King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:48 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:48 in the King James Version says “And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cub...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.”

Ezekiel 40:48 · KJV

Context

46

And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

47

So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.

48

And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.

49

The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; and he brought me by the steps whereby they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side. The prophet now approaches the temple building itself—ulam (אוּלָם, "porch" or "vestibule"), the entrance to the holy place. The measurements (posts of five cubits, gate of three cubits) reflect the architectural precision throughout Ezekiel's vision. The symmetry—"five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side"—emphasizes balance and perfection in God's design.

The porch served as the transition point from outer courts to the sacred interior. In Solomon's temple, this was where the bronze pillars Jachin and Boaz stood (1 Kings 7:21), symbolizing God's establishment and strength. The careful measurements remind us that approaching God requires meeting His standards—there is a right way and a wrong way to enter His presence. Under the new covenant, Christ is our entrance: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). The temple's measured, guarded access points to the exclusivity of Christ as the only way to the Father.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's temple porch was 20 cubits wide and 10 cubits deep (1 Kings 6:3). Ezekiel's measurements differ, suggesting either a distinct design for this eschatological temple or symbolic rather than literal architecture. The porch was where priests prepared to enter the holy place, removing their outer garments and washing. For exiles who had seen Solomon's temple destroyed, these measurements provided hope of a future dwelling for God's glory more magnificent than what was lost. Herod's later temple would attempt to realize this grandeur, but Ezekiel's ultimate vision points beyond any earthly structure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the precise measurements and structured access to God's presence challenge contemporary notions of 'coming to God just as I am' without repentance?
  2. In what ways does the temple porch, as a transitional space, illustrate the Christian life as 'already but not yet'—already in Christ but not yet in glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְבִאֵנִי֮1 of 21

“And he brought”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֻלָ֔ם3 of 21

“me to the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הַבַּיִת֒4 of 21

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וַיָּ֙מָד֙5 of 21

“and measured”

H4058

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

אֵ֣ל6 of 21

“each post”

H352

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

אֻלָ֔ם7 of 21

“me to the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

וְחָמֵ֥שׁ8 of 21

“five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת9 of 21

“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)

מִפֹּ֔ה10 of 21
H6311

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

וְחָמֵ֥שׁ11 of 21

“five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֖וֹת12 of 21

“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)

מִפֹּ֑ה13 of 21
H6311

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

וְרֹ֣חַב14 of 21

“on that side and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הַשַּׁ֔עַר15 of 21

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ16 of 21

“on this side and three”

H7969

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

אַמּ֖וֹת17 of 21

“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)

מִפּ֔וֹ18 of 21
H6311

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

וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ19 of 21

“on this side and three”

H7969

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

אַמּ֖וֹת20 of 21

“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)

מִפּֽוֹ׃21 of 21
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 40:48 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 40:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:32 Chronicles 3:4

Test Your Knowledge

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