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.

EZEKIEL 40:36KJV
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Ezekiel 40:36 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 40:36 mean?

Ezekiel 40:36 describes the measurements and features of certain rooms, posts, arches, and windows within the temple complex that Ezekiel saw in his vision. The verse specifies that these structures were fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide, giving precise dimensions for part of the temple’s layout.

In this part of the book, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown a detailed vision of a future temple by a heavenly guide. The focus here is on the architectural details—such as the "little chambers," posts, arches, and windows—of one of the temple’s gateways or guardrooms. These measurements are part of a larger, careful description of the temple’s design, emphasizing order and structure.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 40:36

  • "Chambers" (תָּאִים, ta'im): This word refers to small rooms or compartments, often understood as guardrooms or storage spaces in the temple gates. Their presence highlights the practical and organized nature of the temple complex.
  • "Posts" (אֵילִים, elim): This word means strong pillars or supports. Mentioning the posts shows the structural strength and importance of these gateways.
  • "Arches" (עֻלָּם, ullam): This term can refer to vestibules, porches, or possibly archways. Including arches or vestibules points to the architectural detail and grandeur of the temple entrance.
  • "Windows" (חַלּוֹנוֹת, challonot): This word means windows or openings for light and possibly ventilation, showing that the design included practical features for those using the space.

Why Ezekiel 40:36 matters

  • This verse helps clear up that Ezekiel’s vision is not just symbolic but includes very specific, practical architectural details, suggesting a real, functional building.
  • The careful listing of measurements and features emphasizes the orderliness and intentional design of the temple, which is a recurring theme in Ezekiel’s vision.
  • Ezekiel 40:36 connects to the wider passage by showing that every part of the temple—down to its rooms and supports—was planned with precision, reflecting the importance of worship and the presence of God among the people.

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 40:24 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 40:30 And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.

“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.