King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 41:1 Mean?

Ezekiel 41:1 in the King James Version says “Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.”

Ezekiel 41:1 · KJV

Context

1

Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

2

And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits. door: or, entrance

3

Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.

Read Ezekiel 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ezekiel's temple vision resumes (chapters 40-48) with entrance to the holy place ('temple'). The measurements of doorposts (six cubits broad) emphasize perfect order and divine precision in God's dwelling place. This idealized temple represents God's future restored presence among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (John 2:19-21) and the church (1 Corinthians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ezekiel received this vision circa 573 BC, while exiled in Babylon and Solomon's temple lay in ruins. The vision sustained hope that God would restore His presence. The detailed measurements suggest a real, physical future temple, though interpretation varies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's detailed care in designing His dwelling place reveal His desire to be among His people?
  2. In what ways is the church today God's temple where His Spirit dwells?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְבִיאֵ֖נִי1 of 16

“Afterward he brought”

H935

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

אֶל2 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַהֵיכָ֑ל3 of 16

“me to the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וַיָּ֣מָד4 of 16

“and measured”

H4058

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

אֶת5 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאֵילִ֗ים6 of 16

“the posts”

H352

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

וְשֵׁשׁ7 of 16

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

אַמּֽוֹת8 of 16

“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)

רֹ֥חַב9 of 16

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

מִפּ֖וֹ10 of 16

“on the one side”

H6311

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

וְשֵׁשׁ11 of 16

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

אַמּֽוֹת12 of 16

“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)

רֹ֥חַב13 of 16

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

מִפּ֖וֹ14 of 16

“on the one side”

H6311

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

רֹ֥חַב15 of 16

“broad”

H7341

width (literally or figuratively)

הָאֹֽהֶל׃16 of 16

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

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 41:1 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 41:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 40:17Ezekiel 40:2-3Ezekiel 41:23Revelation 21:31 Kings 6:2Ezekiel 41:21

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 41 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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