King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:21 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:21 in the King James Version says “And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches the...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits. arches: or, galleries, or, porches”

Ezekiel 40:21 · KJV

Context

19

Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward. without: or, from without

20

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof. that looked: Heb. whose face was

21

And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits. arches: or, galleries, or, porches

22

And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.

23

And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side (תָּאָיו שְׁלֹשָׁה מִפֹּה וּשְׁלֹשָׁה מִפֹּה, ta'av sheloshah mippoh usheloshah mippoh)—The ta'im (guard chambers) flanked the gateway, creating a symmetrical defensive structure. The number three may symbolize completeness or divine perfection (echoing the Trinity, though not explicitly revealed until the NT). After the measure of the first gate indicates precise standardization: 50 cubits long, 25 cubits wide (approximately 87.5 x 43.75 feet).

This is the north gate of the outer court, matching the east gate's dimensions (40:6-16). The meticulous measurements communicate God's order and precision—nothing in His house is haphazard or arbitrary. The symmetry reflects divine justice and consistency. Unlike Solomon's temple (destroyed by Babylon), this visionary temple cannot be corrupted because it represents God's ideal dwelling with His people in the eschatological age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel received this vision in 573 BC, the 25th year of his exile and 14 years after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiles wondered if God would ever restore Israel's worship. This temple vision (chapters 40-48) answered with overwhelming detail—yes, but transformed and perfected. While some see this as a literal millennial temple blueprint, others interpret it as symbolic of the church or new creation. Either way, it reveals God's commitment to dwell with His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the precision and symmetry of God's temple vision challenge modern casual attitudes toward worship and holiness?
  2. What does the meticulous detail God provides for His dwelling place teach you about His character and His desire for relationship with His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְתָאָ֗ו1 of 18

“And the little chambers”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה2 of 18

“on this side and three”

H7969

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

מִפּוֹ֙3 of 18
H6311

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

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה4 of 18

“on this side and three”

H7969

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

מִפּ֔וֹ5 of 18
H6311

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

וְאֵילָ֤ו6 of 18

“on that side and the posts”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

וְאֵֽלַמָּו֙7 of 18

“thereof and the arches”

H361

a pillar-space (or colonnade), i.e., a pale (or portico)

הָיָ֔ה8 of 18
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כְּמִדַּ֖ת9 of 18

“thereof were after the measure”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

הַשַּׁ֣עַר10 of 18

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָרִאשׁ֑וֹן11 of 18

“of the first”

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים12 of 18

“thereof was fifty”

H2572

fifty

בָּאַמָּֽה׃13 of 18

“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)

אָרְכּ֔וֹ14 of 18

“the length”

H753

length

וְרֹ֕חַב15 of 18

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

חָמֵ֥שׁ16 of 18

“five”

H2568

five

וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים17 of 18

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

בָּאַמָּֽה׃18 of 18

“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 40:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 40:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:29-30Ezekiel 40:7-8Ezekiel 40:25-26Ezekiel 40:10-16Ezekiel 40:34Ezekiel 40:36-37

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