And the side chambers were three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold, but they had not hold in the wall of the house.

EZEKIEL 41:6KJV
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Ezekiel 41:6 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 41:6 mean?

Ezekiel 41:6 describes how the temple’s side chambers were arranged in three levels, with thirty chambers in each level, built around the temple’s wall. These chambers were supported by the temple wall but did not rely on it for their full structural support.

In this vision, the prophet Ezekiel is being shown detailed measurements and features of a future temple by a heavenly guide. The verse explains the practical layout of the side rooms, clarifying that while the chambers were attached to the temple’s main wall, they were designed so as not to weaken or depend entirely on that wall. This detail highlights the careful planning and stability of the temple’s construction.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 41:6

  • The word for "side" and "chambers" is צֵלָע (tsela‘), which often means a side room or chamber. Its repetition emphasizes that these are small rooms built along the sides of the temple.
  • The word for "hold" is אָחַז (’achaz), meaning to grasp or hold fast. The verse notes that these side chambers "had not hold in the wall of the house," suggesting they were attached but not fully embedded, preserving the strength of the main wall.
  • The word for "wall" is קִיר (qir), referring to the main structural wall of the temple. The distinction made here is about the architectural integrity of the temple’s core structure.

Why Ezekiel 41:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the temple’s design was both practical and strong, with side rooms that did not compromise the main structure’s stability.
  • The detail about the chambers not having "hold" in the wall helps readers understand ancient building techniques and the care taken in the temple’s construction.
  • In the context of Ezekiel’s vision, this precision underscores the holiness and orderliness expected in the place where God’s presence would dwell.

Where else these words appear

“side” Hebrew H6763 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
  • Exodus 36:25 And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,
  • 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.

“hold” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 2:21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
  • Job 38:13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?

“wall” Hebrew H7023 · used in 64 verses

  • Exodus 30:3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • Ezekiel 8:8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.

“order” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • 2 Kings 5:10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.