And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.

EZEKIEL 40:30KJV
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Ezekiel 40:30 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:30 mean?

Ezekiel 40:30 describes the measurements of the arches surrounding a specific area in the temple vision, stating that they were twenty-five cubits long and five cubits wide. This verse is part of a detailed architectural description given to Ezekiel about the future temple.

In this section, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown a vision by a heavenly guide, who is measuring the temple complex. The verse focuses on the dimensions of the arches or colonnades that encircle a part of the outer court. These measurements help paint a picture of the scale and structure of the temple as envisioned in Ezekiel’s vision.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:30

  • "arches" (אֵלָם, ’ēlām): This word refers to a porch, vestibule, or colonnade, indicating a covered area supported by columns. It helps the reader understand that these are not just decorative arches but functional architectural features.
  • "cubits" (אַמָּה, ’ammāh): A cubit is an ancient unit of length, roughly the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, often estimated at about 18 inches (45 cm). Knowing this gives a sense of the actual size being described.
  • "broad" (רֹחַב, rochav): This word means width or breadth, clarifying that the measurement is not just lengthwise but also across, giving a fuller picture of the space.

Why Ezekiel 40:30 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the detailed and orderly nature of Ezekiel’s temple vision, showing that every part had specific measurements and purposes.
  • Understanding these dimensions helps readers picture the grandeur and symmetry of the temple, which was meant to reflect God’s order and holiness.
  • The focus on precise measurements connects this passage to the larger theme in Ezekiel 40–48, where the prophet is given a vision of restoration and hope for the future of Israel.

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.

“broad” 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.

“long” 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.