After he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there was a place on the two sides westward.

EZEKIEL 46:19KJV
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Ezekiel 46:19 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 46:19 mean?

Ezekiel 46:19 describes Ezekiel being led through a side entrance near a gate into the priests’ holy chambers, which faced north, and noticing a specific place on the west side of these chambers. The verse is part of a detailed vision about the temple’s layout and the special areas set apart for priests.

In this scene, Ezekiel is being shown around the future temple by his guide (often understood as an angel). The focus is on the physical arrangement: the entryway (not the main gate), the location of the priests’ chambers, their orientation toward the north, and a notable place on the west side. This level of detail highlights the careful design and separation of sacred spaces in Ezekiel’s vision.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 46:19

  • "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh): This word means "set apart" or "sacred." Here, it emphasizes that these chambers are not ordinary rooms but are reserved for the priests’ use, underlining their special role.
  • "chambers" (לִשְׁכָּה, lishkah): This term refers to rooms or compartments. In this context, it points to specific areas within the temple complex meant for priestly activities, not for the general public.
  • "place" (מָקוֹם, maqom): This word simply means "place" or "site," but its use here draws attention to a particular spot within the priests’ chambers, suggesting it had a distinct function or significance.

Why Ezekiel 46:19 matters

  • Ezekiel 46:19 helps clarify that the temple vision is not just symbolic but includes practical, architectural details, showing how the sacred and everyday were kept separate in Israel’s worship.
  • The verse highlights the importance of order and holiness in the temple, with specific spaces for priests, which reflects the seriousness of their duties.
  • By mentioning the orientation (north) and the location (west side), the verse connects to the larger passage’s emphasis on structure, purpose, and reverence in the temple’s design.

Where else these words appear

“entry” Hebrew H3996 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • 2 Kings 16:18 And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
  • Proverbs 8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

“sides” Hebrew H3411 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 1 Samuel 24:3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
  • Jeremiah 25:32 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

“chambers” Hebrew H3957 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
  • Nehemiah 13:5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
  • Ezekiel 40:46 And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

“side” Hebrew H3802 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 27:14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
  • Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.
  • Isaiah 46:7 They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he standeth; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.