King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 40:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 40:7 in the King James Version says “And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and th...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within was one reed.”

Ezekiel 40:7 · KJV

Context

5

And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

6

Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad. which looketh: Heb. whose face was the way toward the east

7

And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within was one reed.

8

He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.

9

Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.

Read Ezekiel 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'little chambers' (Hebrew תָּא, ta') were guardrooms flanking the gate passage, three on each side. Their uniform dimensions—'one reed long, and one reed broad'—emphasize order and equality in service. These chambers housed gatekeepers who controlled access, examined credentials, and maintained sanctity. The five-cubit spaces between chambers allowed movement and supervision. The inner threshold 'by the porch of the gate within' marked another stage of approach. This architectural detail reflects theological truth: access to God involves progressive revelation and increasing holiness. The chambers' symmetry (three on each side) may symbolize completeness (numbers matter in Scripture—cf. three days, three persons in Trinity, three years of Jesus' ministry). Reformed theology sees these gatekeepers as types of church officers who guard doctrine, maintain discipline, and ensure orderly worship (1 Timothy 3:15, Titus 1:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gatekeepers (Hebrew שׁוֹעֲרִים, sho'arim) were Levitical officials with significant responsibility. First Chronicles 9:17-27 details their duties: guarding thresholds, opening gates daily, maintaining treasuries, and protecting sacred vessels. David organized 4,000 gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 23:5) divided into 24 courses. These weren't menial servants but trusted officers preventing unauthorized access (2 Chronicles 23:19). The little chambers provided watchposts and storage for their equipment. Archaeological evidence from Israelite fortified cities shows similar multi-chambered gates with guardrooms. The five-cubit spacing between chambers (approximately 8.75 feet) allowed passage while maintaining surveillance. For the exiles, this vision promised restored order—proper worship with proper oversight, contrasting with the chaos and corruption that led to exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'gatekeepers' in your local church guarding sound doctrine and godly practice?
  2. How do you respond to spiritual authority that examines your 'credentials' for approaching God—with gratitude or resentment?
  3. What does the uniformity of the chambers teach about equality in faithful service despite differences in gifts?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
הַתָּאִ֖ים1 of 19

“And every little chamber”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

קָנֶ֥ה2 of 19

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

אֶחָֽד׃3 of 19

“and one”

H259

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

אֹ֙רֶךְ֙4 of 19

“long”

H753

length

קָנֶ֥ה5 of 19

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

אֶחָֽד׃6 of 19

“and one”

H259

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

רֹ֔חַב7 of 19

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

וּבֵ֥ין8 of 19
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַתָּאִ֖ים9 of 19

“And every little chamber”

H8372

a room (as circumscribed)

חָמֵ֣שׁ10 of 19

“were five”

H2568

five

אַמּ֑וֹת11 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)

וְסַ֣ף12 of 19

“and the threshold”

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

הַשַּׁ֛עַר13 of 19

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מֵאֵ֨צֶל14 of 19

“by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

אֻלָ֥ם15 of 19

“the porch”

H197

a vestibule (as bound to the building)

הַשַּׁ֛עַר16 of 19

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מֵֽהַבַּ֖יִת17 of 19

“within”

H1004

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

קָנֶ֥ה18 of 19

“reed”

H7070

a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard)

אֶחָֽד׃19 of 19

“and one”

H259

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

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 40:7 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 40:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:362 Chronicles 3:9Ezekiel 40:33Ezekiel 40:292 Chronicles 31:11Ezekiel 42:5

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