King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:36 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:36 in the King James Version says “The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length wa...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.”

Ezekiel 40:36 · KJV

Context

34

And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

35

And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these measures;

36

The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

37

And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

38

And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The continued architectural description—'The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about'—maintains meticulous documentation. The repetition emphasizes that every component matters—no detail insignificant in God's house. The 'windows... round about' provided comprehensive light and air circulation. Spiritually, light symbolizes divine truth (Psalm 119:105, John 8:12) and transparency (Ephesians 5:13-14). Windows facing all directions allow light from every angle, suggesting comprehensive revelation. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's clarity (perspicuity)—God's Word illuminates sufficiently for salvation and godliness. The windows' placement 'round about' prevents dark corners where error lurks hidden.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient architecture used windows for light, ventilation, and observation. The 'round about' placement maximized illumination throughout the structure. Solomon's temple featured windows 'broad within, and narrow without' (1 Kings 6:4), controlling light direction. The repeated architectural details recall the tabernacle's comprehensive description (Exodus 25-27), where God prescribed every element precisely. Archaeological excavations show Israelite buildings with strategically placed windows for function and aesthetics. The comprehensive documentation served preservation—future generations could reconstruct accurately. Similarly, New Testament documents preserve apostolic teaching for subsequent church generations (2 Timothy 1:13-14, Jude 3).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you allow God's truth (light through windows) comprehensive access to all areas of your life?
  2. What 'dark corners' in your heart need windows opened to let divine light expose and cleanse?
  3. How seriously do you treat 'small' details of obedience versus focusing only on major issues?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
תָּאָו֙1 of 14

“The little chambers”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

אֵלָ֣ו2 of 14

“thereof the posts”

H352

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

וְאֵֽלַמָּ֔ו3 of 14

“thereof and the arches”

H361

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

וְחַלּוֹנ֥וֹת4 of 14

“thereof and the windows”

H2474

a window (as perforated)

ל֖וֹ5 of 14
H0
סָבִ֑יב6 of 14

“to it round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

סָבִ֑יב7 of 14

“to it round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

אֹ֚רֶךְ8 of 14

“the length”

H753

length

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים9 of 14

“was fifty”

H2572

fifty

אַמָּֽה׃10 of 14

“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)

וְרֹ֕חַב11 of 14

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

חָמֵ֥שׁ12 of 14

“five”

H2568

five

וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים13 of 14

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אַמָּֽה׃14 of 14

“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 40:36 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 40:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:29Ezekiel 40:21Ezekiel 40:16Ezekiel 40:7

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