions for worship spaces.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:21

  • The word for "chambers" is תָּא (ta), often understood as small rooms or guardrooms; here, it highlights the practical design of the gate, which included spaces for attendants or guards.
  • "Posts" uses the word אַיִל (ayil), meaning strong supports or pillars, showing the gate’s sturdy construction.
  • "Arches" is translated from עֵלָם (elam), which can mean vestibules or projecting structures, suggesting covered entryways or porches attached to the gate.
  • The measurements use "cubit" (אַמָּה, ammah), a standard unit in ancient Israel, roughly the length of a forearm, making the gate about 75 feet long and 37.5 feet wide.

Why Ezekiel 40:21 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that the temple vision is not just symbolic but includes very specific architectural details, showing the seriousness of God’s instructions.
  • The repeated measurements and features underline the importance of order and symmetry in the design of sacred spaces.
  • By matching the measurements of this gate to the first one, the passage emphasizes consistency and unity throughout the temple, which reflects God’s character and expectations for worship.

Where else these words appear

“chambers” 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 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.

“arches” Hebrew H361 · used in 12 verses

  • Ezekiel 40:16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.
  • Ezekiel 40:25 And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
  • Ezekiel 40:31 And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps.

“measure” Hebrew H4060 · used in 53 verses

  • Exodus 26:2 The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
  • Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
  • Ezekiel 40:28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

“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.