King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:12 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:12 in the King James Version says “The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Ezekiel 40:12 · King James Version

Context

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.

14

He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The precise spacing—'one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side'—with chambers 'six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side'—demonstrates continued meticulous measurement. The one-cubit space (approximately 21 inches) created separation between passage and chambers, preventing congestion and maintaining distinct functions. The six-cubit chambers (approximately 10.5 feet square) provided adequate room for gatekeepers' duties. These details teach that God's order includes appropriate spacing—not everything jammed together but proper boundaries and distinctions. Reformed theology applies this to church life: different offices have different functions (Ephesians 4:11-12), requiring appropriate boundaries. The equal measurements on both sides maintain symmetry and fairness—no favoritism in God's house.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The spacing allowed foot traffic through the gate passage while gatekeepers remained in chambers, observing without obstructing. Ancient traffic management required such design considerations. The six-cubit dimensions provided chamber space for brief rest, equipment storage, and small groups assembling before proceeding. Levitical gatekeepers worked in courses/shifts (1 Chronicles 9:25), requiring multiple personnel accommodations. The measurements also reflect ancient building standards using cubits as standard units. Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Israelite architecture all employed cubit-based planning. The precision prevented construction errors and ensured architectural harmony. Spiritually, proper 'spacing' prevents role confusion—pastors shouldn't usurp eldership functions, elders shouldn't assume pastoral duties, deacons shouldn't override elders.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you maintain appropriate 'spacing' in relationships—healthy boundaries versus enmeshment or isolation?
  2. How seriously do you respect different church offices' distinct functions rather than assuming all roles are interchangeable?
  3. What does the equal chamber size teach about equality of dignity despite difference in function?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
גְּב֖וּל1 of 16

“The space”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

לִפְנֵ֤י2 of 16

“also before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְהַתָּ֕א3 of 16

“on that side and the little chambers”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

אַמּ֖וֹת4 of 16

“cubit”

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)

אַחַ֥ת5 of 16

“was one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

אַמּ֖וֹת6 of 16

“cubit”

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)

אַחַ֥ת7 of 16

“was one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

גְּב֖וּל8 of 16

“The space”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

מִפֹּ֑ה9 of 16
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

וְהַתָּ֕א10 of 16

“on that side and the little chambers”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ11 of 16

“on this side and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

אַמּ֖וֹת12 of 16

“cubit”

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)

מִפּ֔וֹ13 of 16
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ14 of 16

“on this side and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

אַמּ֖וֹת15 of 16

“cubit”

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)

מִפּֽוֹ׃16 of 16
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

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 40:12 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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