King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:13 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:13 in the King James Version says “He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cu...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 40:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The measurement 'from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door'—precisely defines the gate's width. Twenty-five cubits (approximately 43.75 feet) indicates substantial breadth, accommodating significant traffic. The phrase 'door against door' suggests symmetry and alignment—perfect correspondence between facing chambers. This precision in God's house teaches that divine order includes exactness, not approximation. The number twenty-five may combine five (grace) times five (grace) or suggest half of fifty (jubilee/Pentecost). Reformed theology emphasizes God's perfect knowledge—He measures all things exactly (Job 28:23-27, Isaiah 40:12). The aligned doors symbolize divine justice—fair, equal, consistent standards for all.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The twenty-five cubit measurement between chamber roofs determined the gate passage's overall width, critical for architectural planning and traffic flow. Ancient builders used standardized measurements for consistency. The 'door against door' alignment required skilled craftsmanship—masonry precision ensuring structural integrity. Solomon's temple builders included expert craftsmen from Tyre (1 Kings 7:13-14). Archaeological evidence shows Bronze and Iron Age Israelite construction with impressively precise measurements and alignment. The gate's breadth accommodated pilgrimage crowds during feasts when thousands traveled to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). God's precise specifications prevented shortcuts or deviations—His standards don't accommodate human convenience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How precise are your spiritual measurements—do you approximate God's standards or pursue exactness?
  2. What 'door against door' alignment (consistency between profession and practice) characterizes your life?
  3. How does God's meticulous attention to measurements challenge cultural relativism that rejects absolute standards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיָּ֣מָד1 of 13

“He measured”

H4058

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

אֶת2 of 13
H853

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

הַשַּׁ֗עַר3 of 13

“then the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לְגַגּ֔וֹ4 of 13

“from the roof”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

הַתָּא֙5 of 13

“of one little chamber”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

לְגַגּ֔וֹ6 of 13

“from the roof”

H1406

a roof; by analogy, the top of an altar

רֹ֕חַב7 of 13

“of another the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים8 of 13

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וְחָמֵ֖שׁ9 of 13

“was five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֑וֹת10 of 13

“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)

פָּֽתַח׃11 of 13

“against door”

H6607

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

נֶ֥גֶד12 of 13
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

פָּֽתַח׃13 of 13

“against door”

H6607

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

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 40:13 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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