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 40:25KJV
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Ezekiel 40:25 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:25 mean?

Ezekiel 40:25 describes part of a vision where the prophet Ezekiel is shown the design of a future temple. The verse notes that the gateway being measured had windows and arches all around, similar to other gateways, and specifies its dimensions as fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.

In this vision, Ezekiel is being guided by an angelic figure who is showing him detailed measurements and features of the temple’s gateways. The mention of windows and arches, along with their repeated design and precise measurements, highlights the order and symmetry intended for this sacred space. This attention to architectural detail reflects the importance of structure and beauty in the envisioned temple.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:25

  • "windows" (חַלּוֹן, challon): This word refers to openings that let in light. The repeated mention of windows emphasizes the brightness and openness designed into the gateways.
  • "arches" (אֵיל, 'ayil): This word can mean supporting structures or pillars, often forming an archway. Here, it points to the architectural elements that frame and support the gateway, showing both strength and decoration.
  • "length" (אֹרֶךְ, orekh) and "breadth" (רֹחַב, rokhav): These words specify the dimensions, underlining the exactness and intentionality in the temple’s design.

Why Ezekiel 40:25 matters

  • Ezekiel 40:25 helps clear up that the temple vision is not just spiritual or symbolic but includes very concrete, physical details, showing God’s concern for order and beauty.
  • The repeated mention of windows and arches suggests a pattern or consistency in the temple’s architecture, which may reflect the idea of harmony and unity in worship spaces.
  • By giving precise measurements, the verse connects to the larger theme in Ezekiel 40–48 of a carefully planned restoration, offering hope and a sense of stability to people who had experienced loss and exile.

Where else these words appear

“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 40:24 After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.
  • 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.

“windows” Hebrew H2474 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:
  • 1 Kings 6:4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
  • 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.

“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.