Before the length of an hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits.

EZEKIEL 42:2KJV
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Ezekiel 42:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 42:2 mean?

Ezekiel 42:2 describes the measurements of a building in Ezekiel’s temple vision, stating that the north-facing entrance was in front of a structure one hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide. This verse is part of a detailed architectural description meant to convey the size and layout of the temple area.

The prophet Ezekiel is being shown a vision by a heavenly guide, who leads him through various parts of a future temple. In this verse, the focus is on the northern side of a specific building, giving exact measurements to help the reader picture its scale and placement. These details are part of a larger, careful blueprint that emphasizes order and sacred space in Ezekiel’s vision.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 42:2

  • "Before" (פָּנִים, pānîm): This word often means "face" or "in front of," and here it sets the orientation of the building, showing that the entrance is on the north side, facing the length.
  • "Length" (אֹרֶךְ, ʾōrek): This word refers to the measurement from end to end, which is given as one hundred cubits, emphasizing the impressive size of the structure.
  • "Breadth" (רֹחַב, rokhav): This word means the width of the building, here stated as fifty cubits, helping to define the building’s proportions.
  • "North" (צָפוֹן, tsafon): This specifies the direction of the door, which is important for understanding the layout and orientation of the temple complex.

Why Ezekiel 42:2 matters

  • Ezekiel 42:2 helps clear up confusion about the temple’s layout by giving precise measurements and directions, showing that the vision is about a real, physical structure rather than just a symbol.
  • The emphasis on specific numbers and directions highlights the orderliness and intentional design of the temple, which was important for ancient readers who valued sacred space.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing how each part of the temple complex fits together, preparing the reader for further details about the temple’s function and significance in Ezekiel’s vision.

Where else these words appear

“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 41:2 And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty 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 40:33 And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

“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.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.