King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:11 in the King James Version says “And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits. — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.

Ezekiel 40:11 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

11

And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.

12

The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side. space: Heb. limit, or, bound

13

He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The entry and gate measurements—'ten cubits breadth... thirteen cubits length'—provide the actual dimensions of the gate passage. Ten represents completeness (Ten Commandments, ten virgins); thirteen adds divine government (twelve tribes + one). The breadth (ten cubits, approximately 17.5 feet) allowed substantial traffic flow while maintaining control. The length (thirteen cubits, approximately 22.75 feet) created depth preventing casual rushing through. This gateway wasn't trivial threshold but substantial passage requiring deliberate transit. Spiritually, approach to God requires both accessibility (wide enough) and reverence (deep enough). Reformed theology emphasizes that while Christ provides generous access (Hebrews 10:19-22), we must enter reverently, not presumptuously (Hebrews 12:28-29). The measurements balance welcome and awe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gate dimensions determined traffic capacity and defensive strength. The ten-cubit width allowed passage of loaded animals and cart traffic for bringing offerings. The thirteen-cubit depth created a 'killing zone' for defense—if enemies breached the outer threshold, they faced the inner threshold with guards in chambers on both sides. This dual-purpose design (worship and security) appears throughout Israelite architecture. Nehemiah faced opposition while rebuilding Jerusalem's gates (Nehemiah 4), requiring both construction and defense. The gate's substantial proportions reflected the sanctuary's importance—God's house deserved impressive architecture, not shabby construction. Solomon spared no expense on temple gates (1 Kings 6-7). The measurements' precision also enabled accurate reconstruction—like modern architectural blueprints.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance the 'width' of grace (generous access) with the 'depth' of reverence (not presuming on God)?
  2. What 'gatekeepers' in your spiritual life examine what you allow to approach your heart and mind?
  3. Does your approach to God reflect the substantial, deliberate transit these dimensions require, or casual rushing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיָּ֛מָד1 of 12

And he measured

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

אֶת2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רֹ֥חַב3 of 12

the breadth

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

פֶּֽתַח4 of 12

of the entry

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

הַשַּׁ֔עַר5 of 12

of the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

עֶ֣שֶׂר6 of 12

ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

אַמּֽוֹת׃7 of 12

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

אֹ֣רֶךְ8 of 12

and the length

H753

length

הַשַּׁ֔עַר9 of 12

of the gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

שְׁל֥וֹשׁ10 of 12

thirteen

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה11 of 12
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אַמּֽוֹת׃12 of 12

cubits

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 40:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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