King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:49 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:49 in the King James Version says “The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; and he brought me by the steps whereby they we...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 40:49 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse is part of Ezekiel's elaborate vision of the restored temple (chapters 40-48), describing architectural details with precision. The porch (ulam) refers to the entrance hall or vestibule before the main sanctuary. The measurements—twenty cubits (approximately 30 feet) in length and eleven cubits (approximately 16.5 feet) in width—establish sacred proportions that reflect divine order and symmetry.

The mention of steps (ma'alot, ascents/stairs) signifies approaching God requires elevation, both physical and spiritual. The pillars (ammudim) flanking the entrance echo Solomon's temple with its famous pillars Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:21), representing stability and strength. While these details might seem tedious, they serve profound purposes: they demonstrate that God cares about details in worship, that restoration will be concrete and real, and that the future temple will surpass even Solomon's glory. Every measurement speaks of God's ordered, intentional presence dwelling among His people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel received this vision around 573 BC while in Babylonian exile, with Jerusalem's temple destroyed and its treasures plundered. For exiled Israelites who had lost everything, these detailed architectural plans served as hope that God had not abandoned His purpose to dwell among them. The measurements deliberately echo and expand upon Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6-7), suggesting continuity with the past and enhanced glory in the future. When exiles returned and built the Second Temple (516 BC), it disappointed those who remembered Solomon's glory (Ezra 3:12). Yet Ezekiel's vision pointed beyond any physical structure to a reality that would only be fulfilled in Christ—the true temple of God's presence (John 2:19-21)—and ultimately in the New Jerusalem where God dwells directly with His people without need of a temple building (Revelation 21:22).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God give such detailed architectural specifications, and what does this reveal about His character?
  2. How do physical details in worship spaces help or hinder our spiritual encounter with God?
  3. What does the requirement of ascending steps to approach God teach about the nature of worship and holiness?
  4. How do we balance appreciating symbolic meaning in these details while recognizing Christ as the ultimate temple?
  5. In what ways does attention to 'small' details in spiritual disciplines reflect reverence for God's presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֹ֣רֶךְ1 of 19

“The length”

H753

length

הָאֻלָ֞ם2 of 19

“of the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים3 of 19

“was twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אַמָּ֔ה4 of 19

“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)

וְרֹ֙חַב֙5 of 19

“and the breadth”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

עַשְׁתֵּ֣י6 of 19

“eleven”

H6249

eleven or (ordinal) eleventh

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה7 of 19
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

אַמָּ֔ה8 of 19

“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)

וּבַֽמַּעֲל֔וֹת9 of 19

“and he brought me by the steps”

H4609

elevation, i.e., the act (literally, a journey to a higher place, figuratively, a thought arising), or (concretely) the condition (literally, a step o

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יַעֲל֖וּ11 of 19

“whereby they went up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֵלָ֑יו12 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְעַמֻּדִים֙13 of 19

“to it and there were pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

אֶל14 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָ֣אֵילִ֔ים15 of 19

“by the posts”

H352

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

וְאֶחָ֥ד16 of 19

“on this side and another”

H259

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

מִפֹּ֖ה17 of 19
H6311

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

וְאֶחָ֥ד18 of 19

“on this side and another”

H259

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

מִפֹּֽה׃19 of 19
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 40:49 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 40:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 3:12Ezekiel 40:312 Chronicles 3:17Ezekiel 40:37Ezekiel 40:341 Kings 7:15-21

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