And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door.

EZEKIEL 41:24KJV
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What does Ezekiel 41:24 mean?

Ezekiel 41:24 describes the doors of the temple in Ezekiel’s vision, saying that each door had two leaves, or panels, that turned—two panels for one door and two for the other. This detail highlights the specific design of the temple doors as seen in Ezekiel’s prophetic vision.

In this part of Ezekiel, the prophet is being shown a detailed vision of a future temple by a heavenly guide. The verse gives architectural details, focusing on how the doors were constructed: each door was made of two swinging panels, making a total of four panels for the two doors. This level of detail emphasizes the careful and orderly design of the temple in Ezekiel’s vision.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 41:24

  • "doors" (דֶּלֶת, delet): This word refers to a door or gate, emphasizing the entryway into the temple area.
  • "leaves" (דֶּלֶת, delet): The same word is used for both "doors" and "leaves," showing that the panels making up the door are considered part of the door itself, not separate pieces.
  • "turning" (נָסַב, nasab): This word means something that turns or swings, clarifying that these panels were not fixed but could move, like modern double doors that swing open.
  • "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim): Repeated several times, this word stresses the symmetry and balance in the door design—each door had two panels, matching each other.

Why Ezekiel 41:24 matters

  • This verse clears up that the temple doors in Ezekiel’s vision were not single solid slabs but made of two swinging panels each, which may differ from what readers imagine about ancient doors.
  • The repeated mention of "two" and the symmetry in the design reflect the order and intentionality in the temple’s construction, which is a theme throughout Ezekiel’s temple vision.
  • By describing such specific architectural features, the verse connects to the larger passage where Ezekiel is given a highly detailed blueprint, showing the importance of every part of the temple in his vision.

Where else these words appear

“turning” Hebrew H4142 · used in 5 verses

  • Exodus 28:11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold.
  • Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel.
  • Exodus 39:13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: they were inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

“doors” Hebrew H1817 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 19:6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,
  • 2 Kings 4:4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
  • Nehemiah 7:3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.